This is your life

I was leaving my coaching session of the Beacon Under 13's carrying two footballs when one of the lads asked for one of them. I said "no", and so he asked why. My reply was along the lines of: "it was dark, there were cars around and that I was about to put them in my car." He then added but "I want one." I replied once again to his question with "sometime we don't always get what we want and we have to do things we don't want to." Smart, so I thought. He then said "I only wanted the ball not your life story!"

This young lads comment has kept coming back to me in the last week because I think it has a lot to teach us about how the church relates it faith, beliefs and values to those around us. I think we have something people want even if they don't realise it. Something that is good, precious and liberating. My relationship with God is what sustains me, drives me and empowers me to be the person I am and will be. I highly recommend it!

I recognise that the church has finds itself in a difficult cultural climate, where people have become sceptical about religion, organised groups and also the church. It is not easy being a Christian but that's the point, it not supposed to be. My belief is that people want to share their life stories with others (christian or not), people want to be in community with one another but have forgotten how.

The church needs to rediscover its confidence in telling it's stories, and then get out of its buildings and share them.

Matt

It is a lot safer in here

Have been reading a book called "Breakout" recently (Thanks James and Amy) . It the story of St Andrews, Chorleywood transitioning their church into Mission Shaped Communities with a central resourcing church. It has been really helpful for me in thinking about the life of Aspley SA but also in my thinking about the Salvation Army at large. One quote caught my eye: "This (today's) culture tends to keep the army in the barracks, and of course if the army is in the barracks the enemy has got the rest of the world" (Stibbe and Williams,2008 :Page 211).

It pretty obvious what is coming but it is something that has been bugging me a lot recently. How do engage with our community outside our church buildings? How do we move from maintenance to mission? How do we do church that makes sense to different groups of people of all ages? How do we make Christians confident in their faith enough to share it in the normal everyday?

I don't have many if any answers but I do know that the "come to us" model of church is no longer effective. We can't continue to wait for people to turn up on a Sunday, Alpha or Special services. We (the church) have to make the more out into our communities, in the reality of life. The problem is we feel safe in the barracks, protected by those we know and reassured by the familiar. yet, whilst we sit in our barracks we allow those people to continue to get lost, to miss out on the joy of being in a relationship with Jesus. It doesn't matter what model we use whether its cells, MSC, Alpha or planting (to name just a few), all I know is that we need to be creative and we need for it to make sense in our local communities first and foremost.

Still thinking this through but know that God wants more from his church, lets breakout and see what happens.

Matt

Run Forest........

I have got a place in the Virgin London Marathon 2010 and last week I went for my first full session at the gym on my workout to build up my stamina. I ached a little the day after but not too badly.

I began my work out OK and the moved on to the cross trainer, which is like running with ski poles in your hands and not lifting your feet up. There are two directions: forwards and backwards. After about 7 mins I realised I had been running backwards. No wonder it was hard work and feeling a little weird. My mind was thinking forward but my body was going backwards. Once I changed directions and got into my stride It felt much better. When I went to the gym on Sunday I made sure I was going the right way.

You can probably see where this is heading. As the church we may think we are going in the right direction but it seems hard work. If that is the case then we need to stop what we are doing and refocus our methods. It is easy to plough head on for a long time with taking looking back to see where we have been, where we have gone wrong and we we need to do differently. God doesn't want his church to work hard, I believe he wants his church to work smart.

26.3 miles is a long way so I had better make sure I train and run smart.

Matt

I can't get no satisfaction!!!

Do not worry I am not going to break into song! At the East Midlands Youth gathering in Grantham (25/10/09), Andy Whitehouse challenged us about our attitude to our churches to "not to become satisfied with what we have." An interesting thought that I felt was worth a blog.

On one level I disagree with him. Dis-satisfaction can lead to discontent which could in turn lead to a destruction of hope. This may sound extreme but I have seen many Christians get dis-satisfied and move on. Also there is a danger you can drag others down with you which will be damaging for a church community.

On the other hand Andy is right, if we become satisfied with our churches we will simple seek to maintain our churches rather than see that they are places of purpose and mission. I believe that God needs a church that is willing to question itself, be willing to be honest enough to see what is going on around us and change if necessary. Being dis-satisfied as a church should bread hope and mission because we are willing to evaluate our effectiveness and purpose.

I prayer I will never be satisfied with which ever church I find myself apart of but only because I want God to have the glory not because It doesn't suit my style or needs.

Matt

Home and Away

I did something silly last week. I didn't have football for the Beacon on Saturday so looked at the Saints fixtures to see that we were playing MK Don's (which is an hour or so away). Spoke to a couple of mates about coming and phoned to book tickets. I asked for the tickets in the away end and got a strange reply; "your a Saints fan but you want to sit in the away fans end." I thought to myself "that is what happens when you see you team at an away ground." Anyway, turns out we were at St Mary's!!

Over the last couple of months I have been thinking a lot about what I believe church is or should be. I have been chatting with a number of people about how the Salvation Army seeks to relate to our world. Sometimes I feel like I am a home fan in the away end. Trying to be heard over the the noise or feeling like I am in the wrong place (not physically). Is my understanding and approach to church wrong or off the page, have I missed something along my journey? Is my passion for a certain model of church better or worse than another, is my vision for the church out of sync with God's heart?

On the other hand, I have been energised by what I see God doing in and through the life of our church in Aspley. People are responding to God, asking question and seek to deepen their faith. I have had great conversations around how we need to change and/or renew our approach so that we can be more effective in being a people who represent Jesus in our communities. I also know that God is showing me the kind of leader he has made me and what my limitations and skills are. I am even more convinced that the church in 2009 can't remain on the fringe of society and must find new and creative ways of being in communities and all levels.

God is teaching me valuable lessons that I hope I will be faithful in learning. Come and join in, it's great fun.

Matt

Back to church - Part 2

Following on from comment on facebook regarding my blog on the 30th September, I thought it only right to deepen the discussion. Thanks to David for his helpful challenge (see below).

"ok - another little thought..."Isn't it about time we went back into our local pubs, shops, barbers, sports teams, schools, library, sheltered housing, council offices and many other places and take the message of Jesus with us for all to see." (This extract comes from my Blog 30/09/09)

"isn't that what everyone goes every day??so- i suggest (for chewing over) - we don't need any more calls to go - but rather a call to be effective in our demonstration of the gospel.... the "problem" may be that we Christians too often are living dualistic lives - we can be "all evangelical" on Sunday but on Monday be affronted that we would ever think of speaking of Jesus (after all everyone is entitled to their views)." (This is David Robertson's comment on my facebook page 02/10/09)

The questions that rang to mind as I read the comments were; is Sunday the most relevant day for a gathering? Are we stuck in a rut? What is church? Have we got it wrong? How do we aid our communities to inherit the kingdom of heaven on earth on Monday morning?

