Reverend Paul Arnold writes:
What is the church actually for?
Last Sunday evening, at our CCBN Network Gathering, I spoke from the end of Matthew's Gospel, where the risen Jesus gives His disciples what we often call the Great Commission: “Go and make disciples of all nations…”
It followed on from our previous Gathering, when we had looked at Jesus' words in John 15: “I am the vine; you are the branches.” We explored what it means to remain connected to Jesus, to draw our life from Him and to allow that life to bear fruit.
As I prepared for this next talk, I found myself thinking about the connection between these two passages. Perhaps the two ideas are more closely connected than we sometimes realise.
We abide in Jesus so that we can go with Jesus.
The church is a place where we gather to worship, pray, encourage one another and grow as disciples. But it is also a people sent into the world. Jesus calls us to join Him in His mission.
That has felt particularly tangible over the last few days.
On Thursday, more than 50 children came along to our Light Party and heard something about Jesus as the Light of the World.
On Friday, we gathered to celebrate the life of Mary Craggs. Her funeral was a reminder of the importance of being a community where people find love, belonging and care, and where we walk alongside one another through all the seasons of life.
Then, on Saturday, we spent time together thinking about what it means to live a life led by the Holy Spirit.
Three quite different occasions, but all part of the same picture. Going out, loving one another and growing as disciples. These things belong together.
So how do we begin to live this out? I suggested three simple practices.
1. Prayer: Make time to listen to God. Rather than simply bringing Him our requests, perhaps we could begin the day by asking, “Lord, where are you already at work, and how might I join you?”
2. Hospitality: Make room for people. That might mean inviting someone for a coffee, sharing a meal or simply noticing someone who is on the edge of a community. We don't always need to organise an event. Sometimes it starts with making time for another person.
3. Witness: Be willing to talk about Jesus. We don't need all the answers, or to be particularly confident. We can start by sharing something of our own story and what Jesus means to us.
These aren't three more things to add to an already busy diary. They are small ways of allowing our faith to shape the ordinary rhythms of our lives.
And perhaps that brings us back to where we started. Jesus doesn't send His disciples out and leave them to work it all out for themselves. His final words are a promise: “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
We don't go in our own strength. We go with the One who has called us, and who promises to be with us.
Abide in Jesus. Go with Jesus.
Every blessing
Reverend Paul Arnold Priest-in-Charge, Christ Church Bridlington Network
Email: parnold@ccbn.org.uk