Welcome to this new monthly column: Curious, by Jo Hood. Jo is the Visionary/CEO of mainly Ministries, an organisation that remains curious as they resource local churches, church plants, missional communities, and Christian schools to connect with whu0101nau in the community through creating joy-filled communities of belonging where Jesus can be revealed.
We are all called to be a witness to our faith. Some of us feel successful but not satisfied. Others donu2019t feel successful at all. The mission of God is to restore creation u2013 thatu2019s not only the earth but the people who inhabit it too. Iu2019m curious. What, then, does witness look like when youu2019re part of a team participating together in a community-facing connection point?
How can we increase our u2018witnessu2019 effectiveness?
Witness can beu2026start where people already are. Phew. Thatu2019s less scary when you think about it. Start where people already are. God is already at work. He isnu2019t only at work in our church or only in and through us. God is already at work. God is calling people to Himself.
Have you ever considered what it might look like to disciple someone even before they decide to commit to becoming a follower of Jesus? Entering into this thinking will blur the lines; it stops us from feeling like u2018itu2019s all up to meu2019. Letu2019s not separate our faith-life and our secular-life as we join in Godu2019s mission. This way, we can witness to what God is doing in the whole of life and become aware of how He is restoring the people He created.
A friend wrote in from a mainly music after matua/a parent had reported her primary-aged tamaiti/child, a former attendee, still chooses to take his mainly music Bible to school with him as his book to share with his teacher and friends. This whu0101nau/family have not yet professed faith. But God is at work.
Flourishing or floundering?
Sou2026you think this might be a repeat of the title? No. This is about your team growing as witnesses u2013 the team that engages in the planning, organisation, and execution of the community-facing connection youu2019re involved in!
When you meet, ask questions of each other:
>> What is God teaching you so that we might learn too?
>> How can we grow our faith together?
>> What has stuck out for you in the Word lately that might be a revelation for us all?
>> Is there a message to share in an everyday conversation?
>> What do you believe God for that is beyond your personal resources so we can join you?
Teams can work together, helping each other through karakia/prayer. Teams can contribute by ministering together and ministering to each other. That means being vulnerable, honest, and engaged together. Teams can flourish as witnesses to Godu2019s work within each of us. Teams can flourish, recognising the boundaries of our roles and leaving space for the Holy Spirit to work.
Flourishing or floundering? Iu2019m curious as to where your team is at as you witness to the amazing Creator of this universe and His aroha/love for a relationship with each of us.
Photo: supplied by mainly Ministries, from iStock