I think there is only one answer; Live it. We can have the best, well intentioned programmes or projects but unless our daily lives match up with our words we are useless. My firm belief is that people need to experience the goodness of God once again. We have left him out of so much of our lives that the world can no longer see His impact. Of course I know God doesn't need us for his mission to be effective but He wants us to be involved with His mission because it brings Him glory and honour. Maybe it's just me, but I think it requires us to redefine our understand of what church is or in fact what church should be.

Matt

Well done Wenger!

Today sees Arsene Wenger 13th anniversary of being at the helm of Arsenal Football Club. I have to be honest to say that I am not always a fan of his attitude after games but there is no doubt he is a brilliant coach and his teams play the best football in the league. Not only has he nurtured teams to play football the right way he has influenced the whole of the club, and many others in this country, as to how to maintain a club for the long haul.

"Thirteen years after he was greeted with the headline "Arsene Who?," Arsene Wenger made Arsenal history on Thursday. Having arrived in English football a virtual unknown, he is now the longest serving manager of one of the world's most famous clubs.

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/soccer/2009-10-01-3633290902_x.htm

So what has this got to do with the church? Arsene, for me, has proved that time is an essential commodity in leadership. Someone once told me that the average length of stay of a C of E vicar in growing churches is 17 years. Stability is key to developing teams, leaders and ministries in local churches that can flourish and impact the community. Arsene is still not finished with Arsenal and will continue to look at ways of making it a place where good football is played and trophies can be won. A church leader needs time to survey the church and it's community, discern a vision and then develop the values with which the church will grow. Of course there are dangers with leaving leaders in the same place such as: becoming comfortable, traditions setting in, becoming leader driven rather than need driven and feeling immovable.

As a Salvation Army Officer I have no idea how long I will be in Aspley (a long time I hope) as it's leader. But I am convinced that time is need in all situations to allow leaders and the church to seek and respond to the needs around them.

Matt

Back to church?

Last Sunday morning Lizzy and I went to Southampton to lead the Children's Celebration Sunday. Whilst on the journey (which was 2 hours shorter than the journey home) down from Nottingham we listened to Aled Jones on Radio 2 Sunday breakfast show. One of the guests on there was chatting about "Back to church Sunday" with the tag line "come as you are."

This got me thinking about how this idea is the wrong way round and that we should be going into the world rather than thinking people are going to stop what they are doing and come to church. We have been trying that for a long time and I don't believe it is a sustainable solution for the church. It is about time we turned our own backs on our church buildings and set out into the community to find out what exactly is needed rather than react to what is presented before us by people.

Jesus met people in their own village or town, He got out and about and His name and works spread out across the whole of the region. He was active not passive, mobile not static and people knew what he was about. In Matthew 13 Jesus sends out his disciples to go and cast out demons and heal the sick. He sends them out into the reality of a world where people needed to be freed, healed, restored and resurrected. He commands them to "go" and they go.

Isn't it about time we went back into our local pubs, shops, barbers, sports teams, schools, library, sheltered housing, council offices and many other places and take the message of Jesus with us for all to see.

Matt

Where would Jesus Shop

We went for our 20 week scan on Tuesday (22/09/09). Whilst waiting for the scan, Lizzy found this little snippet in the Metro that was left in the waiting room.

It was in reference to the Bishop of Reading saying that the Church of England should be less like Marks and Spencer and more like Aldi. I love the idea that Jesus would stand in the queue at Aldi. An interesting sentiment which on the face of it I would agree with but I have a couple of issues.

First, I would have to say that M & S is a positive role model for reducing it's carbon emissions and ethical trading. This is something that I would encourage and support.

Secondly, and more importantly its makes some assumptions about the people who go to Asda or Aldi. Is it only the poor that shop at these places or that we should just go to Aldi because the poor are there. For me, I shop at our local co-op as much as possible and because of that have got to know a few of the staff well. I also see a number of other people who I know from football, parents and toddlers, the drop-in and general other stuff.

I don't use the co-op because of the type of person who uses it but who uses it. Local people. Maybe the issue is more about where our churches are, the focus of our mission or the places in which our congregations live.

Matt

Finding Christ..........

"It's easy to see Jesus in Jesus people but we are called to see Jesus in everyone, even our enemies or people not like us" Rob Bell

I heard this quote whilst walking the streets delivering envelops for the Salvation Army annual door to door collecting. The money raised goes towards our Social Services in the UK. For some this is fills them with dread for others (like me) they quite enjoy it. The SA is involved in some great work throughout the UK from hostels to charity shops, Addition projects to working with prostitutes.

In contrast, this week I have also come in to contact with a family of 7 (mum and 6 children) who have fled a difficult situation and been housed in a council home. They have very little, the child have not been given school places yet and they were over the moon with the 2 bags of clothes and a football that I delivered yesterday.

Immediately, the quote from Rob Bell lept into my mind. It is so easy for me to "do my Job" and not get emmotional or attached to people and their needs. It is easy for us all to hide behind the SA and the "good works" that it does. We need to go beyond that and see everyone as Christ would, we need to get out of the comfort of our church buildings, even our own homes and be prepared to love those we find.

Matt

Are the blessings ours alone?

Recently, went to see U2 live at the Don Valley Stadium, Sheffield. They were out of this world as they went through their latest album with many of the hits added in for good measure.

One line still rings in my head loud and clear; "Blessing are not just for the ones who kneel, luckily." It has made me think about the experience of God that non-christians can have with out asking for it. It could seem unfair for all the life long Christians who do the right things, say the right things etc and then someone who doesn't even ask or maybe want God's blessing can receive it.

However, I have been excited that God can speak to and bless anyone and everyone. So often I have reduced God, restricted Him to the churches property. I am beginning to understand what this mean (but have some way to go) and how differently it means are approach to church should be. If we keep God inside our churches, is it any wonder that the Salvation Army (as well as other churches) is in decline.

Jesus didn't bless his followers all that often, it was the poor, the sick and the oppressed to whom the whom the blessings were given!

Matt

Do we need songs to worship? These young people don't think so!

Came across this little gem on the BBC website.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/8177318.stm

Yesterday at Aspley we had a Prayer Breakfast for the few of us that were around after a great day on Saturday for Louise and Mike's wedding. There were 6 of us in total and we shared in breakfast (bacon, coco-pops, juice and fresh coffee), watch the section from BBC one's big questions on "Do we try to hard to fix families and then had a conversation and time of prayer around the subject. No songs in sight yet it felt like church!

Matt

Do we need songs to worship?

I can still feel my back hurting from mission week last week. It was an amazing week where we experienced something of God's passion for his church to be involve in the community. Not only that, I have realised that I was worshipping!

I would say that I understand that anything can be worship but usually my example would be sport. In this instant it has taken a week to reflect on the nearness in which I now realised God was with me as I dug, drank tea and chatted with Lou (the estate manager). The thing that struck me is that there was no order of service, songs to sing (apart from an impromptu rendition of O happy day), band, PowerPoint or even a congregation. As we prayed on the Saturday at the end of the week we all experience what I would describe as a "holy moment" a moment where we realised God had indeed been with us and would remain at Stepney Court.

