Water, Church and Ministry

This morning I was at my local coffee shop reading and thinking about ministry. Felt the need to re-read a book titled, 'Aqua Church' by one of my favorite authors, Leonard Sweet. Been thinking about the 'church' recently. What does it mean to be a church where Jesus is at the center leading, directing, shaping, molding, modeling, instructing us? I hear people pray that all the time, that our church might honor Jesus, or that our church might have Jesus at the center. What does it actually mean?

So much of what we do seems more 'human' led rather than Jesus led. Like most churches, I suspect our ministry is filled with countless meetings where decisions are made, where church plans are discussed, where Bible studies are run, where leaders are trained, where evangelism is carried out. The question that's constantly on my mind is, 'where is Jesus in all of this?' Sometimes we fool ourselves into thinking that ministry = meetings. Run enough meetings, pump out enough paper, organize enough events, keep the wheels turning each week, and we fool ourselves into thinking that we're doing ministry.

Someone forgot to tell us that the church is not a business, a committee or a company, but a people that Jesus has saved and gathered around himself; that he's transforming and leading. The church belongs to Jesus and it's His mission and vision we serve. Leonard in his opening chapter points out that our mission is to lead people to water i.e. to Jesus. I'm not always sure whether we're leading people to water whether it's those who belong to the church or those still on the outside.

When was the last time you attended a meeting at church whether a cell group, a committee meeting, a music team practice, or even a worship service and thought to yourself, 'man, that was refreshing ... I came and I met Jesus today'? Like the words of that song on what's at the Heart Of Worship, 'it's all about you, it's all about you, Jesus'. I wish I could say that about every single one of our meetings at church. Unfortunately, it's not always true at church. The Psalmist tells us to 'taste and see that the Lord is good' and that there is 'blessing for the man or woman who takes refuge in Him' (Ps.34:8). Our mission is to lead people to water i.e. to Jesus. We need water and so do those on the outside.

Our problem is that sometimes we muddy the water in our meetings because the cups are dirty. And when you muddy the water, it's difficult to convince people to drink from it, because all they see is a broken and dirty cup. Even worse if people actually drink the water, instead of an experience of Jesus, what they get is an empty, draining, often lifeless experience of church. Or maybe sometimes the cups are not dirty, but just unattractive, so they obscure the pure refreshing water on the inside.

As I was reading Aqua Church, it was also made clear that if you notice something about water ... it's liquid. It's a liquid that fills the shape of any container. The main thing is to trust the water. Don't tamper with it, don't muddy it, don't dilute it. The content always remains the same - the same Jesus yesterday is what I need and what people need today. When it comes to church, people need water, but the containers might need changing. Perhaps what the church needs is a different container. Leonard writes that,

"Every generation needs a shape that fits its own hands, its own soul. Each generation, every person, needs a different handle from which to receive the living waters of Jesus. Our task is to pour the living water into anything anyone will pick up. By 'anything' I mean that literally: anything. If I want to reach my twenty-second century children with the gospel of Jesus, I must be prepared to to pour the living water into containers out of which I myself would never be caught dead drinking. This is what Paul meant when he talked about our "becoming all things to all men" that we might win some (1 Corinthians 9:22)"

Perhaps what we need is not just more of Jesus, but different containers in the way we do church that will help people drink from the living waters of Jesus. Maybe what we need is not just new wine, but new wine skins as well in the way we do church. Ours is an ancient faith, a well of living water that has been running a long long time. There's nothing wrong with the water, it's the containers that need changing in our generation.

Pastoral Note - 11th November

The gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) give us the story of the life and work of Jesus. The book of Acts is the story of the powerful work of Jesus after his resurrection. While it’s called the Acts of the Apostles, it’s really the powerful acts of the Holy Spirit, the spirit of Jesus in growing His church through the first disciples from Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria to the ends of the earth. We read in chapter 1:8 that the purpose of the giving of the Holy Spirit to the disciples of Jesus was so that they might have the power to be Jesus’ witnesses. Acts is the unfolding of that story.

There’s a reason why the first disciples of Jesus needed the Spirit’s power to witness. Because wherever Jesus is proclaimed there you’ll always find opposition, and the temptation to fold under pressure. Right at the start the early Christian experience in sharing Jesus was ridicule in ch.2 and persecution/jail in ch.3. From embarrassment, to the fear of ridicule, to the fear of being excluded, this has always been experience of Christians who put Jesus forward in their lives. Even Paul who wrote most of the letters in the New Testament one prayer request is that he might be able to share about Jesus boldly and not be afraid (Ephesians 6:19-20). I reckon we face the same temptation to be afraid when it comes to putting Jesus forward, sharing about Him, even talking about Him whether at work, at uni, at school or at home.

Ever been in a situation where you have the opportunity to share about Jesus, but are afraid? Ever been in a situation where someone has asked you about your beliefs in front of other people at work, but you brush it off? Ever been in a situation where your friends are discussing a moral issue, but you remain silent rather than put forward a Christian perspective? We read in Acts 4 that Peter has just landed up in jail for talking about Jesus, and when he’s hauled up before the authorities he speaks clearly and boldly. This is the same Peter who a few months ago denies Jesus 3 times! What lies behind Peter’s boldness and clarity? Acts 4:8 tells us that it was when Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit, that he was able to boldly and clearly proclaim Christ. So impressed were the people opposing him that they were astonished, because Peter was an unschooled, ordinary guy (Acts.4:13). The power of the Spirit led to a bold and clear proclamation of Jesus in Peter’s life.

As you read on you discover that after Peter is released he goes straight to meet up with the other disciples of Jesus to pray with them. And they all ask God for continued boldness and courage to speak about Jesus (Acts.4:29). His answer comes to them in v.31, where we’re told that they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly. The power of the Spirit led to a bold and clear proclamation of Jesus in the life of the disciples.

Perhaps what we need as well these days is more of the power of the Holy Spirit to give us boldness. Maybe the reason why as a church our witness is weak, our personal proclamation of Jesus is reserved, lies in that we lack the power of the Spirit to be bold. When we feel afraid, embarrassed, tempted to baulk at the opportunity to share about Jesus, unsure about our abilities, what we need is to pray and ask God to fill us with the Holy Spirit to give us boldness. Or as Paul himself asked for prayer, we should be praying this for each other.

