surrender co. | jesus in the margins
The mission of Surrender Co is to call followers of Jesus to the margins.
We exist to:
Amplify voices from the margins. We create the context to hear and listen to the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples of this land, and those experiencing poverty and marginalisation.
Support existing practitioners. We affirm, encourage, and connect people living out the often lonely and unseen work of incarnational mission and justice, and recognise their crucial role in raising up the next generation for radical discipleship.
Motivate others. We motivate emerging generations across the wider church to move from interest to action by becoming personally involved in expressions of Christ’s call to the poor and marginalised.
Our Values
Prophetic
Seeking to be a prophetic voice to the wider church. Calling Christians to follow Jesus’ radical call to the margins.
Relevance
Seeking to be innovative and creative, and provide pathways for action both locally and globally that are accessible to individuals and church communities.
Participation
Providing platforms and opportunities for those on the margins to be heard by the wider church, recognising this as central to the coming of Jesus’ upside-down kingdom in our world.
Diversity
Practicing inclusivity, and recognising and celebrating diverse perspectives and experiences.
Authenticity
The expression of a deep and raw honesty as people share their stories. Encouraging a faith and life of incarnational mission, seeing people walk alongside their neighbours in a personal and relational way.
Partnership
Partnering and collaborating with churches and organisations as a witness in unity.
Our Approach
Surrender Covenant
Surrender Co is committed to the call for followers of Jesus to "make every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Ephesians 4:3). We recognize that as we seek to curate and engage in gatherings that span a diversity of cultures, denominations, ages, genders, beliefs, and experiences, there is always the potential for tensions and disagreement.
Surrender Co hosts and creates safe spaces to discuss challenging and sometimes painful issues. We seek to keep Jesus at the centre of our conversations with us, so we leave in peace, hope and unity even as we are challenged. We do this because we share a common belief in a risen Christ and the hope of justice, beauty, and wholeness through him!
Therefore, as individual members and as the body of Christ, before God, we commit that we will:
Acknowledge together that disagreement and conflict are normal parts of our lives in Christian community and in themselves are not sinful. Romans 14:1-8, 10-12, 17-19.
In the spirit of humility reflect on our own possible contributions to the tension, we will be prepared to go to each other in gentleness and patience. Galatians 6:1-5
Be quick to listen and clarify our understanding of what is shared before responding. James 1:19; Proverbs 18:13
Be willing to apologise and to forgive. Be prepared to acknowledge our behaviour and offer an apology, seeking forgiveness in situations where we have hurt another. We will be prepared to offer forgiveness where a genuine apology and request for forgiveness is made to us. Colossians 3:13
Be steadfast in love. Be firm in our commitment to seek a mutual solution; be committed in holding to our common foundation in Christ. Colossians 3:12-15.
Be the Body of Christ. Believe in and rely on the solidarity of the Body of Christ and its commitment to peace and justice.
Our Activities
SURRENDER CONFERENCES (ANNUAL EVENTS)
Surrender Co holds conferences in Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth. The conferences are unique in Australia, focusing on social justice, radical discipleship and incarnational mission. The conferences are hosted by a number of missional communities and organisations working amongst the poor and marginalised, and run in relationship with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. The conferences run for three days with more than 1200 people, consisting of main sessions, Bible studies, workshops, music, conversations and great food.
SURRENDER COLLECTIVES (NETWORKS OF LEARNERS + PRACTITIONERS)
Surrender Co seeks to curate networks of learning communities around different issues and areas of interest, to create change in our churches and communities. They aim to educate, provide resources and tools, and opportunities for action and collaboration.
SURRENDER COLLABORATIVE (FORUMS, GATHERINGS)
Surrender Co brings together over 50 organisations who partner together in raising up the next generation of Christians to live the radical call of Jesus amongst the margins. We hold various gatherings such as Truth Labs, CEO Forums, and Leadership Gatherings.
SURRENDER CONTENT (MEDIA, STORIES, RESOURCES)
The Surrender Co network brings together many stories, and opportunities for learning and taking action. We capture these stories and opportunities through our blog, podcasts, and the Surrender toolkit.