The news site of the Anglican Church Southern Queensland: nourishing and connecting our faith community

Executive Director, Parishes and other Mission Agencies Commission

Dr Stephen Harrison

About Dr Stephen -

Stephen Harrison is the Executive Director of the Parishes and other Mission Agencies Commission. Stephen has degrees in science, theology, education, community welfare and a Doctorate in ministry from CSU. He has a passion for missiology and ecclesiology.

Dr Stephen writes on -

Articles by Dr Stephen

Being Together: a new inclusion and respect dialogue resource for Anglican parishes

“In his ministry, Jesus used narrative to share knowledge, initiate discussions and connect with people. This is why personal stories centred on specific parish experiences have been sourced to form the backbone of the new Parishes and other Mission Agencies Commission resource,” says Dr Stephen Harrison

Collaboration: towards effective missional outcomes

From a personal perspective, I like the idea that I’m self-sufficient and smart enough to solve my own problems. Admitting I need help means being vulnerable and this can be deeply uncomfortable, especially for an introvert like me. Based on conversations I’ve had, I think parish clergy and lay leaders have similar concerns. If we admit that everything isn’t peachy, what will people think of us?” explores Dr Stephen Harrison

"Ninety per cent of post-Synod survey respondents reported that open space improved their Synod experience and engagement. People valued the opportunity to have a say without judgement; the collaborative nature of the conversations; and the passion people showed for making a difference" (Dr Stephen Harrison)

What might church look like beyond…?

“Synod’s open space dialogues in 2019 served to start important conversations about the future of the Church. Within our Diocesan community, groups are continuing to use innovative approaches to dialogue, such as open space and talking circles, to explore important topics,” says Dr Stephen Harrison, as he tells us about an exciting early November open space event

Taking time out to say 'cello'

Three members of our Diocesan community share about how they rest, recreate and find flow in the busyness of their daily lives

Flourish: one way we care for our people

“The Anglican Church Southern Queensland offers clergy, staff, chaplains and pastoral carers, and formation students, along with eligible members of their households, free access to Flourish, a wellbeing programme provided by external consultant, LifeWorks,” says Executive Director of PMC Dr Stephen Harrison

anglican focus wins prestigious social media award

Our Diocesan community, under the anglican focus banner, won ‘Best Social Media Campaign’ at the Australasian Religious Press Association Awards, which were announced on Friday night – congratulations to the six dedicated priests and parishioners who contributed engaging and insightful anglican focus content for the winning #AprilAngel campaign

Clergy are called to care for their people, but who cares when the carer needs care?

“There are both predictable and unexpected times when clergy will feel more depressed, anxious or stressed. A virus like COVID-19 and 2020’s associated stresses are completely new and unexpected, so the recent NCLS snapshot figures are not surprising,” say counsellor Marilyn Redlich and PMC Executive Director Stephen Harrison, who offer practical suggestions for addressing stress, anxiety and depression