Pastoral Note - 4th November

Last Tuesday I attended ‘Cement’, a small group gathering organized by the Friday cell group leaders to challenge some of their regulars to be the ‘cement’ that binds and grows the Friday cell group ministry. Cell group leadership is tough and lonely and sometimes a thankless ministry. ‘Cement’ was all about sharing the needs of our Friday leaders and regulars to be partners in growing God’s people together on Friday night. I was deeply moved as I heard some of our Friday leaders share their struggles, challenges and joys of ministry this year – and their heartfelt appeal for others to be the ‘cement’ in the ministry with them.

So often we come to cell group looking only to receive, to be fed, to be taught, to be listened to, to be comforted, to be encouraged. What we often forget is that we’re not just there to receive, but to also give, to also love. You can’t say you love God, or that you know the love of God, when there’s no evident love for those who “church” with you (1 John. 3:16-19). Love we’re told is expressed not just in words, but in action and truth i.e. acting rightly towards those around you.

It’s the responsibility of all God’s people to practically and actually love people when we gather, not just the responsibilities of our leaders. Taking an interest in people, making them feel welcomed, following up those who aren’t around, finding out people’s prayer points and needs, sharing your story and needs with others, practically helping out when you meet, offering to help and asking where you can serve when you meet … they’re all expressions of love that we are all called to. It’s not just our leaders who are called to love, but all God’s people when we gather. As one of our Friday cell group leaders put it, ‘by ourselves we can’t be the cement that binds and grows people on Friday nights. There’s not enough cement to bind and grow people - you guys need to be part of the cement that does it.’

Imagine a cell group where everyone came only thinking of themselves. Imagine a church where everyone came only thinking of themselves. It’s not the kind of church Jesus had in mind, and I’m quite sure that it’s not a church he’s saved or gathered. Those who really know the grace and love of God, will show grace and love. If the one who loved us and died for us, to save us and gather us is at the centre of our gathering whether on Sunday or any other day, then when we meet, we should come with a heart to serve, to love, to give, to reach out, to bless, to comfort, to listen, to encourage, to make a difference in someone’s life. You lay down your life to love and serve others whenever you meet, because Jesus first laid down his life to love and serve you. As he has loved you, so love others when you gather in your cell groups. We need more of your ‘cement’ if we’re to grow this ‘church’.

Pastoral Note - 4th October

This week our pastoral staff spent some time looking at what it means for us to do “church” ministry. One of the challenges the pastoral team faces is the many expectations both the leadership and congregation have of them. As I’ve observed churches and spoken to church leaders both here in Sydney and overseas, it’s amazing the diverse expectations churches have of their pastors. Counsellor, strategist, administrator, fund-raiser, musician, communicator, preacher, evangelist, mobilizer, mentor, vision caster, problem solver, cleaner, care-taker … the list is endless.

There’s a difference between what the church wants and what the church needs. Growing as a church will take pastors and leaders who will give the church what it biblically needs. But growing a church will also take a congregation that knows what they should expect biblically from their pastors and leaders. When there is biblical congruency between what our pastors and leaders are giving, and what our congregation is expecting, we will grow.

Ephesians 4:11-16, tells us what we should expect biblically of our pastors/teachers. There we are told that God gave the church pastors/teachers (there is no ‘and’ in the NIV bible separating pastor and teacher. A pastor pastors through teaching the word, and a teacher pastors by teaching the word). The role of the pastor/teacher is to serve the church by equipping all God’s people to serve in ministry and to grow in maturity, so that they might stand firm and not fall over in the Christian life. That means that the role of our pastors and leaders is to help you work out how to serve others at church (ministry); helping you discover and unpack the gifts God has given you to serve at church, so that together with others you might grow in maturity to become more like Jesus (maturity).

There are many needs at church, but we’re told here that our greatest need is to grow in ministry and maturity so that we might become more like Jesus. Your leaders and pastors are there to help you do this. It’s not just their primary responsibility, it’s biblically what God has called them to focus on; to do and busy themselves with. My role is to pastor/teach you by helping you work out how to best serve using the gifts God has given you, so that together with others as you do this, you might grow to be more like Jesus. It’s the role of all our leaders to do this. But it’s also your role to want to be equipped to serve others; to want to discover and use your gifts at church, so that you might grow in maturity with others.

In fact, we’re told in v.16, that when there is congruency between what your pastors and leaders are giving, and what you are expecting, we will grow, because as Paul put’s it, ‘each part does its work’. If you’re a leader may you focus on and busy yourself equipping others in ministry and maturity. If you’re not a leader may you focus on and seek to be equipped in ministry and maturity. It’s what every church needs, it’s what our church needs to grow.

Pastoral Note - 31st August

We live in a city and culture where nothing comes for free. We are taught that you get what you deserve, what you work hard for, what you put effort into. We live in a performance based city. In fact, we’re suspicious whenever anyone offers us anything, especially if it’s for free. If a stranger knocked on your door and offered you $50 for nothing, would you take it? Apart from the ‘stranger-danger’ factor, most of us would be suspicious – why is he offering $50 for nothing? what does he want? what strings are attached to it? After all, nothing comes for free.
And sometimes we think that God operates just like that. Getting right with God or getting into heaven depends on my work and my effort. Let me say to you that with God, you cannot earn your way into his family and you cannot work your way into his good books. God doesn’t work on a scale where he will judge you on the basis of whether your good works in life outweighs your bad works. God works on the principle of grace i.e. he gives us what we don’t deserve. It’s just a question of whether we think we need what he offers. Even the best of us need grace.

Amazing Grace is probably the world’s most well-known hymn. What most people don’t realize is that its author was truly a wretch. If there was a man who was morally bankrupt it would have been John Newton. He commanded an English slave ship in 1750 and traded in human flesh. We are appalled today at the illegal trading of women and children that runs across parts of Europe and Asia. Yet, in 1750, trading men, women and children was legitimized by the West because of their view of colored people as sub-human. John Newton was involved in such activities. Dr.Ralph Wilson writes that,

‘ships would make the first leg of their voyage from England nearly empty until they would anchor off the African coast. There tribal chiefs would deliver to the Europeans stockades full of men and women, captured in raids and wars against other tribes. Buyers would select the finest specimens, which would be bartered for weapons, ammunition, metal, liquor, trinkets, and cloth. Then the captives would be loaded aboard, packed for sailing. They were chained below decks to prevent suicides, laid side by side to save space, row after row, one after another, until the vessel was laden with as many as 600 units of human cargo.

