Changing churches isn’t uncommon for us in New Zealand. Perhaps it is an Auckland thing, or perhaps a kiwi thing. When I first began working with people from overseas they were a bit shocked at how often and how easily New Zealanders change churches. In my work with missionaries often a candidate would not have… Read More should I stay or should I go?
Last week I found a hair on my chin, it was not from the cat who had been sleeping on my clothes, it was firmly attached and sprouting in that random way that unwanted hairs have. It was a sign that I had to think about something I have been repressing ever since I saw… Read More why every church needs an eccentric lady
Today’s post is the third in a series introducing three key factors that I think the church needs to engage well and deeply with if it is to to move forward into the new future that the Spirit is unfolding. I began with an introduction which you can find here. The first factor was theology… Read More renewing community
On the first Monday of each month I offer some reflections on a book I have been reading. These are not book reviews, but a reflection on how the book interacts with my story and the questions that I currently have. I share where the book takes me with my questions, whether it conjures up… Read More reflections on Breaking Calabashes
I wish I had a dramatic tale to tell you. A story of a complete turnaround that caused me to leave a church or organisation (or even more exciting to be asked to leave). I wish I had left because I had a reversal in ideas and ideologies that left me directly at odds with… Read More u-turns and meanders
On November 23rd I introduced the season of Advent (questioning Christmas) the start of the church year and a time for preparing our hearts and minds for the celebration of Jesus birth. As a change from the traditional advent themes (hope, peace, joy, love) I have selected the traditional Carmelite themes of waiting, accepting, journeying… Read More journeying
Last week (questioning Christmas) I introduced the season of Advent, the start of the church year and a time for preparing our hearts and minds for the celebration of Jesus birth. As a change from the traditional advent themes (hope, peace, joy, love) I have selected the traditional Carmelite themes of waiting, accepting, journeying and… Read More waiting
I have started writing this post four times. Each time what I have to offer seems inadequate in the face of the grief and pain that I am seeing coming from the US. Each time I start and end up in different places. I am reluctant to blog about the US election as I don’t… Read More lessons for NZ
Am I an evangelical? This has been a question that has been playing around the edges of my mind over the last few years. Twenty-five years ago I would have said “what is an evangelical?” Fifteen years ago I would have easily answered “of course I am an evangelical”. Now I am not so sure.… Read More am i an evangelical?
I’m a sucker for a good vision. Appeal to my big picture, futuristic mindset with an exciting vision with global reach and engage my heart with values that are important to me and I’m yours – heart, mind and energy. Until reality kicks in, I become disillusioned, worn out and leave. I am beginning… Read More five thoughts about fitting in
Reflecting on Church in NZ 