Different Gifts, Different Service | Rev. Pablo Gustavo Nunez

Ever wondered how your unique gifts could be a blessing to others in mission and ministry? In our new series we feature the many faces across our Church who are serving where they are, with what God has given them. We hope that it will be a blessing and an inspiration. 

Meet Rev. Pablo Gustavo Nunez

Current ministry

Minister of the Word at Ballina Uniting Church, member of the SSC and board member of the Propel Network. 

What you love about being involved in this ministry?

When I arrived in Ballina I had 22 years of experience in ministry as a missionary and a minister, but little to no experience dealing with an ageing congregation. I’ve learnt so much with them about the value of tradition, the rich heritage we have in the church, about pastoral care and preparing for the last season in life. At the same time, I hope I’ve been able to lead them in preparing to leave a legacy to the next generations, to think missionally in their season of life, and in celebrating life in all its colours and nuances and flavours. They have been instrumental in releasing me to plant a new congregation that is creative, different, missional and contemporary, and that will be a living expression of the legacy of Ballina Uniting. This new congregation is one of the most exciting things I’ve ever been involved in and one of the most rewarding as well. 

What you find most challenging?

I was used to work in teams, connecting people with their gifts and talents and the challenges ahead. Being a congregational minister in a regional area can be quite lonely, specially at the beginning. Church planting is a team sport, and I am glad that a small team formed with lay leaders and volunteers to help in the process. I hope that in the future we will see more collaboration, maybe in the shape of ministry hubs or circuits, to make the work in the regional areas more effective. 

What you are looking forward to in your ministry in the year ahead?

I believe that 2024-2025 is the time to see the church plant maturing, becoming independent from the minister as much as possible in a healthy way, expanding and gaining a structure that will allow for creativity, innovation, growth and depth to develop while standing on the firm foundation of the Gospel and with a sense of belonging to the greater church, while retaining their beautiful identity. 

Anything else you might want to share?

I may be too optimistic, but I do believe that the next season of the UCA will be one on which we see a more agile and effective generation of lay and ordained leaders, church planters, innovators and risk takers, passionately pursuing our identity as an evangelistic, missionary and discipling movement that will connect our wonderfully rich heritage with a future that needs the Church living and proclaiming the Gospel by word and deed, justice and worship together, seeing renewal, reformation and mission as a tangible reality. It may be a dream, but one worth living for. 

We'd love to tell your story

We would love to tell the story of your ministry in your Congregation. Simply get in touch and we'll send you some questions.

If you are interested in telling us your story, simply send an email to contactus@nswact.uca.org.au.