Captains sought a fast voyage across the Atlantic's infamous "middle passage," hoping to preserve as much as their cargo as possible, yet mortality sometimes ran 20% or higher. When an outbreak of smallpox or dysentery occurred, the stricken were cast overboard. Once they arrived in the New World, blacks were traded for sugar and molasses to manufacture rum, which the ships would carry to England for the final leg of their "triangle trade." Then off to Africa for yet another round.’

John Newton was captain of a slave ship that contributed to the transportation of the many ships that would bring 6 million African slaves to America in the 18th century. He had a reputation for foul language and wild living - he was known by those around him as ‘the great swearer.’ One day when his ship nearly capsized in a storm he found God, or rather God found him. Is such a man deserving of God’s forgiveness? Should God save such a man? The world would say, ‘no, he has to prove himself and he has to earn his way back’. God says instead, “if this lost son wants to come home, I welcome him with open arms, I’ll forgive him. All he has to do is to recognize that his life is a mess, and run to me for help and a fresh start.” That’s grace – what is given to the undeserving. John left his old life, and spent the next 43 years speaking only of God’s amazing grace.

At 82, he said, "My memory is nearly gone, but I remember two things, that I am a great sinner, and that Christ is a great Saviour". The same thoughts he echoed in the very song, ‘Amazing Grace’.

Amazing grace, how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me,
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.

'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears relieved.
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils and snares,
I have already come.
'Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.

May all of us continue to find strength, hope and encouragement in the arms of God’s amazing grace. For Jesus died for us, that we should no longer live for ourselves, but for Him who died for us and was raised again. (2 Cor.5:15)

Pastoral Note - 5th August 2007

The last two weeks gave us the opportunity to rest and spend time together as a family. It was the longest holiday we’ve had together after all these years, and though tiring, it gave me an opportunity to rest and be away from work. The first week saw me feel the withdrawals associated with always being connected 24/7. It took time to get over feeling the need to check my email, send emails, follow-up work stuff, surf the net. One of the things I realized is how ‘addicted’ we are to being connected. I believe being connected gives us a sense of worth – it makes us feel wanted. One could even say it makes us feel special. From being connected through Facebook or Bebo, to Xbox live or Warcraft, to Skype or MSN, to Second Life, to YouTube, to gmail, to being on call 24/7, we want to know that we’re wanted and special. A very simple test would be to disconnect and unplug yourself for a week and then gauge how you feel. Feelings of disorientation, lostness, loneliness, boredom will all be evident.

Wanting to be connected, wanting to be wanted, wanting to feel special is the way God has made us. It’s because God has made us for relationship. Behind our desire to be connected is our desire to be in relationship, which is what all of us crave and live for. All technology has done is that it’s given us an opportunity to express that desire in a different way. In a previous generation people joined social or hobby clubs. These days we do it online in a virtual world. What people don’t realize is that what is often a legitimate need i.e. to be in relationship with others, often becomes an addiction that fuels our self-centeredness. We ‘connect’ and ‘post’ and ‘chat’ and ‘blog’ to make ourselves feel good. In fact much of what I have seen posted online is an expression of self-love.

It hides our greater need. God has not just made us for relationship with each other, but he’s made us for relationship with Himself. Being ‘connected’ only masks the void within, which is why the moment another online community pop’s up, we sign up. What we need to realize more than anything else is that there is a God who made us, who loves us, who desires to be in a relationship with us, and who has a great plan and design for our lives. It’s the one relationship we all need, but also the one relationship we run away from. We think every other relationship will fill the void from being connected online, to connecting with money, sex, career and pleasure. In fact, it’s the reason why Jesus came and why he died – to be the bridge that reconnects you with God, the one relationship that matters most in life.

Over these few weeks at church, our sermons will be looking at what it means to get connected with God, how he can fill the void and how he reshapes the way we live when it comes to money, sex, career and pleasure. You can listen in by clicking on our sermon links to download the upcoming series on the right.

Pastoral Note - 28th June 2007

Last Sunday afternoon I was running a baptism class. And one of the things I said to the group was that the Christian life is not and has never meant to be an individual journey or life. Becoming a Christian is not just about getting right with God, but being saved into God’s family. In the Old Testament, scattering was a sign of God’s judgment, and being gathered together was a sign of blessing. In saving us God gathers us into his family and into relationship with each other. We’re told that Jesus bought the church with his blood (Acts 20:28).

When God saves you, he saves you into His family, a gathering with others who have been saved. As such you are spiritually connected to those you church with. You are, and they are part of God’s family whom Jesus died for. The challenge has always been to see ourselves as part of this family. Paul reminds us in Ephesians 4 that the way forward is to, be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit— just as you were called to one hope when you were called — one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

A loving, vibrant, strong church family depends on those who are gathered … being humble and gentle and patient and carrying one another in love. We read in v.5 that we belong to one body in Christ and we share the one Spirit who unites us to each other and to Christ. We share the same Lord, faith, baptism, God and Father. I said to those being baptized that for them the challenge will be what happens when the road with their church family gets rocky, cold, tense … when they face conflict and disappointment. How will they respond? How will you respond?

Some people will say – the church has disappointed me … I’ll find another church. Others will say – that’s the way church is, I’ll just have to learn to live with it. I reckon that there’s another way - – this is what the church should be, I’ll change it, I’ve give, I’ll use my gifts, I’ll be an example, I’ll serve, I’ll love.

In a self-centered culture, most people come to church asking, ‘What am I getting out of this?’ The right Christian response and a better question would be, ‘What can I give to make this family a better place? What can I do to make this family more loving place? What part can I play to build this family?’

Some only come to church looking to be served. It is the very opposite of what it means to follow Jesus and to become more like Jesus. Jesus we read came to serve and lay down his life for many, not to be served (Mark 10:45). And he calls those he gathers to himself to do likewise (John 13:34; 15:13). In a culture where everyone only thinks of themselves, we are called to be counter-cultural i.e. to be humble and loving servants of one another in God’s family. That’s what we should be whenever we gather.

