Today we’re looking at the second goal of our vision; ‘Leading forward in the vision for PAAT’.
It’s actually a really great thing to be a part of. I’m not even sure who first put it forward as one of the keys of our vision as church, because it wasn’t me, but it is an important part at the moment of who we are as church, and for various reasons, it is an area in which we can lead into our community if we have a mind to.
Certainly for me, who believes that transformation is predominantly a spiritual exercise, I still recognise that there is a practical component as well which is very necessary. By that I mean, being seen in the community helping out in practical ways if possible. This is done now through some of our ministries like Preschool, holiday programme, etc, but there is still more that we can be doing.
It’s a little like earning the right to be able to speak into the community with words of salvation because a) people know we’re here and b) people know we care.
So to that end, this work in the town centre etc is a great way and a simple way (only 2-3hours) to be visible and be seen to help out our neighbours. I understand there are only about 5 names put forward already, including Evonne and I which is pretty disappointing, but folks, we can do way better than that don’t you think? I was thinking more like 50!
So how about a think about it and make it something which we as church can look back on as something we’ve done together and for the community, which includes us by the way, but also puts flesh onto the bones of our prayers.