Space For God

About Steph Gesling - Lacuna Co-coordinator

Steph Gesling: Mission Worker and Lacuna Co-coordinator for 2007

I began working with Lacuna as a mission worker for the Uniting Church at Macquarie University at the beginning of 2003. This ministry has provided fantastic opportunities for me to develop my skills in leadership and faith sharing. As well as leading discussions and forums at the scheduled times, I often find myself stumbling into conversations about faith when I least expect it. It is amazing to be able to share stories with people who often come from very different backgrounds to myself.

One of our main aims has been to try to provide safe spaces in which people can learn, share ideas and ask questions. For me, leadership is about allowing and encouraging people to be themselves, being open to new possibilities, being willing to let someone else have a go, and being aware of what's around me. By looking out for God in the situations around me I can try to act when it's time to take action, listen when it's time to hear, and stop when it's time to rest!

Lacuna's ministry is fulfilling a vital role by providing an alternative to the more narrow approach sometimes taken by other Christian groups. We aim to overcome the prevailing stereotypes of Christians on campus and to provide the opportunity for people to communicate different ideas and opposing opinions, and to learn to live within that diversity, perhaps even celebrate it.  So, although we are not as large as other groups, and we don't yet have matching t-shirts, the type of community that we are building is one that is clearly focused on following Jesus and exploring how to engage with people from other faith traditions and cultures in a way that allows for mutual learning, respect and fellowship.

Many aspects of Lacuna have enriched my studies and my life. We embrace the struggle involved with caring for the environment, loving people that are different to us, interpreting the bible, and working for justice on behalf of those who are marginalised.  Our activities and conversations are fuelled by a commitment to the personal and political imperatives of the gospel and our desire to be a community of integrity and welcome.

 - Steph Gesling