The next time you come to church, leave your worldly thinking about church at the door. Ask God to transform your thinking, your attitudes and your actions as you come to church. Ask him to use you to meet the needs of others here. Ask him to give you opportunities to love and encourage people. Ask him to help you see areas where you could make a difference. We can be a better church, a more loving church, a growing church, but it depends on you being humble, gentle, patiently carrying each other in love. Don’t forget that you and I, we are all part of this one family with Jesus at the head (1 Cor.12)

Church is not about you or me, it’s about us, and how we can together grow to love the God who made us and sent his Son to die for us; how we can learn to love and serve each other; and how we can prepare ourselves, our families and those around us to meet God one day in eternity.

Pastoral Note - 20th June 2007

Have you ever met a 'rabbit-hole' Christian? A 'rabbit-hole' Christian is one who lives in a Christian ghetto. She turns up at university, goes to a lecture or tutorial and looks around the room to find a Christian friend to sit next to. She then goes to the university café for lunch and sits with all her Christian friends. And then the rabbit-hole Christian goes to a cell group in the evening and prays for all the unsaved in his tutorial group.

Then there's the 'undercover' Christian. An 'undercover' Christian is one who doesn't live in a Christian ghetto, but is so indistinguishable from his unsaved friends that no one knows he's a Christian. He goes to work, has lunch with his unchurched friends, never speaks of his Christian faith, appears to share their values and views on work and life. After work, he spends all his time with them socializing and enjoying life. And then on Sunday he turns up at church and prays for all the unsaved at his work.

It sounds harsh, but most of us if we don't fall into one of these two categories have a bit of both in us. How can we be the salt of the earth if we have never gotten out of the saltshaker? How can we be the light of the world if we have never shone? The truth is we fear ‘evangelism’. The fear of ridicule, the fear of being rejected, the fear of being labelled, the fear of failure, the fear of not knowing what to say. So we fall into our Christian rabbit-holes or we go undercover. The challenge for us is to overcome this.

Jesus' command to his first disciples assumes that the ongoing proclamation of the gospel will continue in the life of future disciples - you and me.

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. ~ Matthew 28:18-20

The command to go and make disciples among all people is to continue in subsequent generation of Christians as they teach others to do the same.

When we turn to the book of Acts we again find in the words of Jesus the assumption that the proclamation of the gospel will continue to the very ends of the earth through his disciples.

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. ~ Acts 1:8

And when we get to the end of the book of Acts, you find that the witness of the first disciples to Jesus has spread all through the known world. In fact the book of Acts is an open-ended book, because the story hasn’t ended – it continues with you. The witness of the first apostles to Jesus continues in the ongoing proclamation of the gospel in subsequent generations of Christians who have done likewise - Christians in every generation who have taken the gospel to the ends of the earth, from Sydney to Bathurst to Vanuatu to Bolivia. The fact that we meet as Christians in Burwood 2000 years on is witness to the words of Jesus and the faithfulness of generations of Christians before us.

God has always used men and women like you and me in bringing the gospel to the world – a gospel that is the power of God for the salvation of all who believe (Rom.1:16-17). Good news should and must be shared.

Pastoral Note - 20th May 2007

Everyone has a view on what our problems are as a church. I am always hearing that the church needs to make changes, our leaders need to make changes, our people need changing. We need a ‘reformation’ of sorts. The ‘Reformation’ was a movement in the 16th century to reform the Catholic church in Europe. The Reformers were those looking to reform the church from its corruption and false teaching. In an attempt to reform the Catholic church came the REdiscovery of the Word of God, out of which the protestant churches have come out from (Baptist, Presbyterian, Anglican, Lutheran).

One reformer was a man called Martin Luther who challenged the teachings of the church on how someone gets saved. Luther argued from the Bible that a man/woman is made right with God through faith alone in the work of Christ alone (Rom.1:16-17). It hinged on the conviction that the Bible alone is ones final authority on all matters of life and doctrine. He was charged with heresy. When questioned before the courts, standing before the most powerful men and women in Europe and asked to recant, he said, "Your Imperial Majesty and Your Lordships demand a simple answer. Here it is, plain and unvarnished. Unless I am convicted [convinced] of error by the testimony of Scripture or (since I put no trust in the unsupported authority of Pope or councils, since it is plain that they have often erred and often contradicted themselves) by manifest reasoning, I stand convicted [convinced] by the Scriptures to which I have appealed, and my conscience is taken captive by God's word, I cannot and will not recant anything, for to act against our conscience is neither safe for us, nor open to us. On this I take my stand. I can do no other. God help me."

True reformation begins when you take the Bible as your final authority on all matters of life and doctrine. If we are to bring reformation to our church, our leadership and our lives, then we must be men and women of the Word i.e. Bible centered and Bible believing Christians. The revealed Word of God alone must shape what we believe and how we are to live. Sola Scriptura (by scripture alone) was the battle cry of the Reformers, many of whom died defending the authority of the Bible.

Transformation begins with a conviction that it is the Word of God alone that is our final authority on all matters of life and doctrine; a word that is inspired by God or God breathed, infallible (without error in what it teaches) and sufficient for my life (2 Tim.3:16-17). The best thing we could be doing as a church is to be men and women devoted to searching the Scriptures, reading the Scriptures and applying the Scriptures. Only then will you experience God’s personal ‘reformation’ in your life.

Read, Reflect, Respond - 6th May 2007

Psalm 19; John 10:27-29

1. What brings the song writer comfort in Psalm 19?
2. How does Jesus’ promise in John 10:27-29 bring me comfort in my valley experiences?
3. What should I do when I’m walking in a spiritual desert?

Pastoral Note - 6th May 2007

Quite a number of years ago, I remember counselling someone feeling spiritually down. We’ve all gone through it before – either times when you feel like you’re walking through the valley of the shadow of death (Ps.19) or when you feel like you’re walking in a spiritual desert. You know the feeling when God feels distant – when everything in your life seems to have gone wrong. I’ve heard it before from those who’ve walked in that spiritual desert – “I don’t feel like praying and when I do I don’t feel anything. I haven’t read my bible for some time, and when I do I don’t get anything out of it. God seems so distant and I feel that I’m going to lose my faith. I feel as if I’m going to let go any moment.”

