Nourish is a day for pastors and spouses from Victorian Churches to receive input, connection and fellowship.

May Nourish was an uplifting time of connection and encouragement for pastors from around the state seeking to support each other and reflect on how God is at work in our midst. Our hardworking BUV pastors received an uplifting message with the themes of restoration and resilience.

BUV Director of Mission and Ministries, Rev Daniel Bullock, in his introduction of the theme, reminded pastors to regularly strengthen both their mindset and body for the pastoral journey because although it can bring challenges, issues and conflicts, there are also many opportunities for hopes and dreams to be realised.

“The journey is not just about the slog of the challenges and the process we are going through – we also get to look up, and it’s restorative and hope-filled! It is good to be with one another as we reflect on these aspects of our ministry.”

Daniel shared a time when he grew in dependence on God in new ways as he persevered through difficult times. He encouraged pastors to remember that God has control of tough situations and that “He loves His church”.

Keynote speaker, Senior Pastor of NewHope Baptist Church for nearly 30 years, Allan Demond, said that ministry moves through cycles or seasons – from easy and enjoyable to challenging and rewarding. He reminded us that difficulties “can be moulded by God into shapes beautiful and unexpected” if we seek to find God within our trials and live victoriously through them, in His strength.

In a session on strength for the journey, Allan spoke about watching out for God’s special blessings amongst the ups and downs of life; and in a session about hearing from God, he said it was important to look back on the Holy Spirit’s work over the long-term.
“There is always plenty of immediate feedback to sort through, but the Holy Spirit’s work is often on a slow-burn, a long trajectory, as you look back. Hold on! Stay in the game and pray about what feedback needs to stick and what to let go of… Remember that the voice of God is real and He wants to encourage you in your ministry. Watch for God rewiring you for a different way to do ministry as seasons change, rather than responding purely out of your past experiences. Each season is always different – that’s why we need to be held by God and to hear from Him.”

At Nourish, the BUV celebrated the significant ordination anniversaries of many pastors: from 10 years right through to 70 years. Daniel congratulated these pastors and prayed that God would walk alongside them “on the hilltops and valleys”, and that their ministries would “continue until each one graduates in Your presence in heavenly realms.” 

Lauren Pickering from Kew Baptist Church shared her testimony, encouraging us to minister out of humanity and present challenges “because that’s what God did for us through Jesus… It’s in our humanity that God loves and chooses us”.
Weimin Zhang of Balwyn Baptist Church led communion with thoughtfulness and godly reverence.

The day also held time for worship in song, reflection, discussions and prayer, plus updates from BUV Support Hub.

October Nourish will be held at Essendon Baptist Community Church on Friday October 18th.