The 40 people who said they would be part of the 8.30am congregation also need to meet to plan and prepare.
What for?
1. To explore ways in which we can reach out to those who do not yet belong, to build bridges, to set up events and groups that will allow outsiders to take steps towards hearing the gospel about Jesus and joining his church.
2. To plans ways in which all of us can grow together into Christ and into his body, through small groups, discipleship, mentoring, Bible study and so on.
3. To think afresh about how we meet on Sundays. This will be more significant for the 10am group since there is potential for more variety and flexibility at that service.
It is my hope and prayer that all of the people who start in the new congregations will see themselves as part of a Mission Team. Or, if you like, each of us could see ourselves as part of the body of Christ. Each with gifts and ministries to contribute to the whole. But contributing within and as part of a body, not just individuals doing our own thing.
And what if we have no gift or ministry? All Christians have gifts and ministries (please talk to me if you are not sure what yours is). And all of us are needed by the others. All of us can pray. All of us can smile and say hello to others, nearly all of us can remember the names of some of the others (and pray for them). Some of us can clean toilets, some can read the Bible in church, some can bake scones, some can wash up, some can lead Bible studies.
Above all, this new stage in God’s mission through Christ the King in Willetton must be done under the rule of the Holy Spirit and it must be supported, surrounded, and spearheaded by prayer.
Please keep praying
Dale