Over the last 2-3 years I have had the
incredible privilege of meeting a lot of pastors and Christian leaders from
right across the denominational (and non-denominational) spectrum. I have
also interacted with a growing number of Christian marketplace leaders who are
seeking to advance the Kingdom of God in their respective spheres around NZ.
As I've talked read and listened I've noticed
a recurring theme which goes something like this:
1) Christian leaders want to make a Kingdom difference in their places of work, families, church and ministry, recreation and neighbourhoods.
2) Christian leaders want to connect meaningfully with not-yet Christian people on a one-to-one basis.
3) The world is a rapidly changing place and the issues of the day are coming upon us faster and with much greater complexity.
1) Christian leaders want to make a Kingdom difference in their places of work, families, church and ministry, recreation and neighbourhoods.
2) Christian leaders want to connect meaningfully with not-yet Christian people on a one-to-one basis.
3) The world is a rapidly changing place and the issues of the day are coming upon us faster and with much greater complexity.
So my conclusion about all this is:
5) 'Pat' answers no longer work. Besides, many of the contemporary issues are not black or white but various shades of grey.
6) It seems to me that if we as a Christian community want to connect with our kiwi culture then it is incumbent on all Christians that they are briefed and have a working knowledge, especially pastors, so that it informs their preaching, leading and counselling of God's people.
7) So, long story short. After much humming and hawing I've decided to start a blog. Oh yes, I have... as another offering to our WillowNZ network. My blog called 'Church and Society' will on occasion be a personal spiel about something I am ‘hot to trot’ about, but more often than not it will be some reflections and a resource on the pressing issues of the day.
God bless
you
Alan
