GUEST POST FROM ADELE SOUTHERTON
Kia ora Andrew,
Take one look at the life of Jesus and it’s abundantly clear that he was a man who cared deeply about people. Moved by compassion, he sought to meet the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of those around him. He did this by humbly serving them in love, in deeply personal ways. And he called his followers to do the same.
Our church vision is to multiply and mature wholehearted followers of Jesus. We cannot follow Jesus and be apathetic about care. In fact our love for one another is the mark by which the world will know that we are his disciples.
Caring for one another is a responsibility we all share in, not something to be left for staff or experts in the area. With that in mind, in our community groups sometime this term or next, we will read and discuss a book called 'Caring for one Another' by Ed Welch. Our hope is that God will use that to shape us into a church community where care is given and received as if it were from God himself. May he teach us how to be like the hands, feet and lips of Jesus to one another.
However, God has given particular gifts of compassion, encouragement, generosity and service to certain people within his body. We want to ensure that these gifts are identified, nurtured and used well amongst us. What this looks like in a growing church is something we are thinking hard about. On camp, we shared where this thinking is up to and invited those of you who are passionate about care into this discussion. If you weren't there and think that's you, we would love to hear from you. (Just reply to this email).
The end goal of Christian care is to see that suffering saints persevere to the end of the race God has called them to run. It is not primarily about symptom relief or problem solving (although these may come into it), but rather about helping one another endure the various hardships we face with our eyes firmly fixed on Jesus.
Hebrews 12 tells us that 'He is the author and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners so that you will not grow weary and lose heart'.
Hardship presents a threat to our faith as it tends to exhaust and discourage us. But he gives us one another to care in ways that fix our eyes on the example of faith set by Jesus.
Grace & peace,
Adele
eNews - 4th August 2023