The Road Less Travelled: How Regional Ministries are Walking Together

The Uniting Church Synod of NSW and ACT is entering a period of change in how it supports ministry across rural, regional and remote areas. The shift responds to the emerging needs of regional communities where congregation numbers are dwindling, structures are deteriorating, and the shape of ministry is evolving.

A central part of this work is the transition to three presbyteries, known as the 3P model. The model aims to simplify governance and direct resources more effectively to ministries outside major centres. Specifically, it’s designed to give regional and remote leaders quicker access to training, pastoral care and mission support.

The changes build on Saltbush, the ministry supporting dispersed faith communities. Saltbush ministers travel widely and connect online with congregations that cannot gather in person. Their role is to support local leaders and strengthen cooperation across regions. Under the 3P model, Saltbush is expected to receive clearer presbytery links and more consistent pathways for local resourcing.

In the Central Tablelands, Orange Uniting Church is an example of how regional ministry is transforming. Orange was previously home to three separate congregations. Over time, these communities chose to move toward a shared future and form one congregation. The process required difficult decisions and a willingness to adopt new approaches in the face of uncertainty.

In the Blue Mountains, CaLM Uniting Church is the most recent example of this shift. Formed through the connection of Springwood and Glenbrook congregations, CaLM Uniting now operates as a single community across the Central and Lower Mountains. It offers a mix of worship styles, programs for families such as CaLM Kids Club, online services and a strong focus on inclusion.

The Flying Padre continues to serve remote western NSW, visiting properties, towns and airstrips to provide pastoral support. The role relies on regular contact with families who have limited access to ministry. Under the 3P model, Church leaders expect increased coordination between the Flying Padre, Saltbush and regional chaplaincy networks.

The Disaster Recovery Chaplaincy Network (DRCN) also plays a key role in regional communities. In Lismore, chaplains have supported business owners since the 2022 floods. DRCN chaplain John Latta says many people only begin to recognise the impact of trauma months or years later. Local councils report that chaplains often remain long after government teams have withdrawn, prompting discussions about formal recognition of chaplains as frontline responders in future disasters.

Importantly, the Church continues its work with First Nations communities. Walking on Country events and the Walking Together toolkits support urban, regional and rural congregations to build relationships, listen to local history and engage with truth-telling.

Unlike in Robert Frost’s poem where two roads diverge, the Church is carving a new path where they converge.

The Moderator reflects that this change is exciting, although not easy.

“The Synod has made a bold, historic - and some would say - scary decision to better resource communities across our state…..yet transformation doesn't happen when we avoid fear… it happens when we walk through it – together,”