Wayfinding - Pastor's Pen for 3rd May 2026

Tikipunga, Whangarei

We took advantage of the holiday Monday to visit family in Whangarei overnight. A regular activity when we are there is a nice trail run down past the falls from Tikipunga, following the river for a while into the AH Reed Memorial Kauri Park. Except the way was blocked. We missed the sign that said the swing bridge was closed for safety inspection. It was properly closed with high fences, contractors having anticipated that trail walkers and runners are generally willing to risk crossing most bridges that look like they are not broken. The river is too cold, wide and deep for rock-hopping, especially in late Autumn. So a new plan was needed to find an enjoyable run for an hour or so. As the intrepid Dr. Livingstone said; "I will go anywhere, provided it is forward."

So we found some new routes around Tikipunga, with new vistas to enjoy. When the way is unexpected, there is more pausing to consult Google maps, pondering the right path. It's a bit like when we find ourselves re-evaluating where God is leading us in life and ministry. Perhaps there is more pausing, more pondering? Hopefully there is an awareness that more praying might be needed. We do this in our own lives, but also as a faith community. We trust the Good Shepherd to lead us as we plan and pray together.

This is why I have a good measure of confidence that our decision to embrace the Revitalise programme as a congregation has been a good one. It was put to me as the minister, then shared with the Session Clerk, then Session, then the congregation. Based on the feedback and expressions of interest from others and the discernment of Session, we decided to proceed. We practice wayfinding together, trusting the Good Shepherd.

I'm also aware that some have rightly expressed that no programme or process should overrule the leading of God's Holy Spirit in our lives as believers in a faith community. Quite right. So the need to infuse any 'programme', whether it be Revitalise, Alpha or whatever, with prayer and discernment, remains. "If you are looking for the way by which you should go, take Christ, for he is himself the way." Thomas Aquinas. We will find the way together, in Jesus. Shalom