St Augustine's Church Petone

At this time in our history the Church in places like Aotearoa New Zealand is facing some big challenges. Once upon a time, perhaps even 50 years ago, the Church had a place in society, “A seat at the table” if you will. We were major contributors to the life, culture, values and direction of our society. Historically this was called Christendom, and it had been this way within Western/European societies for nearly 1500 years! However, something changed.

Now I don’t want to go into how it all changed, but I do want to acknowledge that it has all changed. Our society and culture, whether acknowledged and understood or not, still has a broadly Christian foundation, however the Church and faith in Jesus no longer has a place in the same way it once did. It used to be that most people called themselves “Christian,” and perhaps went to church services at Christmas and Easter. Or perhaps they sent their children to Sunday School. It used to be that students sung hymns and had Bible class at school. It used to be that senior clergy were asked for their opinion on the issues of the day by journalists. However, now we find that the vast majority of people identify with no religion at all, and that a number of religions and ideologies share the table. We find that parents wouldn’t even think of sending their children to Sunday School, let alone attend a service themselves. We find that schools no longer have hymns or Bible classes. And that most journalists wouldn’t think to ask a clergy person for their opinion, or even have a basic understanding of Church thought or affairs.

This all leaves church families and individual disciples wondering where we fit in society, and even left asking who are we? Why bother with this whole Church thing? What are we even doing here? Where are we going as a Church?

Why bother?
My short answer to this question is, “Because it makes a difference.” It makes a big difference! Almost every believer has had their life deeply impacted for the better by Jesus. If you get to know a church family, it doesn’t take long before you start hearing stories about how God has changed people’s lives. If you read one of the four Gospels, on every page is a story of people’s lives transformed by Jesus. And this makes sense, because God made us to be deeply connected, loved, cared for, provided for and guided by Him. When humans are not connected with God, things don’t go well. When people find God, or when God finds them, things change for the better very quickly. It makes a huge difference to have human lives and communities connected to the source of all life and goodness!

What are we doing here?
Church families do funny things, they get together every Sunday to hang out. They do strange things like sing together, read prayers together, confess their sins together and get talked at by know it all preachers. They do peculiar things like drink weak coffee and eat arrowroot biscuits, and chat together. And they even do weird things with bread, and drink wine at ten in the morning together! We don’t do all this for it’s own sake, but we do it all because it can help us to learn to be more like Jesus. The good news is we can have the best life possible by learning to be like the creator of the Universe. And who better to teach us about ourselves, life, relationships, spirituality, work, play, family, life goals and loving others than an all knowing, all loving God!? Therefore, church families at their best become a kind of classroom, gym or dojo for learning to have the best life possible, taught by the best possible teacher, Jesus!

So, where are we going?
The short answer to this one is, “Deeper loving relationship.” We are made to be loved by God and to love Him. We were made to love others as God loves us. And we were made to love this Earth. If we find our life in God and are learning to be more like Jesus, then our depth and ability to love and be loved will grow deeper and deeper, becoming more and more propound, and having a big and big impact on our lives and those around us. Therefore, as church family and as individual disciples the goal and direction of our lives is deeper loving relationship with our God and those whose lives are linked with ours.

So who are we now that things have changed? We are the same we have always been, Beloved Children of God and followers of Jesus. Ultimately, our place in society or our success at growing churches or influencing our culture does not define us. We are defined and find our place in the world because of what God has said about us and done for us. And He loves us no matter what, offers to teach us how to live the best kind of life and gives us the power to do so. This Heavenly Dad gives His children everything they need to live life well and meet any challenge they may face. It is so good to be part of His Church!