Something New Is About To Happen
Through the last year a group of younger adults have been meeting with us to consider their experience of church as ‘Millennials’ – that is people who became adults this century. We have talked, worshipped, shared meals and dreamed. A next step is now being taken. In the blog post below Aaron Haworth sets out his vision and the arrangements that are being made.
Francis & Barbara Noordanus – Trinity Church Pastors
Creating space to meet Jesus in this busy over-stimulated world.
Life is busy. Work is consuming. There are not enough hours in the week to see even my closest friends, let alone foster an intimate relationship with Jesus. Church is supposed to be enough right? For some maybe, but I feel like something is missing. When I read about great Christian heroes such as Corrie ten Boom or John Wesley, what I admire is their passion and unwavering commitment to what they believe. Is that a gift they were born with or are these traits something that can be developed?
Sunday services are great. They fill an important place in our faith experience, and should not be replaced. But, it doesn’t feel like enough. There is only so much we can learn or grow from in a Sunday setting.
Home groups are also important. They allow for a small bond between a group of people, and allow for study and intimacy not possible in a church service.
For many of us this is the extent of our Christian life, with the addition perhaps of a prayer before a meal and bed and our personal devotion times.
Even with all these great disciplines of faith, I still see some holes. It seems to me there is a space in between the personal devotion, the home group, and the Sunday service. Something or somewhere that allows us to flex our spiritual muscles, learn and grow in a practical way, and to ask questions.
I have been pondering these questions for many years, for myself and for others:
- What is missing?
- How can we fill this gap?
I have been praying and pondering on this gap for many years, and I felt led to the verse in Matthew where God tells us:
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.
Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV)
I wondered about this concept of disciple. What is a disciple? A follower? An apprentice? Am I simply a believer, or am I a Disciple of Jesus Christ? Something worth thinking about.
So let’s think about it.
I have been thinking about starting something new at Trinity for a while now. I feel led to create a space where people can come together to learn what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. To have an intimate worship time together. To have open learning and discussions about these topics and others in the future. To have a place where we can put into practice some of the things we learn, such as intercession or the prophetic. To create a space where we can become a community for each other, where we can be authentic, intimate, vulnerable when needed. A space where in a spirit of love and community we can dig deeper into the practice of our faith.
So what does this mean? What will we do?
Regularly on a Saturday afternoon from 15:30 till 17:00, we will gather for a time of worship (bring your mobile to get the song words) and a small talk about the place of this gathering in our Trinity faith community. This will be followed by a simple dinner for those who want to stay for dinner (not compulsory). Families and children welcome. There will be entertainment in the creche if needed. The first Saturday a soup and bread meal will be provided. If you want to bring some more finger-food to share you are welcome.
We plan to continue meeting monthly, on the first Saturday of the month, and you are most welcome to come and join at any time.
Aaron Haworth