Vicar Writes 28th/ 29th May 2011
I will be using the Vicar writes to share “vision thoughts” as we prepare to move back.
As we prepare to move back to Leedon, we want to encourage each of you to pray and ‘dream dreams’ during this season of change. Some of us are naturally cautious and imagine the difficulties as new ideas are explored. That is ok. I will be careful not to ‘go over the rails’ and I trust you know me by now to be a person with ‘flights of fancy.’ Behind everything we do, I constantly ask how it will advance the ministry of the church and glorify the Lord. You should be able to see evidence of this in SJC and my ministry involvement outside, including diocese, Alpha etc. Effectiveness and sustainability is high on my list of priorities. Does this actually work? What is the long-term real impact? And throughout the discernment process, we want to know the mind of the Lord.
But rightly so, we should be pushing the boundaries in this new season. Visionaries in our midst should be encouraged to dream dreams. And those of us who are not wired in the same way, your added views of caution bring balance to both the idea and its eventual execution. But don’t hold back these dreams!
Let me quote one simple example: the idea of a Bookcafe. Some may think that this is a side and small matter, undeserving of a Vicar’s continual attention. Or perhaps, it is just a hobby horse of his. In my travels to churches overseas (South Africa, Korea, UK and even Malaysia), it has never failed to amaze me on how many establish churches there understand that the church is more than just a place to host worship services and meetings. It is where the community gathers. And where there is coffee and food, the community gathers. And members bring their friends. The book and resource center, even if done in a small scale is very helpful to encourage members to buy the right resources and use for ministry or their own growth. Think of bibles you can quickly buy for a person who have just accepted the Lord. Or a follow-up material which the church is using. And think of the difference to our Alpha dinners if they are hosted in our church.
It is a new area of ministry for SJC. For this reason, I am working to ensure our vision on this stays sharp and not drowned by the views of those who cannot imagine how these can be done or see the need for it. And if we consider how our gifts can be applied to different areas of the church, we will together build up the church in the richness of her diversity rather than cancelling out each other’s contributions.
Yes, the church is about evangelism and discipleship. But the avenues for these are aplenty and according to the gifts of the parish, her leaders and community. It is indeed time to “think out of the box.”
I will highlight other areas in coming weeks such as: stepping up our Seniors ministry, ministry to BV area, possibilities for our Saturday Service, steps we can take to strengthen our sense of community etc. Stay tuned.