What we need to realize is that in our desert experiences God is actually closest to us. The song writer in Psalm 19 says that though he walks in the valley of the shadow of death, he knows God’s comfort i.e. God’s comforting leading and presence. ‘Your rod and your staff they comfort me’, says the song writer. The apostle Paul says the same thing in his desert experience as you read 2 Cor.1. Beaten, misunderstood, in chains, falsely accused, physically sick and he says, ‘God is my comfort’.

Why is the song writer and Paul able to find comfort in God, even in the worst of times as they walk through the valley of the shadow of death? The answer lies in that what keeps you secure and safe doesn’t ultimately depend on your hold on Jesus, how hard your grip is, but on Jesus’ hold on you … on the Father’s grip on you. And let me say to you that Jesus and the Father never let go.

Jesus himself tells us this in John 10:27-29. (27) My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. (28) I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. (29) My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.

Sometimes our hold on Jesus feels weak and fragile. The circumstances of our lives make us feel like we are losing our grip on God. What we need to remember is that his hold and his grip is what matters. His hold and his grip is strong and unbreakable. In fact, your are doubly secure – you are in the strong hands of Jesus and the Father, such that no one can snatch you from the double hand grip of God! When you cannot walk, when your arms are weak and failing, when your grip is slipping, remember that He still holds on to you.

Whether you’re walking in a spiritual desert or walking through the valley of the shadow of death, remember that He is holding on to you. What you need to do is to persevere, to keep trusting him, to keep obeying him, or as Jesus says in the verse above, to keep following Him, because he’s right there with you.

Read, Reflect, Respond - 29th April 2007

1 Corinthians 15:3ff; 15:17-18

1. What would the implications be if Jesus had died but never rose from the dead?
2. What are the implications for me knowing that Jesus has risen from the dead?
3. How does the resurrection of Jesus give me confidence and assurance as a Christian?

Pastoral Note - 29th April 2007

Easter was just another holiday for most people. For some, the Easter weekend was a time to remember the death and celebrate the resurrection of Christ. For others it was the one time in the year they went to church (apart from Christmas, baptisms, weddings and funerals). For the business community it was another opportunity to 'sell' Easter - and I must say that if you're a chocolate lover, the last two weeks were the best time to buy those Easter eggs and chocolate bunnies … all at half price! For me it was just another holiday. That's not to say that we shouldn’t celebrate Easter, but our Easter celebrations shouldn't be limited to one weekend in April. Whenever Christians meet each week around God's Word they celebrate Easter, because we meet each week to celebrate Christ's death and resurrection. We meet to give him thanks and praise for the forgiveness he’s made available through his death on a cross. We meet because we are Christians – followers of Christ. So in a sense it’s just another 'holy' day for us - a day 'set apart' to remember the death and celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus.

In fact, the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is at the very heart of the Christian faith. 1 Corinthians 15:3ff summarizes the Christian message by telling us that 'Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, … he was buried, … he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.' At the cross, Jesus dies in our place to pay the penalty for our sins – for the way we’ve lived our lives rejecting God. But it’s the resurrection of Jesus that is the guarantee for those who trust in Jesus, that their sins have actually been dealt with, and they are now right with God. If Jesus Christ had not been raised, our faith would be futile and we would still be in our sins, and all those who have died as followers of Christ would be lost for eternity (1 Corinthians 15:17,18). The message of Easter as it centres on the death and resurrection of Jesus is good news because it saves men and women from their sins.

But the message of Easter also speaks of the bad news of judgment. It's a message of judgment because the death and resurrection of Christ is a declaration that God takes our sin seriously. He takes our life of rejecting him seriously - and he's dealt with it on the cross where Jesus died in our place. It is a reminder to us that we cannot go on living life as if God wasn’t there.

The death and resurrection of Christ is good news to those who have come to trust in what Christ has done for them and responded by trusting him. But it's bad news for those who have rejected what Christ has done for them and ignored Him, because Easter is a reminder to them that they have rejected God and are still under his judgment. It's ironic that Easter is a public holiday and there's so much fanfare that goes with it each year - what so many people fail to realize is that it is a 'holy' day, and what they celebrate is not just God's forgiveness made available, but for many their rejection of God.

The Easter message as it centres on the death and resurrection of Jesus holds out forgiveness and an opportunity to get right with God. But it’s also a reminder that for those who continue to reject and ignore God, they continue to stand under his judgment.

Read, Reflect, Respond - 1st April 2007

Read, Reflect, Respond This Week

2.Tim.3:14-17; Heb.4:12
1. What is the purpose or intention of the Word of God?
2. What does the Word of God say about itself?
3. How should we be approaching and reading the Bible?

Pastoral Note - 1st April 2007

What is an ‘evangelical’ Christian? One of the problems is that lot’s of people call themselves ‘evangelicals’. You can find people who call themselves ‘evangelical’ Roman Catholics or ‘evangelical’ Pentecostals or ‘evangelical’ Greek Orthodox.

In fact, WE are called an ‘evangelical’ church. Historically, an ‘evangelical’ was a swear word in the 16th century; a divisive word that was narrowly defined. It was a word that was used of a particular type of Christian.

At its most basic level an ‘evangelical’ is a gospel-centered Christian. In fact, the word ‘evangelical’ comes from the word ‘gospel’ or ‘good news’ in the New Testament (NT). What we need to be clear about is that not everyone who calls themselves an evangelical is a gospel-centered Christian. I say this because true ‘evangelicals’ are those whose beliefs and practices are shaped by the gospel of Jesus Christ (1 Cor.15:3-4; Eph.2:20; Rom.1:1-5). And at the heart of the gospel is the atoning death of Jesus on the cross for our sins, his victorious resurrection from the dead, and the call to repentance, faith and a life of discipleship. The problem is sin and judgment: it is people’s greatest need. The solution is the death of Jesus on the cross: it deals with people’s sin and judgment. Therefore, personal salvation and change in society comes through bringing men and women to faith in Jesus and his work alone. I would venture to say that many popular ‘evangelical’ groups would not hold to this gospel, because when it comes down to it, they are not Word-centered Christians.