What made the week even more significant is that we had our 12 week scan and all is well this time. Unfortunately, I missed it as parking was a nightmare. But I don't care because everything is good, in fact it is brrrrriiiilliant (in a high pitched Matt voice). It had been an anxious few weeks, after going through a miscarriage in March, but this time it is all going to plan. I am really excited about being a dad in February an keep praying that God will bless Lizzy over the coming months.

I don't need songs to give thanks and praise to a creator God who keeps his word. He isn't limited by them so neither should we.

Matt

Christian Mission

On Tuesday as part of the Mission Week we had a discussion evening about mission. One comment really challenged all of us. What would we be like if the Salvation Army had kept it's name as the Christian Mission? Obviously it is a bit of a "what if" question where we will never know and can't do anything about it.

But for me, It raised a whole host of question about the current state of the SA and it's mission. Have we become a irrelevant/cumbersome organisation? Are we more concerned with being an Army in our barracks rather than a group of missionaries? Are we now deeply bound by the trappings of the past that we will never break free to be the radical, passionate and transformational people that William Booth raised up?

I have been encourage this week by the 4 young people that have come on Mission Week. They have restored my hope for the future of the SA in Aspley and in Northampton. Ultimately, there is nothing in a name, it is up to it's members to discern the heart and desire of God for it and get on with it, which is what they have done.

I pray that I keep learning how to be a missionary in all I do.

Matt

Mission Week - Day Two

Not wanting to be out done by Andy on the blog front, I thought I had better blog while I have 5 mins.

I have always said that we should seek God and join in with what he is already doing. Today I have experienced that in a real way by digging out some grass to lay a patio.

We (Aspley SA) are hosting the East Midlands Divisional Mission Week and are doing a range of activities from Arts and Craft, sports and laying a patio.

This afternoon we have we have been digging out about 5 tonnes of soil ready for a patio to be laid on Thursday. This is a fantastic project that has been organised by a local council worker, funded by a counsellor and other organisations and we do the donkey work along side a guy called Darren. The local residents and estate manager are delighted we are doing this as they have been waiting 10 years for it.

So, where is God in all of this? He is in the hard graft of the 4 guys who have given up their week, in the conversations with Darren who is surprised we are doing this, in co-operative ways this has all come together and in the result that will bring joy to the residents.

Where will we see God tomorrow?

Matt

Best and Worst

Was told about this story this morning and had a look on the BBC website?

Mark Simpson, BBC News
"Looking at 115 Romanians huddled together on the floor of a Belfast church hall, it was possible to see the worst side of Northern Ireland - and the best - all at once.
The speed with which Pastor Malcolm Morgan and his team created a temporary home for 20 families was remarkable.
At the same time, the sight of men, women and children looking so helpless and scared was a stain on Northern Ireland's international reputation. "



Lets pray for the church and its members that they are kept safe and continue to show God's love to those Romanians. This is a great example of the commandment to "Love you neighbour as yourself".

Matt

What came first.....

I was coming back from a school this morning and saw a sign in bright "church orange" that read..... What came first Jesus or the Egg?

What is the point? Is is supposed to make people think about God or make them realise that the church is asking irrelevant questions?

We have just finished a seven week course called "The story so far..." where we have explored the Christian story. One of the great things for me has been the openness and reality of the questions ask within the group. It has been refreshing to see what God is doing in people and the way in which he has challenged me through those questions. Personally, I believe that the church doesn't have all the answers because it hasn't asked the right questions.

Let's ask some proper questions in the church and not be scared of them.

Matt

Is the church like Britney Spears?

The Guardian made this report on Britney Spears concert last night:

"The audience can't possibly have turned up in order to hear her greatest hits sung live, given that everyone seems to accept that Spears isn't singing live - certainly there are moments when Spears could no more obviously be miming were she wearing white face make-up and pretending to walk against the wind." http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2009/jun/04/britney-spears-alexis-petridis-music-review

Is the church like Britney Spears; it puts on a good show but when it comes to doing the thing for real, it mimes?

Matt

Unexpected Surprise

When I was based at Leicester South, I was a mentor at a local college to a number of young people who need additional support through their GCSE's and going on to work or further education. One of the lads I had was called James (not his real name), He was a nice lad, quiet but easy swayed by those around around him in his lessons. I never knew if I had any impact or even if He was getting anything out of our hour every two weeks.

That was 3 years ago. This week Lizzy and I popped into Fosse Park for some shopping and I got a Costa coffee. The guy that served me looked familiar, it was James. He remembered who I was and we had a brief chat. Turns out that he went to college and finished His Uniformed Services qualification and is waiting to turn 18 to apply for the fire service.

Now, I am not claiming that I had a huge impact but hopefully I was one of the positive influence that has helped him along the way. It also was a unexpected surprise for me to see a small result of something that didn't always seem worth while. In our instant world we can get frustrated about not seeing results, sometimes we need to be patient and allow God to work in His way and in His time.

Matt

Statistics

Earlier today whilst sitting out side I attempted to write an entry on my blog. I got half way through and deleted it because it was rubbish. Once I had finished my sermon for Sunday morning, I had a little read of my book (The last word and the word after that by Brian Mclaren) and came across this little gem of a quote.

"The success of a church isn't measured by the numbers who attend but by the formation of people as agents of God" (Mclaren, 2005:196).

Yes, Yes, Yes...... I thought to myself. I have blogged about being agents before but this has renewed my thinking regarding "church growth" not being numerical but about the development of the people engaged in a relationship with God as missionaries and agents in there own home, neighbourhood and community. The church doesn't need programme or projects to be successful but people who will be disciples and missionaries in the own back garden.

Having just gone through the process of recording statistics for our activities, I have been wonder if it really matters (I have done them and with time to spare). Do those numbers truly represent the movement of God or are they a way of justifying our existence.

My prayer for Aspley is that the numbers become irrelevant but the storeys they represent become the priority of the hearts of Gods agents.

Matt

Rebuild, Renew and Rejoice

We have Just got back from our first experience of an Aspley Corps(church) retreat. We had a fab time chilling out as a group, playing silly games, eat loads and staying up late! The theme of Rebuild, Renew and Rejoice (based on the book of Nehemiah) was both encouraging, informative and challenging.

Sop what did I get out of it.
Rebuild: I know that there are things in my life that I need to put higher on my priorities list. I need to make sure that they are priorities that edify the kingdom and not just because I like doing them.
Renew: I need to delegate more jobs to people in the church. I have already given one job out to somebody that will free an hour or so of my week.
Rejoice: I give thanks for all the challenges of being a church lead. On the Sunday morning I felt overwhelmed by the burden yet the joy of being the leader at Aspley. It has been a privilege to see God at work and to see foundations being laid for the future.

God's kingdom is near, nearer than we probably think.

Matt

Rewriting the bible

Saw this on the BBC website, I have never read the "Manga Bible" but they seem like they are trying to do the right thing and at least interesting young people in the stroy of God.

