Last Wednesday I was in Auckland with church and denominational leaders from across Aotearoa New Zealand. The aim of the gathering was to see how the NZ church can be better equipped and more effective at reaching the lost for Christ.
It was great to come back from that and dive right into our staff retreat where we are striving to do exactly that here in Wellington.
The staff team dedicated Thursday and Friday to our annual retreat where we spent time in the word, praying and planning for the future.
Except this retreat was a little different to previous years. Usually we debrief the year that has (almost) gone and spend time planning for the year ahead. All of which is important to do so that we can keep multiplying and maturing followers of Jesus.
This year our time was spent praying for and planning the next three years. Under God and for his glory, what might City on a Hill look like in 2025 as we continue to seek to grow his Kingdom here in Wellington?
I’m looking forward some of the fruit of this work at our Birthday Sunday on 6th November.
But one of the most encouraging things about our staff retreat was the clarity and unity in the gospel we all share – as a staff team and as a church.
We’re convinced that the message about Jesus’ death and resurrection is good news for every man, woman and child in our city. We’re excited to be used by God as he reaches and saves the lost. And we’re equipped with everything we need as God powerfully works through his Spirit and his Word transforming many into wholehearted followers of Jesus.
I love the clarity of the words Jesus prays in John 17 as he asks God that he be glorified for his works of salvation,
“Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.”
Eternal life can only come through by God through Jesus Christ. What a message we have received and been transformed by and what a great hope we have to share! Let's glorify God together as this good news rings out from us.
Grace & peace,
Andrew
p.s. Apologies for the lack of eNews last Friday!
eNews - 28th October 2022