For an ‘evangelical’ is not only a gospel-centered Christian, they are also a Bible believing Christian. For ultimately a true understanding of the gospel must come from the pages of Scripture. The second thing we need to be clear about is that not everyone who calls themselves an evangelical is a Bible believing Christian. An ‘evangelical’ is committed to the authority of the Scriptures as the Word of God on all matters of life and belief (2 Tim.3:16-17; Heb.4:12).

Firstly, it means being committed to the inspiration of Scripture as the special revelation or the very Word of God. Whenever we open up to read or hear the Bible read, we must remember that God himself speaks. It is God-breathed (2 Tim.3:16a). It is the authoritative Word that stands above every culture, belief, value, opinion, government and life. Secondly, it means being committed to the infallibility of Scripture because it is the very Word of God. If the Scriptures originate from God himself, then it would also be true to say that it is without error in its teaching, its commands and its claims. Thirdly, it means being committed to the sufficiency of Scripture because as the very Word of God it is sufficient not just in saving us (2 Tim.3:15), but sufficient for all of life (2 Tim.3:16-17).

‘Evangelical’ Christians in the true sense of the word are Christians who’s beliefs and practices are shaped by the gospel of Jesus Christ as revealed in the written Word of God, inspired by God himself, infallible and sufficient for all of life. Are you an ‘evangelical’ Christian?

Euge

Pastoral Note - 25th March 2007

Evangelism is hard work. Evangelism is daunting work. Evangelism is embarrassing. It’s true isn’t it – 99% of us find evangelism hard for a range of reasons. The fear of rejection and ridicule. The fear of not knowing how to answer people’s questions. The fear of being marginalized at the office. Yet, we saw in last week’s sermon, that in a culture that despised and looked down on the Christian faith, Paul says in Romans.1:16, ‘I am not ashamed of the gospel’. Why? As v.16 goes on to tell us, because it is the power of God for the salvation of all who believe. Because ultimately, the gospel saves! It saves people from the wrath and judgment of God, and their sin (Rom.1:18ff). I once said to someone at church that if you saw a friend walking towards the edge of a cliff, unaware that they are about to walk off that cliff, would you be embarrassed and ashamed to warn them, to yell out to them, to do all you can to get their attention. Wouldn’t you do all you could to convince them to turn around?

The same holds true if you understand the gospel. Because a far greater destruction awaits those who do not know Christ. Are you ashamed and embarrassed to warn people, to get their attention, to convince them?

This coming Friday will be a great opportunity with our Outreach Dinner, to reach out both personally and as a cell group. It will be an opportunity both in terms of pre-evangelism and evangelism. For most of us evangelism is daunting enough by ourselves, so let me encourage you to do this with your cell group. If you knew that when your friends came, there would be some people from your cell group sitting with them and talking to them, it would take the pressure of you wouldn’t it. But more than anything else you don't just want your friends to hear the gospel, you want them to meet other Christians who’s lives have been changed by the gospel.

So let me encourage you to maybe speak to your cell group this week, to see how as a group you can be preparing for Friday. Maybe, you could organize a table or two as a cell group for you and your friends? Maybe, you could work out which two people would be best sitting with the friend or friends you bring. Maybe, you could organize to have pre-dinner drinks with your friends and some people from your cell group, as there is a coffee bar with lounges right next door to the function centre (which makes great pizza as well). I'll leave it to you - but take the opportunity.

Secondly, I think the Outreach Dinner this Friday will be an opportunity to help you be more confident and bold in your personal evangelism. If you can't invite a friend to dinner, I suspect you won't take the next step to share your testimony or faith with them. Let this week be a first step for you - to invite your friends, family and colleagues to a dinner. Even if they choose not to come, at the very least they will know that you are a Christian, which will then provide you with further opportunities as you have just opened the door to your faith.

One of the things that saddens me is that so often when we have outreach events over Christmas/Easter, I have people say to me - 'that was a great talk, I wish I'd brought a friend, didn't think it would be relevant to where they are in life'. The reality is that a chance lost, is a lost opportunity to bring unbelievers one step closer towards God’s kingdom. I believe every opportunity counts. For as Paul says, ‘I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of all who believe.’ (Rom.1:16)

This week let me encourage you to pray for this Friday night, the speaker, those in your cg, their friends and those you are inviting to the dinner. And more than anything else to not be ashamed of the gospel!

The Shame Of The Cross

This week in preparing my Sunday sermon on being ‘unashamed’ of the gospel, I spent some time researching the shame of the cross. Paul’s statement in Romans 1:16 where he says that he’s not ashamed of the gospel is a radical statement. It’s radical because the cross was a symbol of shame and humiliation in the world of the New Testament (NT). When Paul writes, I am not ashamed of the gospel … he’s in effect saying, “I’m not ashamed to look bad, I’m not afraid to look foolish, I’m not afraid to be considered a fool, I’m not afraid to be shamed and humiliated for the gospel”.

Why was the Christian gospel considered both an embarrassment and shameful? In 1 Cor.1:22-23 Paul reminds us that, Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles. The gospel was considered a foolish message and a shameful message, because at the heart of the gospel was the symbol of a cross – a message concerning the crucified Christ.

These days – crosses are a common sight aren’t they. In our church we have a cross on the steeple of the church, on the stained glass windows, even on our weekly bulletins. In fact the wearing of a cross is a fashion symbol these days, worn by the likes of Madonna, Britney Spears, David Beckam and Liz Hurley. But in the world of the NT, the cross was a shame symbol. Only the scum of society were crucified. Death by crucifixion was reserved only for runaway slaves, criminals and murderers, rebels convicted of treason, and captured enemies of the state. What people fail to understand is that death by crucifixion wasn’t just meant to cause a person great pain. Crucifixion wasn’t just a way to cause someone a slow and painful death (where you eventually suffocated to death, as your organs shut down from lack of oxygen, as your lungs fill with fluid causing you to drown in your own bodily fluids). Crucifying someone was also a way of shaming them, of publicly humiliating them.

