eNews - 19th August 2022

When was the last time you invited someone to church?

Last month we had an external consultation to help us be more effective at multiplying and maturing wholehearted followers of Jesus. Some trusted leaders came to City on a Hill to kick the tyres and ask some tricky questions.

All up the experience was actually very encouraging and affirming for much of what we're doing. We're on the right track with team ministry, the Life Course, great kids ministry and clear pathways for welcoming new people and leader development.

While we await the offical report and recommendations, it was clear to those involved that there were a few initial areas of concern...

One was that Tory Street isn't big enough for Night Church. We really need to find a new venue so it can continue to grow! This is a good problem to have to solve!

Second was we really need to begin the hard work of securing a long term property as a base for City on a Hill into the future. In short, we need to buy something! Again, a good problem but daunting to solve!

The third thing that became clear was how it was that new people were finding out about and coming to City on a Hill. It seems like the vast vast majority of people who have joined us in the last 24 months have found us via Google and the Holy Spirit.

One way to look at that is, 'Great! People can find our church, come along and get plugged in!'

Another way to look at that is, 'Oh, so who are the people coming because they were invited by someone already at City on a Hill? Not many...'

"How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? 15 And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’" Rom 10:14-15

If we're to continue to reach new people and multiply and mature wholehearted followers of Jesus then we, as a whole church, need to grow in our confidence to invite our friends and family along. That's why we've be reviving our 5 for 5 cards (see below), putting on more connection events and trying to share more stories of how God has worked to save people through the Life Course.

We're convinced that Jesus is the greatest person of all time and that real, lasting, satisfying life can be found in his name. That his is the only name through which we can be saved!

What a great hope we have to share! So I'll reframe my initial question, Who is the next person you're planning on inviting to church?

Grace & peace,
Andrew

eNews - 12th August 2022

On Tuesday night at a mens conference in Christchurch I found myself surrounded by a group of brothers who were all formerly members of City on a Hill. They had each moved away for work, family or ministry and were now plugged into local churches around the city.

It was such a great delight to hear from each of them about how they were continuing to grow as followers of Jesus and use their gifts to serve in their new church communities.

I couldn't help but echo Paul's words in Philippians 1,
"I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."

At City on a Hill we're not just sending mission partners overseas but we're also committed to encouraging and equipping all of God's people to serve wholeheartedly wherever God might lead them. And it was such a joy to see that still happening when folks had left and continued to give of themselves for the sake of God's kingdom.

So may I ask, how are you equipping yourself for service in God's kingdom?

Grace & peace,
Andrew