Local - Pastor's Pen for 15th February 2026

Milford Beach this week

I feel blessed by the local environment here on the shore. It's relatively easy to find connection with God's creation in bushland and beach, very close to home. This is still possible amid the challenges of a growing city beset with economic, congestion and infrastructure problems which will likely increase in the near to medium future. Homelessness in Auckland has roughly doubled in the last year or so. There are some promising ministry responses involving churches, including on the North Shore.

There are political causes and effects to the societal and economic problems we have. We can observe from a distance the distinct and troubling polarisation evident in American politics. A lot of the rhetoric is very toxic, and sadly many churches and denominations have gotten on board with partisan politics, causing heartache and division in congregations and families. We should watch and learn.

I read something that gave me some encouragement from American Prof. David Fitch, who suggested we allow local, pastoral situations to inform our discussion of wider, ideological issues. When this happens, he writes; "We no longer argue to win an argument, we listen so as to discern the issue that lies before us. In the process, the body of Christ, by its life and witness to what God has done and is doing in real people’s lives, bears witness to a justice made possible in Jesus..."

It goes like this; If we are engaging in practical and prayerful ministry with actual people in our neighbourhood, church or family, we are far less likely to generalise or demonise. We see peoples' genuine struggles with employment, immigration problems, poverty, relationships, sexuality or whatever. This then enables us to bring more wisdom into any wider political or moral dialogue. If we are genuinely engaged with real people locally, we see that slogans and soundbites are not enough. There will inevitably be more grey areas, but that's reality. Life is complex and as Christians we have the joy and privilege of acting locally to live eternally in the love of Christ, which is meant for all people. This is where we will find wisdom for the wider conversation.