I have some interesting conversations in my work as a highschool chaplain. Yesterday I had a good one with one of the teachers at school about cultural differences. It came about because she wanted to support the chaplaincy program by putting on a morning tea and inviting the other teachers. For me that would have…
Details
So far over 500 people are crazy enough to believe that they can change the world by living differently. These people have signed up to the challenge to spend a year living the way of Jesus. Based on the idea that we need to act ourselves into a new way of thinking, the Postcard Radio…
Details
There were many interesting and important discussions during my years studying theology, but the one I remember the most clearly was on the topic of church. Specifically, what makes a church a church? I figured I knew the answer to this question. I’d been to many churches in my life and knew how it all…
Details
Matthew 5:43-45 “You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good,…
Details
Last weekend our Pathway group decided to hold an ‘induction service’ for one of the group who was starting a new role as a minister with a local church organisation. In case you’re not sure what an induction is, it is simply a chance to stop and pray for people who have been called into ministry, and to ‘set them apart’ for that important work. It usually involves reading some relevant passages of the Bible, hearing about the specifics of this new role and then praying for a ‘blessing’ on this new minister.
That all seems like good stuff, however once we got to planning the day some uncomfortable thoughts began to emerge.
Details
“I miss the village I never had. The one with mothers doing the washing side by side, clucking and laughing hysterically, tired in body but quick in spirit. We’d know each other so well: annoying one another from time to time, but never staying mad long because the truth is, we need each other.” Here’s…
Details
I don’t know if you’ve ever tried to have a conversation with someone in the middle of a kids festival before. Strangely enough I’ve found myself in this situation quite a few times – twice even in the last week. The first time wasn’t planned though. It was meant to be a relaxing conversation with…
Details