Napier from Taradale, August 2021
You can see the beauty of the view, but it's difficult to pick out the city in detail. It's a bad time to go cycling because of fog, low sun and the chance of being bowled by a commuter in a hurry. So you sit back and enjoy the view, pick a later time to travel.
I had a strange thought this week. As a runner, I am non-traditional, being an early adopter of alternatives to harriers and track running. I prefer off-road events, trail runs, coastal and mountain races. It's just more interesting. I care little for the events put on by Athletics Auckland, they seem stuck in the mud and boring.
As a minister, I am in a traditional denomination, seeking to strengthen a community that struggles to maintain momentum in the face of innovative and new expressions of Christian faith popping up. Independent churches, 'mega' or otherwise, are all around. Some of the new expressions I find interesting, others not so much. I'd rather do what I'm used to if the truth be told. Even the charismatic, mega-churches are a well-worn formula by now. What is the future for God's people in this land of Aotearoa, where a foothold for faith has often been difficult?
Let us focus on why we do all these things we do. We want to see Jesus. All the planning and the programmes, the praying and the preaching are because we love Jesus. We want to walk in God's ways. If I'm honest, the practical path on a day to day basis for this mission is seldom clear for church leaders in our times. We see the beauty of the Lord, but plotting a path is like a sunny day with fog. We watch and wait for the right time and direction to travel.
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