A new, free app designed to support and encourage people to share their faith in an informal way will be launched on Saturday 27 March at a national online event.
The Godsend app was originally due to be launched in Australia last year at the Pioneer Ministry Gathering, but due to COVID-19, the event was cancelled and the launch postponed. Godsend was originally developed in the UK by Fresh Expressions, but has been refreshed with Australian content for an Australian audience, driven by the Uniting Church WA Thrive Committee working with other churches around Australia.
Rev Greg Ross, Chair of the Thrive Committee, said the app is a great on-the-go resource for people wanting to learn more about Fresh Expressions and how to share their faith.
“The app is a way in which we can enable people to learn about sharing their faith and relooking at what church is,” Greg said. “That it’s not just Sunday – church is where you are with the people, who you are as you endeavour to follow Jesus.
“We’ve got stories from all over Australia,” said Greg. “And the beauty of it is, that as time moves on, we can add more little two minute videos and drop some out as it grows and changes, as times change.
“It’s a living tool.”
“It’s guiding people for how they can share their faith; how they can recognise mission; how they can listen to God in their communities; how they can find a place to love and serve people; how they can find a way to share faith.”
A UK version of the app is currently available to download in app stores, however from the launch date, any version of the app in the southern hemisphere will be updated with the Australian content. Developers are also working on making the app accessible for those with vision impairments in the future.
The official launch will be an online event held on Saturday 27 March, including a launch session plus four further training sessions on how to use the app. Cost to attend is $12. Register for the launch at stickytickets.com.au/aouop/fx_godsend_aus_launch.aspx or for more information email Rev Greg Ross at revgregross@internode.on.net.