compassion, healing and discipleship

It is a privilege to be here today, to celebrate with this congregation and with Annette, a new beginning in ministry together.  

On Friday afternoon and evening I was at a meeting that was asking the questions, what is the church like now? And what would we like it to be like in 5 years? We didn’t look at the overall picture, but at some particular areas,  like leadership, discipleship and worship.

One comment was that as a church we don’t have a clear definition of discipleship.  I am not sure if that is the case or not, but I am aware that there are some aspects of our faith and Christian life that are difficult to put into succinct definitions. A disciple is a follower, an admirer, a learner; but that doesn’t say much about what our discipleship does or could look like.

What is the life of this congregation like? Are you learning from Jesus, following his example of compassion? Are you working together to offer healing?

I wonder what it would look like if we as Christians, and this Christian community in particular, had the same compassion for people, for the ‘crowds’, that Jesus did? It says Jesus had compassion on the crowds because they were harassed and helpless.   Looking at the sheep and shepherd metaphor that Matthew is using here,  shepherds are quite concerned about sheep that are harassed, usually by a predator,.. it is still used by farmers out west, in the sense of wild dogs ‘worrying’ the sheep.  

Where do we see people hopeless, harassed and helpless?

Where do we see people in need of a shepherd for protection and guidance?

What kind of healing might this community be able to offer?  To people without hope, people who are ‘worried’ by life, people who don’t know where to get the help they need.

Jesus didn’t invite the crowds to go to church, Jesus sent the disciples out to the crowds, to offer healing, life and inclusion.

I suspect some of you will tell me that you can’t do this because of…. You are too young, too old, not got enough time, …..  fill in your own blank.  And some will say they are not capable, that they don’t have any gifts for ministry at all.

Here is some news for you! take a look at the disciples, really take a look at them – a motley crew, a diverse bunch, and one who would end up betraying Jesus.

While we are disciples, we are also the body of Christ. That means while we are in need of healing, Christian community can be the place where healing occurs. While we are learning, Christian community is a place where we teach by example as well as learn from others.

Jesus sent the disciples out in pairs, with a task to do. We are strongest when we speak one message, when we all pull in the same direction.

Now to turn to Annette for a few moments. The reading from the letter to Timothy is a letter of instruction to a young leader, who is looking after a group of Christians. These days we would call him a minister – verse 14 suggests recognition by the church of his gifts for ministry. The Uniting Church has recognised and acknowledged Annette’s gifts for ministry, and you have recognised these gifts in calling her to be in ministry with you. that is with you, not for you!

But Annette is called to be a servant, not of the congregation or even the church, but of Christ Jesus.  Annette is here to serve Christ, and part of that serving Christ is offering leadership in this congregation and the wider church and community.  “ Do not neglect the gift that is in you,”  give time and attention  to your own spiritual life, so you can be the leader Christ calls you to be.

I encourage the people of this congregation to nurture your won spiritual life, and also to support Annette in nurturing her spiritual life.

I don’t know much about this congregation, though I have worshipped here occasionally when I have had a weekend off. And each time I have been here, I have been welcomed by people form this congregation. So my experience is that it is a friendly congregation.  At times I notice information about fair trade and even a fair trade stall – so that tells me you are people who are prepared to consider your everyday activities and how they impact on other people. There is much more to the story of who you are now.

And hopefully you have an idea of what God is calling this community to be like in 5 years’ time.

 Where are we now and where do we want to be in five years? And then the really hard question comes – are we prepared to do the work to make this happen?

As you and Annette move into a covenant, an agreement to work together as group of God’s people, who are part of the Uniting Church, I pray you will be a blessing to the people Jesus had compassion for, the hopeless, helpless and harassed.