The goal of a Roman crucifixion was to not just kill the victim, but to shame them in a public way. You were stripped naked so that your body would be exposed (remember how the guards gambled for Jesus robes and divided it up among themselves in Mark 15 and Matthew 27). You were scourged or flogged with a whip with metal or bone at the tips ripping pieces of flesh from your body. And then 5 to 7 inch nails would be driven into your wrists as you’re tied to a cross. Your legs are then broken. And then you’re left out in the open air in all your nakedness for everyone to see … each hour, each day, as the life drains out of you … as you loose control of your bodily functions … and then left to the vultures to be consumed. In the world of the NT, a crucifixion was a public shaming of the person, leaving them exposed and powerless. It took away their rights, their control, their worth, their dignity … a public statement really to say to everyone around that this is what this person is worth.

The cross was a symbol of shame in the world of the NT. And a gospel whose message is Christ crucified wasn’t just absurd or embarrassing, it was shameful and appalling. What sort of people worship a crucified man? What sort of people speak of a crucified man saving them? They should be ashamed of the cross. Only fools worship a crucified man whom they call God’s King and Savior.

Graffiti has been around a long time. In 1857, archaeologist discovered graffiti scratched into the plaster walls of the barracks of some Roman soldiers built by the Emperor Nero. One of these pieces of graffiti called the Alexamenos Graffito drawn in the first century Jesus reads, ‘Alexamenos worships his god”. And alongside these words is a picture scratched into the wall. The picture shows a small man, Alexamenos, praying with one arm extended toward Jesus suffering on the cross. Jesus appears on a visible cross with arms outstretched, hands nailed. But in this crude picture, scratched on the barracks wall by a pagan soldier, Jesus has the body of a crucified man - but the head of an ass. And beneath this are the words, ‘Alexamenos worships his god’.

That was the common, prevalent attitude of the day to the gospel and those who called themselves Christians. A gospel whose message was Christ crucified was a stumbling block to the Jews, and foolishness to the Greek speaking world. In fact, the word used to describe the early Christians was asinarii, which can be translated to mean "belonging to an ass" or an ‘ass-worshipper’.

In the eyes of most people, not only was this crucified King and Savior an ass, but so were his followers. For what sort of people glory and boast in, proclaim and worship a crucified man? It was both appalling and shameful. How can the cross be good news? What’s so good about the crucifixion of a man on a Roman cross? It’s something you should be ashamed of!!!

The temptation for Paul and certainly for Christians in the NT was to be ashamed of the gospel, to be ashamed of the cross of Jesus. Yet, we read in Rom.1:16, that Paul is not ashamed of the gospel. He is unashamed to be shamed and humiliated for the gospel in his world. He is unashamed to be considered an ass for Jesus! And the reason comes in the second half of v.16. Paul is unashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes, first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.

It is the ‘dynamite’ explosive power of God to save all who believe! (1 Cor.1:18) Paul is unashamed of the cross because in and through the death of Jesus on the cross God saves! For in this gospel a way to be right with God is revealed, a way to be right with God that is by faith from beginning to end (Rom.1:17). If you go on to read Romans 1:8-32 and Romans 3:9-26 you discover that in the death of Jesus on the cross God is saving us from his wrath and from the consequences of our rebellion (more on this in the weeks to come). You discover how at the cross Jesus pays the penalty for our sin: bearing on himself God’s wrath and dying for our sins. And the way to be right with God comes through faith or trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ who was crucified in my place as a sacrifice for my sin (Rom.3:22).

For ultimately, the death of Jesus on the cross was not the last word. For the last word at the cross is not death, but resurrection. For the last word at the cross is not shame, but vindication. For the last word at the cross is not humiliation, but exaltation. For the same Jesus who went to the cross, is the same Jesus God has resurrected and lifted up to the highest place to be worshipped, and given the name above every name (Phil.2:6-10). For the same Jesus who went to the cross, is the same Jesus God has declared to be his promised Son, His chosen King and Savior by his powerful resurrection from the dead (Rom.1:1-4).

And because of that, Paul is unashamed of the gospel!

At the cross
God demonstrates His love for us
While we were sinners Jesus came to die
So by His blood we would be justified

So be not ashamed of the cross
It brings salvation to all who believe
God is revealed, Guilt is removed
Forgiveness can now be received

So be not ashamed of the cross
Tell of its power to all who will hear
Great is our joy, Glory is ours
From death we can now be set free

At the cross
God demonstrates that He is just
Unpunished sins could not be overlooked
So Jesus took them on himself

At the cross
God demonstrates His endless grace
He chose to send His precious only Son
To punish Him for sins we’ve done


At The Cross.
Music: Phil Percival. Words: Bryson Smith.
(Consider Christ Album. Available at www.emu.mu)

The Harvest Is Plentiful, But The Workers Are Few

The words of Jesus rings so true as we consider English ministry in our Chinese Churches, "the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few" (Matt.9:37). The opportunity to reach a new generation of Australian Born Chinese within the Chinese church abounds, but the workers are indeed few. As I speak to and meet leaders both in NSW and inter-state the constant refrain I hear is, 'we need someone to come and serve in our church'. When I was at university in the early 1990’s, I could count the number of English pastors in our Chinese Churches in Sydney on one hand. Today I count them on just over two hands, even though our Chinese Churches in Sydney number over 70! This does not even take into account the fact that there are limited positions available for paid women's workers in our Chinese churches, even though half of our congregations are made up of women.

There are many reasons for the shortage of workers in English ministry in our Chinese churches. Apart from the lure of materialism and self-centered careerism, the other would be inter-generational conflict between OBC (Overseas Born Chinese) and ABC/ARC (Australian Born/Raised Chinese) leadership. Many who have undertaken theological training have chosen not to return to serve because of their experience of inter-generational conflict growing up in Chinese churches. Others in lay leadership have served for years and left the Chinese church altogether, disillusioned and bitter, again because of inter-generational conflict brought about by the cultural differences. While it is easy to dwell on the inter-generational differences between OBC and ABC/ARC leadership, what many fail to realize is that serving in English ministry within the Chinese is really a mission in itself. Those who serve in English ministry within the Chinese church need to see themselves as missionaries working inter-generationally in a foreign cultural context (OBC), reaching and growing a specific people group (ABC/ARC’s). We need to approach English ministry in the Chinese church missionally. Our failure as leaders in English ministry within the Chinese church is that though we are well equipped to do English ministry, we have not bothered to learn and neither have we seen the need to be all things to all people (especially towards OBC’s in leadership), to win them (1 Cor.9:22).

