Rachel Sangster is the Pastor of Riccarton Baptist Church in Ōtautahi Christchurch.
We were going through the book of Galatians, the letter Paul wrote to the Christians in Galatia early on in Church history. I explained that we would be taking some “bites” from the first two chapters over the next few weeks. I encouraged people to take time during the week, in small groups or individually, to “chew” over the passages. Then we would have a Sunday to “digest” them together.
1. Bites
Teaching and learning from Galatians 1 and 2 around some big Gospel truths:
- We are justified by faith in Christ, not by works of the law.
- It is the amazing grace of God that saves us.
- God does not love us because of what we can do for him; He loves us simply because He loves us. This is grace.
- Let this gospel be what unites us. Grace, not law, is the basis of belonging to this diverse faith community—unity in our diversity.
Throughout this time, we read Scripture aloud, including verses like Galatians 2:19–20:
“I have been crucified with Christ… and the life I now live I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
We spoke these Gospel truths over one another. One Sunday, we turned to the person next to us and said, “God is pleased with you.” Then we said it about ourselves: “God is pleased with me.” Many of us found it easier to say these words to others than to truly believe them for ourselves—a reminder of how deeply we need grace to take root.
We declared these truths together:
- I am justified—acquitted, not guilty—by faith.
- I am accepted in Christ.
- I am deeply loved, even in my imperfections.
One week, the primary-aged children had time to engage in these scriptures together during the sermon.
2. Chew
Each week, study and reflection questions were available for people to take home to continue exploring the text individually, as families, or in small groups. This was our “chew” phase—taking in the Word slowly and intentionally.
3. Digest
At the end of chapter 2, we paused to “digest.” We encouraged everyone to revisit Galatians 1 and 2 during the week—reading it aloud, in different translations, around the dinner table, listening to the audio Bible—whatever worked. We invited people to journal, reflect, and discuss verses or ideas that stood out to them or stirred questions.
The following Sunday was our monthly Brunch Church. At this relaxed, food-filled gathering, we connect with each other and with God around the table. About 75 of us gathered. After eating, worshipping, and taking communion together, I opened the space for everyone to reflect at their tables on what had stood out in Galatians 1 and 2. I provided simple resources—crayons, markers, paper, playdough—so groups could creatively express their reflections. They had 30 minutes.
The room came alive!
There was a buzz of energy and conversation as people shared. Tables were beautifully diverse, with people of different ages, cultures, and languages all engaging together. Two visitors were warmly welcomed and drawn in by their groups.
Eventually, I gathered everyone back to share, and every group was eager to present what they had created:
One group reflected on Paul’s teaching that we are all equal in Christ. They noticed that the six of them were each from different countries. They decided to draw around their hands and draw their country’s flag, with “Christ” in the centre.
In another group, a quiet 13-year-old girl volunteered to read both chapters aloud. Then, she wrote and performed a rap summarising the key ideas, cheered on by the older adults in her group who became her beatbox crew!
A family group used playdough to share what they had discussed. The 11-year-old read the verse that stood out to them, and the 21-year-old shared their thoughts.
These are just a few snapshots of what happened. The room was filled with the sound of curiosity, creativity, and connection—people of all backgrounds asking questions, listening deeply, and digging into the Word together.
I didn’t try to wrap it all up or offer a tidy conclusion. Instead, we simply let each voice be heard.
Then, something beautiful happened.
As a spontaneous, collective response to the Gospel truths we had shared and experienced together, the room erupted in worship. We sang praise to God with such exuberance; the atmosphere was electric. After a shared experience of declaring the truths of the gospel and co-creating in different ways, the natural response as a community of God’s people was to lift our voices in joyful, united praise. It felt like a stadium cheer at an All Blacks game, but way better!
As I reflected later, I was deeply moved by what God had done among us. I remembered the intentional journey we have been on as a community. This way of engaging—experiential, inter-generational, inter-cultural, creative—has become part of our DNA; it is who we are. It takes time. It’s often messy. But it is so worth it.
Honestly, I believe it’s a glimpse of heaven.
As a leader, I brought very little that Sunday, just the invitation to share and some basic supplies. I had to let go of control and trust that God would work through His people.
And He did.
Photos: Supplied by Rachel Sangster
