Paul and Lorraine Davey and their four children are headed to the rural city of Goulburn. From mid-July Paul will be the new rector of St Nicholas Anglican Church in North Goulburn. ‘Goulburn is famous for its big sheep and we hope that God will use us to find and bring lost sheep to Jesus in Goulburn. He’s the Good Shepherd who laid down his life for them and we would love to see many come to him in faith and repentance.’
‘Goulburn is famous for its big sheep and we hope that God will use us to find and bring lost sheep to Jesus in Goulburn. He’s the Good Shepherd who laid down his life for them and we would love to see many come to him in faith and repentance.’
Goulburn is a return to the country for the Davey family as Reverend Davey has previously served in the rural parishes of Wee Waa, Boggabri and The Oaks. ‘Some people think that rural or regional ministry is not strategic but they forget that the most important export of rural and regional areas is people. Every rural or regional parish is not only an opportunity to reach a community with the life-saving news of Jesus. It’s also an opportunity to encourage and grow mature Christians that God will use to be a blessing to churches in the city and around the world.’
Reverend Davey has also worked for the Christian charity Compassion Australia as a Relationship Manager. Whilst working for Compassion Paul travelled across southern NSW and the ACT meeting with ministers and speaking in churches. ‘I learnt from this experience that everyone doing ministry is doing something really well and therefore there’s something you can learn from everyone you meet. Besides, people are endlessly fascinating. I love sharing a cuppa and hearing someone’s story. Sometimes you’re laughing with someone, sometimes you’re crying with them … but you’re always learning and growing.’
The Davey family is looking forward to the cultural side of life in Goulburn with a shared love of music and drama. Paul and Lorraine also share a love of gardening, walks, reading, country drives and just relaxing with their four children. In addition, Paul enjoys playing football or watching his kids do their various sports.
The Davey family is also really looking forward to moving to Goulburn and becoming part of the St Nicholas church family. ‘The COVID-19 pandemic presents unique challenges to starting in a parish but it also presents unique opportunities.’
‘There’s more time for building relationships and some people’s lives have really been shaken either through a renewed realisation of death or through unemployment. This means there’s more opportunities to care and for serious conversation about the big issues of life and death and eternity. What a great time to start in a parish!’
by Reverend Paul Davey
