Justin Monaghan from Adelaide
The Press Service International young writer program in conjunction with Christian Today has each Week's editor or coordinator write a review of their week the week after publication.
This is published in the weekly young writer memo and on the young writers private closed Facebook page.
As this is a new venture recommended by the young writer brain's trust chair Sam Gillespie from Sydney and it has been functioning very well.
Tom Anderson - Week 3 - Australians
Cycle 2, Week 3 review
I felt that each article deserved a short review this week. The writing as a whole was heartfelt and carefully put together.
Peter Brookshaw wrote an important, timely article about the need for the church to break its silence when it comes to sex. It’s very true. If the church won’t teach God’s great design for sex, who will? I loved Peter’s relaxed and very relatable approach to this article.
Next up, Anchoring the soul, with its powerful title, invites you into a piece that contains richness and deep scriptural insights that evidently spring from personal revelation. With her warm, pastoral tone, Mayce Fischer writes with maturity beyond her years.
On a completely different note, Christopher Archibald recounts a truly remarkable cricketing story of how he won the match for his team. It reminds me that one of the exciting things about sport is that anything can happen.
Renee Jenner’s article, Who do you say that I am, is a wonderfully relaxed and approachable read with a well-articulated encouragement to explore who Jesus is to us. Loved it.
Shannon Munyard writes, “God is a heart expert,” in her article, What’s in my God spot - part one. This article sure packs a punch as Shannon delves very openly into her journey to finding satisfaction in Jesus alone. Looking forward to part two!
Clarrisa Yates says, “We are never meant to ever know God's will for our lives,” in her article about seeking God’s will in leadership and business. What does she mean by that? Well, you’ll have to read the rest to find out. This is a considered piece that provides wisdom about a question we have probably all asked.
I enjoyed Jia Pan Xiao’s piece about the church. In an honest and down-to-earth style, he reminds us of the church’s continuing importance in a society that increasingly sees it as irrelevant. Jia says that the church must boldly stand out, so that when people are sick of all the world offers, they may turn to the church that holds out a different way to live.
You can tell Tim Price is a writer with considerable experience. His article is both fun and thought-provoking. Tim's message was timeless, and an important, re-centring read for me.
Jo Fuller, in her article, Resting in God’s grace, explores 2 Corinthians 12:9-10. The title sums up the message beautifully. Her writing is fresh and encouraging. I liked her application of extending the grace we have received to others.
Finally, Kristen Dang’s poetic article is about lessons learnt from nature, and in particular the sunflower. Kristen’s personal account of watching her own sunflowers grow took her writing to another level. The first few paragraphs paint a truly beautiful picture of how nature reveals aspects of God's character.
The writers of Week 3 demonstrate that they are willing to share from personal stories and speak into areas of life that today’s Christian is likely to face. Each article proved very worthwhile and I walked away encouraged.
Mayce Fischer from Brisbane
Aira Chilcott - Week 4 - Australians
Cycle 2, Week 4 review
I was struggling to find a common theme in the Week 4 articles, because the topics were all so diverse. Being a slow learner, I had to read each one through several times until I finally realized that they all touch on an element of understanding something.
We are exhorted to understand who we are in Christ and where our hope lies (Justin Monaghan, Hannah Edwards, Jess Currie). We are called to understand our connectedness with God and each other (Bonnie Dowie), including not taking for granted that we know what people are doing (Lucinda Glover).
Our understandings are challenged in our use of language – whether it be Christian jargon (Cheryl McGrath) or absorbing the culture of the Kingdom of God (Caitlyn Furler). There are also challenges about the way we do Christian traditions (Conor Ryan), using our wealth wisely (Brandon Tsang) and even our indulgence in computer games (Sam Gillespie)!
Understanding how to discern genuineness as opposed to fakeness is highly significant (Roydon Ng). Bridget Brenton brings us a mission story in order to understand a different culture. Welcome also to new writer Melissa Ramoo – advocating #LetYourKingdomCome – to provide a counterpoint to the #MeToo and Time’s Up movements.
All in all, a very profound bunch of articles!
Shannon Munyard from Adelaide
Ashley Menelaws - Week 5 - Australians
Cycle 2, Week 5 review
This week I was responsible for writing a review on the week 5 cycle. As you can imagine there are many things one can say, and even more that one can talk about, however I will keep this review short, sweet and to the point.
Week 5’s articles are ones that are rather close to me personally as I am also the coordinator for the week and had the privilege of seeing all the articles before the editing process.
The writers in my week have always written to a high standard, presented thoughtful and well constructed points and reflections. This cycle was no exemption, as each article was done to the very best and high standards. Each writer shared reflections, revelations as well as providing an exclusive insight into their personal walk as a disciple of Christ.
Each article contained fresh and intriguing insight into many aspects we tend to overlook, over think or not think of at all. I could go into great length and be here forever ever trying to explain and describe the brilliance of each piece.
It is my firm belief that each article is a representation of the purest humility, as each writer has humbly invited anyone and everyone inside their mind and on their walk with Christ. With this is mind I cannot recommend more, reading, sharing and reflecting upon each piece of this Week 5, you may just find something you’re in need of.
Ashley Menelaws from Kingaroy
Dr Mark Tronson is a Baptist minister (retired) who served as the Australian cricket team chaplain for 17 years (2000 ret) and established Life After Cricket in 2001. He was recognised by the Olympic Ministry Medal in 2009 presented by Carl Lewis Olympian of the Century. He mentors young writers and has written 24 books, and enjoys writing. He is married to Delma, with four adult children and grand-children. Dr Tronson writes a daily article for Christian Today Australia (since 2008) and in November 2016 established Christian Today New Zealand.
Mark Tronson's archive of articles can be viewed at