Matt

Richard Dawkins

5 Mins with Richard Dawkins. Thought you maybe interestes in what he has to say.

Matt

Seeing God at work

It is just over a year since Lizzy and I first came to meet people at Aspley. Time has flown by, lots of stuff has happened and will happen. Today was another of the many occasions where I have meet God at work. I recently joined the partnership for Children and Young people for the west area of Nottingham. Having attended about 5 meetings I have been asked to chair the group until next March. I feel completely out of my comfort zone, quite apprehensive about the responsibility and what work it may bring.

But here is where God shows up! My vice chair is someone I meet randomly just 3 weeks ago on a litter pick and she happens to go to a local church. She is someone that I instantly clicked with and will work well with. What an opportunity to be in a very significant position within the structure of Youth and Children's work for the. It will bring many opportunities for our church to show people God's grace and mercy.

At the end of the meeting I warned them that if I say "we will now close in prayer" to forgive me. I got quite a laugh! I guess you had to be there but for me I love it when I get to see God at work.

Matt

Fasting

I have been fasting, one day a week, for a couple of months. I have found it really helpful as part of my week to "go without something" and to focus on prayer throughout my day. Most Thursdays I fast food but a I have also fasted coffee. On the days I do fast I feel more energetic, focused and productive.

I am still getting to grips with making sure I don't make a big thing about it (did wonder if I should blog about it), don't want people to think I am more spiritual because I fast or it to become a ritual but a help aspect to my spiritual life. Fasting is just one simple way for me to focus my mind on God, when my tummy rumbles.... I pray, when I should be eating a meal.... I pray, read or do something productive.

I will continue to fast for the time being but will be mindful that I may need to review it in the future.

Hope it helps if your thinking about it.

Matt

Drinking and Dreaming

I was out last night at the awards ceremony for the Beacon U12's that I coach on Tuesday nights. It was a nice evening, a good opportunity to spend some time meeting the parents and chatting to the boys about football.

A couple of things that I wanted to share.

Firstly, it was evident that what I believe about the churches need to reach people outside of it's buildings is true. Even more true than I first thought. The reality is that if these people are to meet Jesus and follow Him, we need to be image and an an expression on God that is real and visible.

Secondly, one of the lads asked why I wasn't drinking alcohol. He asked if I was driving and was very surprised when I said I didn't drink. His comment was (I think) very significant. He said "its ever mans dream to drink a beer, I know its mine." I was taken aback, this boy is 11 and his dream is to drink. It probably the first time I have every heard such a comment from a young lad. If this is the dreams of our young people the we really need to give them a bigger dream, a deeper dream and a dream that will bring purpose, hope, joy and fulfillment. That dream is a relationship with Jesus, a dream that is as big as you allow it to be and a dream that will never disappoint.

Matt

Make room for Jesus

I got this from a brochure of christian literature that I got this week. There were a number of them of a similar theme.

What struck me was the way it depicts our lives being departmentalised and Jesus being just one part. To say I disagree with it (and therefore will not be buying one) is an understatement. It says to me that these things are OK but Jesus isn't in them. That surely diminishes God's ability to be in all things. I think that God loves sport, jobs, films as much as we do and He is in them too.

Maybe the poster should read "Whatever you get up too, Jesus is there to."

Matt

Season review.

I have been playing for a local Saturday pub football team called "The Beacon." I found the team by wondering over the park and asking the first team I saw if they needed some players. Since then I have had some interesting, frustrating and funny times with them over the season. I even managed one goal and a couple of assists (In 5 starts and a number of short sub appearances) and a appearance in the Senior Cup Final.

As soon as I got a start in the team (which was usually because we were short), the next week someone would turn up who would be more upset than me if they didn't play so I was dropped! This didn't happen once but a number of times. I know I am not the best player in the team but I was only missed 3 games due to other commitments. Lizzy was very patient with me as I turned up home 3 weeks in a row having "run the line" and not played.

Yet I have learnt much and enjoyed it (most of the time). The first few games I felt like a real outsider. In the pub the conversation was not one I would usually have and the language was colourful to say the least. Our manager is one of the few people that can string a sentence together with just swear words and still make sense.

I learnt what it means to feel excluded and be a part of a different culture which I do not feel comfortable in. They have nicked named me the Vicar and keep asking for me to pray for the water so that it is "Holy" and to pray for the win! I have even been asked to dedicate 2 babies whilst on the sidelines (I must follow that up).

I look forward to next season to continue the relationships and allow God to keep teaching me what I means "to be in the world but not of it."

Vision over Visibility

I am a huge U2 fan (going to see them in August) and always buy their latest album. On of my favorites is called "moment of surrender" which I have listened to an awful lot. The line that has got me thinking a lot recently is this line; "At the moment of surrender of vision over visibility."

Why? Because it has made me think about my life as a follower of Jesus and as a leader of a church. Sometimes it feels like the visibility is limited or non-existent in our relationship. We wonder where we are headed, what is going to happen next and are we doing the right thing. I have been questioning myself a lot recently about what I need to prioritise in my life and what our church should be doing to be effective in Aspley.

I even though the visibility maybe poor, the vision is not. The vision of a community connected in Jesus, with each other and for each other is very much alive. Our vision sustains us, it bring hope and passion to keep on going. It breathes life in to our being to get on and do what is required for the kingdom. The vision demands us to surrender to God's plan and let him loose on our lives.

This post may not make much sense to you but its where I find myself and where God finds me too.

Matt

Why do we do it!!

In the Salvation Army weekly paper "The Salvationist" was a small review from "The Times" newspaper regarding the bus adverts in London by the Christian Party. They put posters on buses saying "There is a God" in response to the British Humanist Associations poster that read "There is probably no God." The Christian Party's advert got 1045 complaints, the forth highest received by the Advertising Standards Authority. Two things popped into my mind;

Firstly, this is a reflection of peoples lack of interest in religion or desire to seek a relationship with God. It could be a sign that Christianity is (or has been for a while) on the back foot and people are fed up of the church. It also highlights to us that people want to be left alone o make up the mind about whether or not there is a God.

Secondly, I was left feeling that if we have to resort to putting adverts on buses, we really have lost the plot. I believe that news like this does nothing but harm to the church at all levels. People will look at us and think that we lack confidence in our faith and in our claims on the power of the God we worship. Our mission, if done effectively, should never need a publicity stunt or packaging.

My hope is that I can be confident in my faith and in the inspiration of the Holy Spirit for His people.

Matt

Rhythm or Retreat

I have been on our SA leaders retreat for the East Midlands this week. It is was nice to get away, have time to read, catch up with a few friends and have some teach on Servant Leadership. The teaching was good with stuff for me to take away and think about.

However, I was prompted to think about the retreats purpose and value via a line in a song we used. The 4 words were "rhythm of His grace". I wonder how many of the leaders present were there to get away because they are worn out, burned out, spiritually low or just far to busy and don't get time to stop. Without trying to sound like I have it sorted, retreat for me is not necessary or vital for my well being yet nor is it a thorn in my week.