Another reason for the shortage of workers also stems from the lack of ongoing leadership training and development in our churches. It's a vicious circle, as many English ministries and congregations in our Chinese churches do not have pastors to lead them, and those holding the fort in the interim feel inadequately prepared. The solution is a long-term one as pastors are not produced overnight. We must raise up leaders from among our English congregations today if we are to have men and women who will serve our congregations tomorrow. And it starts with young emerging leaders: identifying them, discipling them, training them and giving them opportunities to serve and lead. It's been my privilege to have different leaders mentor me since year 7, who took the time to disciple me, who gave me opportunities to serve with them, to lead and who eventually challenged me to go into full-time paid Christian ministry. And not all of them were pastors!

The Chinese church and her leaders must be prepared to give her young men and women opportunities to serve, and to call them to full time Christian ministry, if we are to meet the needs of our many English congregations in the Chinese church nation wide. For too long the church has left the calling of men and women to pastoral ministry to the individual. The setting apart of men and women for the work of ministry is the responsibility of the local church: identifying, discipling, training and calling them to ministry (Titus 1:5; 2 Tim.2:2).

We are fortunate in Sydney to have training events such as the yearly Katoomba Youth Leadership Conference, Sydney Chinese Christian Churches Association (SCCCA) Pilot Day and more recently the launch of SCCCA’s monthly regional Ministry Training Centres (you can find out more about this at www.ace-network.org). These however does not substitute for the personal ongoing discipleship of young emerging leaders by their Sunday School teachers, Bible Study group leaders, Youth Fellowship leaders and elders or deacons. You can send your leaders to a training day, but you'll see a much greater impact when you personally draw alongside them, involve them in your ministry, pray with and for them, read the bible with them and share your life with them. For in doing so you're not only teaching them, but modeling it for them in the way you're living the Christian life. What made the most impact for me as a youth, was having a Youth Fellowship leader who spent time teaching me guitar, who was always encouraging me to move forward in my Christian life each time we met. At university the person who made the most impact for me was a pastor who would regularly take me fishing with his wife, who was always using the opportunity to encourage me in my relationship with God and with my family. I not only learnt from them, I saw it in the way they lived their lives.

As leaders whether OBC or ABC/ARC, old or young, can you make a difference in the life of a young emerging leader? You certainly can as a Sunday School teacher, Youth Fellowship leader, small group leader, church elder or deacon. Look around, identify them, encourage them, get alongside them, involve them in your life and ministry, share your vision for ministry with them, mentor them, teach them, model for them. It’ll be an investment that will not only benefit your church, but in the long-term the kingdom.

The needs of English ministry in our Chinese church are great, as the harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. I do take heart however, as Jesus also said, "ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field" (Matt.9:38). Ultimately English ministry in our Chinese Churches is God's ministry. More than anything else as we consider the need for more leaders, workers and pastors in our English congregations, we must pray to him and work with him to do this. We must ask God and work with him to continue raising up, and sending out men and women who are prepared to serve him.

Euge

Read, Reflect, Respond - 4th March 2007

Read, Reflect, Respond This Week

Ephesians 4:12-13
1. What does it mean for me to be ‘prepared’ for works of service?
2. What is a work of service? Cf. John 13:34
3. What is the goal of being prepared for works of service?
4. What can I be doing to prepare myself for works of service?

Pastoral Note - 4th March 2007

Looking to improve your tennis serve or golf swing? Looking to ace your course? We do it all the time from sport to study. Looking to improve your spiritual life? Growth in the Christian life takes time and believe it or not ‘effort’. Godliness doesn’t come by thinking about being godly, it comes when you work on your godliness. Serving others doesn’t come by thinking about where you can serve, it comes when you actually involve yourself in serving others. What you need to realize is when you commit yourself to following Jesus, you are actually committing yourself to a life of discipleship. (Mark 8:34-38)

Discipleship is a life-long journey, or rather a life life-long relationship, not a one-off event. And part of discipleship means committing yourself to being equipped as a disciple of Jesus. This means that if you are a Christian, you have committed yourself to learning how to follow Jesus in life. I believe that there are three areas of discipleship every Christian needs to work on. It’s all about growing to be more like Christ (Col.1:28). Firstly, there is the discipleship of a Christlike mind i.e. having your mind or thinking shaped by the word of God (Rom.12:2). As they say – ‘garbage in, garbage out’. The same holds true for your mind – right thinking comes when your mind is filled with the right things. Learn to disciple your mind by growing in your knowledge of the word of God (2 Tim.3:14-17). Disciples of Jesus are students of the word of God.

Then there is the discipleship of a Christlike heart i.e. having your heart shaped by the godliness a Christlike character. Your heart is the hidden unseen part of your life that occasionally surfaces in your relationships, your attitudes and your decisions. Forgiveness, humility, love, patience, kindness, compassion, perseverance, self-control, generosity … are all ‘heart’ issues (2 Peter 1:5-9; Gal.5:22). Learn to disciple your heart by growing in your personal godliness, in Christlike character. Disciples of Jesus are students of personal godliness.

Thirdly, there is the discipleship of a Christlike hand i.e. having your hands shaped by a Christlike service. Following Jesus is not just about becoming more like Jesus, but also becoming more like Jesus in my relationship to others as well (John 13:34), It’s all about equipping yourself for the work of ministry to serve those around you (Eph.4:12-13). Learn to disciple your hands by growing to use your God given gifts and abilities to serve others, in Christlike service. Disciples of Jesus are students of ministry.

If you’re following Jesus, you’ll commit yourself to the discipleship of your mind, your heart and your hands. Every Christian is called to be prepared for the work of ministry. And that really is what Training For Ministry (TFM) is all about this year. Running over 6 Tuesday evenings in March and April, TFM is looking to help you grow in your knowledge, character and ministry. Would you be prepared to invest 12 hours this year to go the next step in your Christian life?

Check out the details, by right clicking and downloading the TFM image below!

Euge