‘God was already up to something’

Developing a missional culture and forming relationships that provide outreach opportunities do not happen overnight. So, foundations laid before mission gets going are essential – and build excitement and enthusiasm. That’s why, when Pastor Mark Whitfield told us his small New Zealand congregation was making connections leading to ‘emerging mission possibilities’, we asked him to share more.

In my second week as pastor of St Paul’s Christchurch last October, I reached out to Rory, the local government community development advisor for our area. I said I was on a mission to help St Paul’s find its place in the community and learn how we might be useful to and bless our local area.

Rory showed me a big wall map and pointed to our location, right in the middle. He said there were almost no community activities happening around St Paul’s. My heart leapt for joy.

It was as though a blank canvas of ministry opportunity was laid before us, except that I knew God was already up to something. We began exploring ministry possibilities.

A few weeks later Rory emailed and said a retired farming couple wanted to put a ‘Sharing Shed’ in our suburb. That shed, housing a ‘sharing’ pantry and book exchange, is now on our church land. People come and go, and local schoolkids are preparing to paint and decorate it.

During the shed building, I met Greg, the community board member for our suburb. He said a community services trust was looking for a place from which to offer its programs. As a result of negotiations and some sprucing up of our place, we welcomed these people in early August. Within three days, around 200 people had come into the church.

We also have music ministry possibilities. I discovered last year that the University of Canterbury was looking for a home for its beautiful baroque pipe organ. I shared a vision for a Bach Cantata Vespers ministry and invited them to base the organ at St Paul’s. This month I learnt that the university had agreed. This ministry will present the gospel through some of the finest music within the Lutheran heritage.

We’ve made wonderful connections that are leading to emerging possibilities. We’re not exactly doing mission yet, but we’re prepping ourselves for the opportunities God is bringing us to be alongside our community. I’ve always liked the story of Philip and the Ethiopian (Acts 8) and the invitation from the Lord to ‘go to the chariot and stay near it’, with the hope that someone might invite us ‘come up and sit’ alongside and tell them about Jesus.

We are the face, the presence, the heart of Jesus to the world. We have the most beautiful gift of God’s grace and love to share. So, look everywhere around wherever you are … God is already up to something! He prepares the way for conversations, opens doors to possibilities, and can even use the community sector to help us be what he created us to be – witnesses to his gospel in the world.

Pastor Mark Whitfield is Bishop Emeritus of the Lutheran Church of New Zealand.