My experience is that you need a good rhythm to your week, whether an Officer, centre manager, office worker, at school etc. Having a rhythm allows you to have free time to read, think, time to do the house work and have leisure time in your week. As I look at Jesus life there is always times of rest, time for friends, teaching, others and doing His Fathers work. When He is arrested, charged and crucified He is ready for it, He know God's grace is what will sustain Him for what was to come.

Matt

Taking to the streets

I have given up my car for driving to the church for lent in an attempt for me to do more walking and save some money. One of the things that has also been good is having some time to myself either silently or with my ipod with the occasional hello to those people who stole by.
On Monday evening as I was walked home, I walked past the local C of E church where they were in full swing with bell ringing practice. I took of my ipod to listen and I have to say they were pretty good. As I popped my ear phone back in Matt Redman's "take it to the streets" came on.
What a contrast between the bells calling people to come and worship and a song challenging us to GO and worship on the streets.

Matt

Thanks is not always easy!

The last 10 days has been a tough one in our house. It has been a time of hurt and pain for us as a couple as Lizzy miscarried at 7 weeks. It has at times been surreal and at others desperately sad. Some of the times I haven't really thought about it but the all of a sudden the emotion and feelings have crept up on me.

I emailed my best mate Mark (who is in South Africa) to let him know and to ask him to pray for us. We exchanged a few emails and in on of them was this comment; "Thanksgiving is not circumstance dependant". Which may seem a little insensitive but that's what good friends are about. It really made me think about our circumstances, others who may have experienced the same thing. Even in times of pain and loss can I still praise God, can I still thank Him for who He is and His presence in my life?

It still isn't easy, I think about what could have been, dates and stuff like that but I am also grateful to God for a wife to share my pain with and someone who I can rely on. I give thanks to God for the last week because He has been in it in many different ways, like friends, family and our church community.

This sentence popped up on a PowerPoint slide this week: "Gods answers are always better than our prayers!"

Thanks

Matt

Is this Church?

Is this church?

Of course I know the answer to my question. This picture is from the Saturday Party of our Children's Weekend in Aspley. It was amazing to have about 70 people playing games, singing songs, eating food and chatting to each other. I can imagine heaven to be quite similar! Probably 80% of the people do not have a faith yet they were all worshipping. Dose it matter that they don't realise it or even that they can express it the way we think they should?

So what now, we had a great party and a great Sunday morning meeting but it doesn't stop there. What's next, how do we deepen the relationships and give opportunity for conversations to take place? We need to keep thinking about how we relate and the way's in which we can serve those families in our community. Also, we must seek ways to get out into our community to show that we are willing to get out of the confines of our church and onto "their patch".

We have an awesome opportunity to make a difference, to provide a place of love and care. I pray we get it right!

Matt

Tragets, priorities, projects and people

I was at a meeting yesterday with local partner organisations from the West area of Nottingham. It was really helpful for me to get a extended view of what is going in the area and meet a few local workers and show that the church is interested in community. Yet as the meeting went on, I grew very aware that allow a lot of "good stuff" was going on, they were all targeted at certain groups or priorities and actually could be quite harmful to communities. All the projects had strings attached, funding stipulations or a certain percentage for certain groups. People were spoke of as commodities rather than as human beings who exist in community.

It has really got me thinking again about how we do mission, how we do effective mission in Aspley as a church. Projects and events are all well and good but are pointless if they are not firstly grounded in the gospel and secondly built on a foundation of relationships. Whats the point of mission without being intentional about our reasons? Are we scared that we won't get funding from people if we tell them we are Christians? Should we just do our own thing in isolation anyway?

I believe that the church needs to be more positive about it's intentions and be willing to be bold in it's mission. Yet, we need to make sure we do not alienate ourselves from reality, from other organisations, those who make decisions and of course our communities.

Matt

No second generation!

Whilst watching the cricket (which England look unlikly to win) I was reading my current book "Total Church" by Tim Chester and Steve Timmis. It very interesting and challenging my thoughts about church. One such sentance has stopped me in my tracks and I had to blog about it.

They said "There need be no second-generation churches if the church is constantly re-configuring itself through church planting."

The Salvation Army has in the past been successful at growing its congregations by keeping families in the SA and their children "coming through the ranks." Yet our numbers are in decline, churches are struggling to survive and attract people to its fellowship. Have we been guilty of seeking to maintain the SA/church fellowship rather than be confident to growing and dreaming of what the SA could be. Being a forth generation Salvationist maybe I am to blame.

How do established churches break out and seek to focus on community and mission without losing faith, committed people from its fellowships who are use to the way things are. But is that a good enough reason not to investigate planting? Surely a church plant in essence is a second-generation church!

All I know is that we need to look at all the options and be ready to change.

Matt

Big Church Little Church

So what is it to be? Small Church or Big Church? What is the future for the church in our country? Will people find large professional places of worship inviting or small intimate settings! What abouts cells, interest groups or house churches? Is every church suppose to grow numerically and look for bigger premises or is planting the future?

I so feel so confused as to what is "the best thing to do" for a church to grow and develop. Currently I find myself in a Salvation Army church in Nottingham that has been here for many years with committed members. I am really enjoying the challenge, the community and hope that comes through lead a group of followers forward. I want to be in Aspley for as long as possible. One day, I would love to plant a new church one day. Go into a community where there is no expression of the church and believe that God can raise up a community willing and ready to worship and serve.

But I keep coming back to the question "what is best?"

I am learning that every church/worshipping community can grow, can be what God desires it to be and that there is not one perfect model of church. We have tried to do that in the past and it only worked for so long. We need to be prepared to re-think, re-shape and re-imagine what the church should be and what it can be.

Matt

Conversion or Conversations??

I read this last night.

In a post modern world we should count conversations rather than conversions. In other words the church should not be driven by numbers of new people, converts or members but by the conversations that occur within the community regarding the Kingdom of God.

So are "Kingdom conversations" equal to seeing people make a decision to follow Christ? I guess there is a wider debate to be had about the place on conversion in the 21st century. My head as a Salvationist says that providing opportunity for people to make a decision is part of who we are, our history and a tool for spreading the good news.

But my heart says that we do not live in a world where people can make such a clear cut choice (for various reasons i.e unable to live up to the standard, commitment is to much etc) and sign on a dotted line to say that they are a Christian. Certainly in my time in Aspley it has been the conversations that have led to decisions, changes, opportunities and deepen faith. I don't need to record them but store them as encouragement for me and the church.

By it's very nature the good news of Christ will also stir peoples hearts to change but is that how we measure the effectiveness of a church in sharing the story of God.

Matt

What have I been thinking about lately?

Thanks to Brian Mclaren's book "A New Kind of Christian", I have had loads of stuff running through my head lately and just wanted to get it out of my head as it started to hurt!!!

