Values 16-18
16. Encounter with Jesus
A list of rules does not transform us. The only thing that truly transforms us is encountering Jesus and the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Encounter brings healing and wholeness, purpose and a future, the acceptance of being fully known and yet fully loved. We need to bring people into God’s presence to encounter him time and time again, for him to do what He does so well.
“I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the Lord, in your presence.”
Questions
- How can you give people in your neighbourhood more opportunities to encounter Jesus?
- In what ways is your community shaped by the presence of the Holy Spirit?
17. Celebrating the tokens of the kingdom
Being able to spot the small things that God is doing and respond with thankfulness and celebration is key. Or, as we say, “celebrating the tokens of the Kingdom of God”; celebrating the down payment of what is still to come. It’s important that we acknowledge and celebrate both on a one to one basis but also as a church family. After all, what you celebrate is what you propagate.
“I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.”
Questions
- How do you and your community celebrate the small stuff?
- In what ways can you develop a culture of thankfulness in your community?
18. It takes all sorts
If we’re going to have a worshipping community on every estate, we’re going to need lots of different people to join us.
Relocators: those who will move on to estates, to live intentional, missional lifestyles.
Returners: those from estates who have moved away for a while but who are called to return.
Remainers: those who are called to keep living on their estates in an intentional, missional way.
Releasers are also needed: those who will release the resources needed on to our estates.
“And so the body is not made up of one part but of many.”
Questions
- What kinds of people make up your community (Relocators, Returners, Remainers or Releasers)?
- How can you engage with a wider group of ‘Releasers’ who could help resource the work you are doing?
