Jesus loves his church, and is determined to build it. The grace of it is that he enlists us as co-builders. The promise is the reward of the Lord.
Each builder must choose with care how to build.
Choosing with care how to build is best done is a community, a fellowship of builders who interact with and hone one another’s work.
That’s what I’m here for, and I’d love to walk with you along the way.
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Thanks Andrew – I agree wholeheartedly. However, as a ‘veteran’ of both Sydney and Adelaide diocese [what is the plural of diocese and how do you spell it?] our relationships seem to be characterised more by suspicion, competition, insecurity and a desire to control those who are ‘other’ than us. Obviously there needs to be a personal commitment to mortify these particular creatures of the flesh, but I would value your comments on how we may influence the systems we operate in to make it more like the ideal.
PS. did you go to Sydney Grammar?
Cameron,
thanks for dropping in. You would get an interesting perspective having been in 2 dioceses!
The issues you raise – suspicion, competition, insecurity – are deep ones, and so embedded in both our culture and the culture of our city/nation.
In the end, I think the most powerful action is simply to refuse to be bound by them, and when you find yourself having been trapped, to say sorry quickly and cleanly. These are things best not so much talked about, but lived alternately to, it seems to me. And part of my thought about the blog is to do that – and risk whatever flak might come my way!
And yes, I sang the Alligator Mincemeat warcry at College St from 78-83. You?
Oh dear, I’m another alligator mincemeat!
I agree – in essence “the power of one who follows the ONE”. Human systems, even ecclesial ones, have a spiritual life of their own, but Christ has conquered these as well.
I was at St Ives until 1981 and then defected to Barker.
Hi Andrew! Your blog’s always a great read.
Would you mind posting a list of leadership books that you recommend? I remember you kept referring to them when we were on mission last year. They sounded really interesting and I’m keen to add them to my growing ‘to read’ list!
Thanks!
Kylie
Andrew,
I have a question –
how do you consolidate the theology of the priesthood of all believers with hearing God speak from the front on a Sunday?
God’s Word is the bible and thats all i hold to. But ministers claim to speak God’s word. Literally this means reading the Bible but the meaning extends to their exegetical opinion and i find it compelling that their opinion holds the same weight as God’s word when (especially in this philosophical environment) it is no greater than that of anyone else- since we all can and must read, understand and interpret the Word of God.