I have been mulling over what the challenge of the church is in the 21st century, what should the church look like, focus on and do to show the heart of God. Is every church suppose to grow numerically and look for bigger premises or is planting the future? Is the church to be poor or rich? How important is Sunday as part of the churches weekly life? Is Post-modernity something to be embraced or is it an enemy of the church?

Not really sure what I think at the moment but that's OK. I believe that as part of a healthy christian journey we must wrestle with these questions and seek God's inspiration to discover the future of the church other wise we will have none.

Over the next few blogs, I will look at a few of the issues.

Matt

Getting away

Being away with Lizzy is great. We are in st ives with friends just chilling out and eating far too much. It has great to get away, too take stock of whats going on at church, read and get lots of fresh air. Cant wait too get back and see what God has in store for us in the coming months. Matt

Patience

Lizzy and I went to see "Strictly Come Dancing - Live" last night. I have to say that I really enjoyed it. The evening's only down point was getting out of the car park afterwards.

We were on the level 9 of the car park with most of the audience fulfilling the spaces. There were large lines of people getting their tickets with only one visible attendant, which didn't help. Once we had our ticket and got back to the car we had to sit for 20 mins before we moved anywhere. within a few moments of getting back to our car the beeping started of impatient drivers waiting in line. Not only that car inched forward every so often to gain that extra few inches in the line. I sat there relaxed and content with my lot and spending time with Lizzy. Yes it was frustrating but really not worth getting wound up about.

It seems that we have become a society where we are unwilling to wait, impatience to get on with our own life no matter what is going on around us. Sadly, I am sure that there will be people who would have got all worked up, maybe even writing complaints when they got home but for me, I got home safely, went to bed and forgot all about it (apart from writing this blog).

How often do we treat God like this, expecting Him to sort out all our problems and issues instantly and for our benefit and not His. This week why don't you stop what your doing and wait.....................................

Matt

P.S - As I was writing this, the story below was being played on News 24.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/7490776.stm

A note from a piece by a US composer is to be played this weekend in a German town in what has been called the world's slowest and longest concert.
The church organ in Halberstadt will play the next - sixth - chord of John Cage's As Slow As Possible work.
The performance began in 2000 and is scheduled to last a total of 639 years.
The idea of taking so long to get through the composer's piece is to find a musical way of countering the hustle and bustle of modern life.

Will Obama’s inauguration be an opportunity for the world’s poor?

Got this email from the Micah Challenge: Will Obama’s inauguration be an opportunity for the world’s poor?

The short answer is No! But I really do believe it can have an impact upon the way that our world can refocus it's priorities and values. With Obama in office there are reasons to be hopeful, he is high intelligent, motivated and also passionate about peoples freedom but not forgetting the communal responsibilities we have. The reason why I don't think that his inauguration will be an opportunity for the poor is because he is just one man (even if he is the President!!).

We all have the opportunity to serve and support the poor, even in this difficult economic climate. We can't pin our hopes on one man and leave him to it. He is going to need some help.
Whether in the US, UK or Africa each of us can do something. Our church has raised £225 to buy a cow and goats for families in Africa and we run a Breakfast and After School club for children in a deprived area of Nottingham.

We have loads of opportunities within our local community to serve the poor. Obama is more than welcome to join us but I am sure we will manage without him.

Matt

There is no God!

'No God' campaign draws complaint

Scientist and atheist Richard Dawkins backed the campaign
An atheist campaign claiming "There's probably no God" has been reported to the advertising regulator.
Posters with the slogan appear on 800 buses in England, Scotland and Wales, as well as on the London Underground.
But organisation Christian Voice has complained to the Advertising Standards Authority saying they break rules on substantiation and truthfulness.
The British Humanist Association, which backed the campaign, said it was not taking the complaint seriously. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7818980.stm

I can't help feeling a little embarrassed that the Christian Voice have lodged this complaint. The God I believe in isn't worried about what people think of Him, he's worried if people know Him.

So maybe we should let the athesit waste thier money on expensive ads and we should concentrate on the people in our community who don't yet know Him.

Matt

New Year

For someone who has a lot to say, I have been very quiet on the blogging front. I have being thinking about it lots but have not mustered up the will to do it. Not only that I have not being running since we moved to Aspley and I am feeling very unfit!!
So my new years resolution is to blog three times a week and run twice a week. So here is my blog entry and tomorrow morning I will be out running!!!!

On Saturday in the Pub after football I had a fairly random conversation with a guy called John. I had never me him before then but hopefully will again. We got chatting about my "Salvation Army hoddie." what he said has stuck with me over the past few days. He said "I thought you lot had gone, where are you!" A good question for us a church to answer. That is the second time I have heard that question in a few months - Jimmy Carr that asks that question at his gig.

So where are we? What are we doing? Who knows who and where we are? These are the questions we both locally and nationally we need to answer......and quickly.

What are we going to do about it?

Matt

Carolling or Football

Today was the first carolling gig for the Aspley band indoors at Homebase. It was good fun and a few people were around but it didn't seem that busy. A few people stopped and listened and a few people chatted to our collectors. We raised some money for our corps work which is obvious one of the main reasons why we go out over the festive period.

At 1pm, I had leave early to go off to play football for my pub team. I hadn't played for a few weeks so was looking forward to seeing the guys and maybe get to play. It was a cold afternoon and I was sub so happily took the flag to keep warm on the line. I didn't get on but it was a close game which we came away 3-2 winners.

So which is more important? Do I have to put my role as Corps Officer over playing football? Should I not play football because I should support the band? Or, is my passion to play football and build relationships with guys in the team a good enough reason for leaving early?

Where would Jesus be?

Matt

Is God extinct?

Found this article very interesting, two scientists talking about the whether science has "buried God."

It was really helpful in trying to look at something that I don't doubt (the existence of God) from a hard line scientific point of view. Sometimes it is hard to be subjective about such things because the significant part faith plays in my experience and belief of God.

http://www1.salvationarmy.org.uk/uki/www_uki.nsf/vw-issue/B2EEA54CB5882BE2802575040053CDF2?opendocument&id=2235A1F2C9E5E225802575040052259C

The "God Delusion" has been sitting on my book shelf for a while maybe I need to dust it down and see exactly what Richard Dawkins has to say.

Matt

P.S - have just recieved the new Rob Bell book - "Jesus wants to save Christians". Thanks Chris and Lib.

Strictly Moaning

I can admit that I watch Strictly Come Dancing. It's good fun watching the trials and tribulations of celebrities leaning to dance. This series how every has started to annoy me. Here's why:

John Sergeant has come under a barrage of abuse and moaning from the judges for still be in. They continue to complain that he has not been voted out by the public. Each week I get more and more annoyed with them because, by now, they should know the premise of the show; to entertain. This is exactly what JS is doing, and personally I love it. The judges can't seem to grasp that the public have the right to vote for who they want, it has been like that for 6 series!! If they wanted a dance show then pick 16 people that can dance to start with. The BBC purposefully get people like JS in because they can't dance to make people watch in the early stages.

The great thing is by the judges moaning only makes people vote for JS even more. I will be voting for him next week!!

