looking back, looking forward

You saw some images from the 2011 Annual Report on the big screen last Sunday. Kevin opens the report by looking back and looking forward. Check out what he has to say, and download an electronic copy of the report, or pick up a hard copy from the tables in the auditorium.

Kevin opens the Annual Report with these thoughts...

As I reflect on what God is doing here at ashgrove I am drawn back to Jeremiah 31 where I sense God is reminding us that it is He who will ...bring them ...lead them besides streams of water ...turn their mourning into gladness ...give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow ...refresh the weary and the faint. Yes, God continues to challenge us to be about the business of transforming communities through Jesus, and to pursue this vision knowing that, "unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labour in vain".

To suggest that this is what God is on about brings with it an obvious challenge. As a church we are wealthy, have skills, and are spoilt with gifted people. And like the church in Ephesus (Rev 2) I have no doubt we will be commended for our "hard work and perseverance". The flip-side of this is that we can be tempted to rely on our own ability and strength. I believe God is calling us to resist this temptation and hunger after Him.  As individuals and as a church we need to rediscover Jesus: the One who is all we need.

There is another aspect to what God is saying to us in this. If we exist to be part of God's eternal purpose of "reconciling all things to himself through Christ" by transforming communities through Jesus, then that must be our priority. As I reflect on our journey as a church my perception is that we still struggle with issues of "exclusivity-inclusivity" and where we fit on the "Christendom-missional" continuum. These are important issues to constantly wrestle with and will require our diligence as we make plans, establish ministries, and prepare budgets over the next few years.

This year saw significant changes to the Ministry Team. I have the opportunity to lead a team of gifted and skilled people who passionately desire to live for and serve Jesus. This continues to be one of the highlights of my role here at ashgrove.

However, nothing is ever static. Cara Cox, Kerryn Colen, Ann-Janette Reinhardt, and Natasha Edwards have for various reasons stepped aside from their roles within the Ministry Team. These godly women served us well and brought an amazing commitment and capacity to their roles. We need to acknowledge that God 'raised up' these gifted people and that we were given the opportunity and privilege of making room for them. And while it was 'for a season', we want to praise God for what He has done and continue to be open to Him for how He wants us to engage in ministry here at ashgrove.

These movements coupled with Tim Sweetman and Dan Paterson moving into full-time positions means an inevitable change in the look and feel of the place. Our challenge in the face of this will be to not lose who we believe God has called us to be, and to retain a resolute commitment to what God has called us to do.

Kevin Bird

Senior Team Leader/Pastor

Click to view ashgrove's 2011 Annual Report