The Shape of Things to Come - Part 2

Dear Pastors

First off a big thanks to those of you who wrote me a response after last week’s blog. Lots of excellent and helpful comments and questions.

Secondly, I need to share my dismay. Since the passing of the ‘COVID19 Public Health Response Act 2020’ last week Wednesday I was left wondering (for about 4 days) if CHURCH = SUNDAY GATHERINGS. But then Sunday rolled around and I realised that most of you accepted the decision and continued online……..happily so. And I want to say thank you for doing that. We are still as a Nation wanting to ‘Save Lives’. And I wish the media would report some of these stories instead of the one story up country somewhere.

Third. As at writing this piece this morning I must confess that I am not hearing a consistent message about what the future might look like, at least not yet. What I am hearing from most pastors is that they just want to ‘get back and get on’.

I can tell you what I am not hearing much of, if any.

• I’m not hearing a serious conversation about any fundamental change to the shape of things to come. Yes a few tweaks here and there but not a careful re-visit about the fundamentals of church life.
• I’m not hearing a serious conversation about the new evangelistic opportunities that are already presenting themselves in a post COVID19 world.
• I’m not hearing a serious conversation how the Christian Church will address the ‘spirit of consumerism’ so deeply embedded in our Christian sub-culture.

That said, there are approximately 3000 churches in NZ and I certainly haven’t heard from all of them. But I have heard (or read) from a good representation. And then just yesterday I ‘accidently’ bumped into this article from Mike Frost posted just two days ago called, “Where are the true prophet’s in a time of coronavirus?”

I’ll let Mike Frost have the last word today. It’s very challenging!

No I won’t. I have just read of Ravi Zachariah’s passing away. I will let one of his daughter’s, Sarah Davis have the last word. Get a tissue out.

Blessings

Alan

Alan Vink is currently the Executive Director for LeadershipWorx. Prior to this role he has been the Executive Director of Willow Creek Association NZ (WillowNZ), a Baptist pastor (23 years), Bible College teacher, and church consultant.