Fun, Friendship and Faith

Last Sunday was the anniversary of Logan Uniting Church and it was great to remind ourselves of who we are and how God is shaping us as His people. The picture below illustrates how God is shaping us as a church. Every part of this diagram is necessary if we are to be effective in participating with the Holy Spirit in drawing people to Christ.

As a model for discipleship it also reminds us that participating in covenant relationships that  genuinely encourage and challenge us in following Christ (faith life group or IFFF); sharing Christ and the joy we have in Him with those who don’t know Christ (fun life groups and friendships); gathering together to praise God and reflect on His word (faith event – corporate worship); and connecting with Christ personally in prayer and personal engagement with the bible; are all critical dimensions of growing and living as a disciple of Christ.

I have recently been reflecting on the way in which our wider community is in such a different place to 5 years ago. The Global Financial Crisis, the floods, cyclone and the number of job cuts recently in Queensland (along with the pressures of life, increases in costs and the global uncertainties we live in) have deeply shaken people’s confidence. At same time facebook and the iphone (smart phone), ipad etc. have dramatically changed the way we communicate and think. In this sort of context I believe a church that is focussed on developing genuine relationship with God and each other and a passion to serve the broken and those who don’t know Christ is the one that has a future. All the “trappings” that we have at times associated with “Church” have far less relevance – basically loving God and others deeply, honestly and sacrificially is what matters.

May God help you and me and “us” keep the main thing the main thing

Yours in Christ

Graham Keech