Proverbs 11:14 warns ‘For lack of guidance a nation falls’. Thankfully, God does guide us as His people. He establishes His church for His glory (Ephesians 1). He calls us to make disciples who obey Jesus in the name of Father, Son & Spirit – in the strength of the Risen, present Christ (Matthew 28). It’s why we have a motto: ‘to see more disciples of Jesus shining as lights in our city’.
Our challenge as God’s church in Corrimal & Wollongong is to faithfully follow His guidance. We need to apply the reality that we exist to glorify God & make disciples to the situation he’s placed us in.
As was mentioned in church notices recently, we are developing a 5-year plan. We’re considering how God might work through us, as opposed to millions of other churches around the world. In doing so, our wardens, parish council & pastoral staff will gather for 3 planning mornings:
Saturday 17th June in Wollongong
Saturday 29th July in Corrimal
Saturday 2nd September in Wollongong
It won’t change our vision. It won’t change our strategy shaped by 4 Es:
Engage our community with sacrificial love.
Evangelise the lost with the gospel of Jesus.
Establish disciples in Christ and His church.
Equip generations of believers for ministry.
But a 5 year plan will help us in a few ways:
First, it focuses our prayers & work. The process will consider questions like: ‘What is the unique goal of our church that expresses the general purpose of all churches?’; ‘What can St Michael’s do better than 10,000 others?’; ‘What is our greatest opportunity to have an impact on the kingdom?’ Considering these questions allows focussed energy (& asking for God’s blessing) on what is sensible & reasonable, with a godly ambition. There are always more brilliant ministry ideas than any church could possibly put into practise. Our plan to grow the kingdom of God here, has guided wise decision-making: affirming & strengthening ministries &, just as importantly, allowing us to say ‘no’ or ‘not yet’ to other ministries (as every good thing we commit to as a church has an opportunity cost in not being able to commit to other good things).
Second, it helps the church say ‘yes’ & ‘no’. There are always more brilliant ministry ideas than any church could possibly put into practise. There are lots of possible improvements to our properties (more than an budget can cover). Our plan to grow the kingdom of God here, will guide wise decision-making: affirming & strengthening ministries &, just as importantly, allowing us to say ‘no’ or ‘not yet’ to other ministries (as every good thing we commit to as a church has an opportunity cost in not being able to commit to other good things).
Third, it helps us individually to say ‘yes’ & ‘no’. We are all stretched for time. We all want to give the best account of the gifts God entrusted to us – for one day He will call us to account. Carefully, personally, prayerfully & regularly reading over the 5-year plan helps you work out how you will give a good account.
Two things I’d ask of everyone in the parish:
First, pray for this process. Pray for staff & parish council. Pray, because ‘The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.’ (Proverbs 16v9)
Second, share reflections & ask about the process. Engage us in conversation. In between planning days, we’ll have specific questions for church members to engage with – & other questions for you to ask your neighbours. Even after the first time of planning, ask what we spoke about & where things are up to.
Mark Smith | Senior Minister