I do realise that my street cred(what I had of it) has now disappeared.

Come on John!!!!

Matt

It's not all about money!

Tomorrow is the Stanford 20/20 between England and an All Star team who will play one game of cricket for $2o million, winning team takes all! If England win each player will get about £600,000 for about 3 hours work. It is the richest sporting single game ever.

I love cricket and think that 20/20 is a great asset to the sport that can encourage people to watch and/or play it but it is obscene to think that single game can be worth that much. Kevin Pietersen (England Captain) came out this week and said that "it wasn't about the money only pride in playing for England." I am sure the money helps though. If it was really about pride they would either not have gone of offered the money to charity.

Matt

Unlikely conversations in unlikely places

Since moving to Aspley (Nottingham) I have joined a local football team, The Beacon. I have only started one game so far and came on as sub in the others. Saturday I should have started but because we had a water leak in our dining room so had to hang about whilst a friend sorted out for us (I am not safe to be doing plumbing). As a result I was late and couldn't start the match so was on the side lines as sub.

I was a little annoyed but it was one of those things. Yet, I was soon to find out as to why I was on the bench. During the first half I got chatting to one of the girl friends of our team. She told me that they are expecting a baby in April 09. She knew that I was a minister at the SA and so asked me if I would dedicate their baby next year. I said I would and that it would be an honour to do so. Not only that her boy friends mum comes to our parents and toddlers each week and her brother is the teams manager.

You never know when an opportunity might arise. Kepping looking for them.

Matt

Thinking Global, Acting Local

Yesterday we had our Harvest Celebration which was a lot of fun (even though I did it). I realised that being ethical can actually be a lot of fun. The church really took to what was put to them, so much so that they now want a church goat!!! Bearing in mind we are in urban Nottingham with a side allay for it to live, it didn't seem like the most appropriate idea. Other idea (slightly more realistic) included Solar Panels, energy saving light bulbs, turning down the heating, fair trade tea and coffee and even a church allotment.

However from that we have decided to buy a cow with the money we would spend at Christmas! This may not seem an awful lot or will make a huge difference but it is the beginnings of our church to "think global, act local." What we do locally has an effect on our world globally, so anything we seek to do for the common good must be worth while. There are obvious dangers that buy a cow and not fully realise the impact it can have, it could be a one off and our lifestyles don't change as a result. As a small, urban, relatively well off church we have a responsibility to look different from what our society demands from us. It's part of our mission as Gods people to care for the world and seek to restore it to the state he gave it to us in.

Matt

Blogging and Running

Since moving to Nottingham I have neither blogged on been running. This is my attempt to at least have a go at doing one of them!! To be fair though I have been playing football (all be it as a sub for two 15 min cameo appearances!).

I have quite a lot that I should be blogging about but don't seem to have had the motivation to do it. There is the credit crunch, the Ryder cup, Zimbabwe, the US elections and the Political Conference season.

It was Brown's speech that interests me. I thought it was pretty good, I thought Brown himself was quite good. I was impressed with his emphasis on fairness and justice for all not only in this country but also across the world. He seems genuine in his passion to eradicate poverty by 2020. Some people may see this as political opportunism, some may see it as naiete or a mere pipe dream. Yet as a christian, my hope is that he is right, that it is possible and in my life time. It is not easy. We live in a world that is currently sufering from people greed of wealth and status. These core values surly must change if poverty is to be assigned to history.

I look forward to Cameron's response next week.

Matt

Nearly there.

Well, it is only one more day till we move from Leicester to Nottingham. As from my previous blogs you will have gathered that we can't wait to get there. We have nearly finished the cleaning, only a few last bits to pack and my new car arrives tomorrow.

On Thursday we make the short journey up the M1 to our new home in Aspley. It will be sad to leave Leicester. Lots of happy memories like our first marital home, getting Ruby (our dog), various meal with big Andy, moving from Leicester Castle to Leicester South and much more. But we are assured that what is before us will give us just as much joy as Leicester has. Looking back God has taught us a lot about trusting him and being patient (not always easy for me) and we know that what every is put before us in the future, God will not abandon us but we need to make sure that we call on Him in confidence and hope.

Next week we are at a Summer School for young people in the Salvation Army and then the fun starts in seeing what God has in store for me as the Corps Officer (church leader) in Aspley.
Matt

Life and Dignity

Gordon Brown was in Iraq this week to promote the "success" of the Coalitions efforts in reducing violence and the deaths of UK soldiers and Iraqi's. Obviously, this is very positive news for those who want the Coalition to withdraw from Iraq but I can't help thinking that it seemed a well timed visit know what the "good news" was. Is it possible for politicians (of all parties) to be driven by "the right thing" rather than political gain. This may seem cynical but it is frustrating to see such devastation being used for sound bytes.

Wallis states that; "In matters of life and death there is no left or right right, only right and wrong." (Wallis, 2008:169). This maybe a dream, an unrealistic hope but surely it is not difficult to understand the difference it would make. If our nations were to respond to Darfur, Zimbabwe or Iraq with a basic hope that those that have been wronged are dealt with for their own future and not the future of their own governments what a statement that would make to the world about the importance on individuals lives.

Matt

Commissioning 2008

Commissioning 2008

What a weekend. I have now been commissioned as a Salvation Army Officer, have moved back to Leicester and in 24 days move to Aspley to take up my appointment as the church leader.

It has been a long and difficult year. Lots of traveling for Lizzy and I (22,000 for Lizzy to be precise), lonely weeks apart and the strain of exams and assignments but we have made it.

For me, commissioning weekend symbolised all that is good about faith in God. When He calls people and they respond amazing things happen, anything is possible. For me it is being a church leader for Lizzy it is being a surgeon. Our vocational paths may rarely pass but our journey of faith is very much as one.

God has called us. We responded. Now, we follow.

Matt

P.S Aspley here we come. We can't wait.

Covenant Day.

I have now completed my training as an Salvation Army officer and tomorrow is our sessions Covenant Day. This is where we sign to say that we are committing to live our lives for God as Salvation Army officers. This is a significant day in the process of training and will be a commitment that I make for my life, allowing God to direct me and the ministry I am involved with.

This has felt like a long time coming and am looking forward to it and commissioning on Saturday. But I am more excited about what those days mean in terms of Gods plan for us in the future. Lizzy and I are both excited about moving to Aspley this month (Yippee) and that we can live together permanently again. But most of all we are excited about how God is going to us us as a couple in the life of the church and the community of Aspley. We don't know what that will look like but that's part of the fun and our faith.

Matt

Tsvangirai speaks to the BBC

I have spent the day fasting and praying for Zimbabwe. It has been a good day and I have reflected not just on what I can do but what I believe God can do in this desperate situation.

Mugabe himself said that "Only God would remove him ." What that looks like, I have no idea. It seems that a UN peacekeeping force is problematical, sanctions will effect the citizens of Zimbabwe but words from African leaders will only get us so far.

I believe that God can work in and through all things and my deep prayer is that He will work in this situation and i will continue to pray in that hope. Practically, I am writing a letter to my local MP to express my discomfort and sorrow for the people of Zimbabwe. Will it make a difference? Will I feel better? It is only a small response but I must do something!

Matt



Tsvangirai speaks to the BBC about his decision to pull out of the elections in Zimbabwe.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/7480974.stm

Germny or Spain

Well, Holland were knocked out of Euro 2008 by Russia in the quarter finals. So my interests is feel strained in the final tonight. I don't really care who wins. But any football fan will appreciate that you have to support one team or the other.

So I am going for.....Spain. Not because of the usual "we don't like the Germans" line (that is rather outdated and rude) but because Spain have been the only team that have attacked the opposition in all their games. Italy should be given some kind of ban for the way they played against Spain in the Quarter finals. They were negative beyond belief.

As the saying goes, "Football has been the real winner!", it has been a great tournament with the huge disappointment of England getting knocked out when they should have won. Anyway, only two more years when English fans can take a month out of reality, get depressed and buy pointless items of memorabilia. Bring on South Africa 2010.

Matt

What can I do!

Voting in Zimbabwe is underway. There is a choice if an oppressive, dictatorial and murderous leader or an oppressive, dictatorial and murderous leader. Not much of a choice.

President Mugabe is running with this election to legitimise his power and rule to both the citizens of the country and the rest of the world. But everyone knows he does not have the support of his people. He makes them vote with fear for the lives and families lives.

But what can I do? what can we do? In a state of helplessness, I am going fast every Monday for a month to pray for Zimbabwe and its people and government. Its not much but what else can I do. Boycotting products and companies is problematical because of innocent peoples lives being effected by those actions. I can't vote him out! I don't have the influence to make others put pressure on him so pray is my first and last resort.

Join me in prayer that hope and freedom are allowed to rule in Zimbabwe.

Matt

Equality and Diversity

As a white middle class man, my experience of being marginalised is very small indeed. The only significant experience happened in 2004 when Lizzy and I went to India for a Youth Conference. We stayed in the middle of deepest darkest Calcutta and went out for the afternoon on our own. It was obvious that we were the only white people as we were stared at constantly. It was very unnerving and uncomfortable.

Jim Wallis says that "We respect one another because God made us equal, views us as equal, and treats us a equal - and expects us to treat one another the same way" (Wallis, 2008:148)

As I read the chapter on equality and diversity, I realised how unaware I have been about how my actions, words or silence effect others. If I am to live out an inclusive gospel, I can't and must not just value and focus on my feelings or presumptions but the the feelings and opinions of others. In India, I noticed how I must react at home when I come in to contact with those who are not like me, whether Class, gender, race or ability. Am I welcoming, responsive and engaged or do I only subscribe to thoughts, opinions and actions of those I like or who like me?

God's world is just, I hope mine matches up more in the future.

Matt

Third Way interview with Khalid Mish'al

A really useful interview with a senior Muslim Political figure. Here is a small extract from the full interview from Third Way magazine:

Khalid Mish'al is widely regarded as the most senior figure in Hamas, the Islamist resistance movement that two years ago won a landslide victory in the Palestinian general election.

Many Christians in the West are afraid of Islam. Can you tell me honestly what you think of Christianity?
My answer is not a diplomatic answer: it comes from my heart and from my mind. Many people in the West do an injustice to Islam and make false accusations against it, because they misunderstand it or because they see some Muslims behaving badly and they generalise, or because they want to justify aggression, as George [W.] Bush did.
Look today, who is occupying whose lands? The Zionists are occupying Palestine. Should I conclude that Judaism is an aggressive religion? Judaism is a religion revealed by God - we believe in Moses. It is not Judaism that is to blame, but those who claim to adhere to it and wrongfully occupy other people's land in its name. http://www.thirdwaymagazine.com/354

What should a Christian magazine interview a Muslim? Shouldn't we be focused on our on faith and response to Islam and the other religions?
Personally, I found it really helpful to see a different perspective on a situation that I don't full understand. Maybe the church should be more open about interfaith dialogues in order is aid peace and unity.

Matt

A Peaceful Britain!!

Found this hidden in the middle of the Times today:

UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) said that arms exporters had added £9.7 billion in new business last year, giving them a larger share of global arms exports than the United States. (The Times,18th June 2008)

This is scary. We say we are a nation for peace yet we are providing various countries weapons.

Weapons are never used for peace. That, in my opinion is a myth. I believe that the church must at all times advocate peace and forgiveness. It is the only way that we will see transformation.

Jesus could have used force, he could have given in to the temptations of power and prestige (Luke 4) but he humbled himself (Phil 2) and gave everything peacefully for the good of others.

Matt

Difficult is worth doing

Honda's latest advert slogan for the new Accord is Difficult is worth doing. There stunt was a live advert on Channel 4. It consisted of a load of people sky diving spelling the word H O N D A in mid air. It looked great, you can see it at this link: http://www.honda.co.uk/accord/

Yesterday, as I saw the poster with these slogan I was reading these words:
"Literally half of God's children on this earth, three billion people, live on less than two dollars a day. And more than one billion people live on less than one dollar per day." (Wallis, Seven Ways to change the World:90).

If difficult is worth doing then why aren't we doing something about this grim statistic. Why am I not doing anything about it? In this chapter, entitled Inclusion and Opportunity, Jim Wallis urges Christians, governments and other faiths to interact with the poor. It is only then that policies and attitudes will change.

God saw the injustice in the world so sent in Jesus to do the difficult, do the impossible. He cam down on to earth and fought for justice, freedom and equality. He out His life on the line. His death was not limited to salvation of souls but the liberty of society from the hold of dictators, oppress and the greedy. What has changed. Nothing, we are the ones that must act and act fast.
Start by signing up for a campaign for social justice at:
http://www.makepovertyhistory.org/keepcampaigning/

Is 61: The Spirit of the Lord is on me now, to bring good news to the poor.

Matt

Changing the world!

Is it possible for individuals to influence that change? How can I, as one person, do anything that will make a difference peoples lives? Is it possible for the world to change a all?
A lot of my reading lately has been around this issue of justice, making a difference and bring hope into hopeless situations. Jim Wallis has presented me with a challenge to make a difference and be a positive voice of God in my community.
In his book, Seven Ways to Change the World he sets out the need for the church he sets out, at great depth, the role of the church in the world, specifically politics. He says; "If the great mountains of greed, injustice, and indifference are to be moved, they will most likely be pushed aside by the mustard seeds of faith" (Wallis, 2007:23).
On Wednesday I heard a SA leader say that social action/justice was just a buzz phrase and only one dimension of the churches role. I could not disagree more, I believe that it is at the very heart, the very centre of the gospel and the church mission in the world today. I can be honest enough to say that I am not engaged as I should be with social justice but I want to be and believe I have to be.
My next few blogs entries will reflect my thoughts and preparation of a journey I believe I am about to embark on.

Matt