Themes in Christian Ministry and Mission

I have just returned from three days at the Regional Ministry Retreat (formerly Clergy Conference). The change in tone and themes at such gatherings is apparent.

27 years ago, when I first attended, the themes were optimistic and growth-orientated. The Anglican Church was doing OK, and if we improved this or that, we could do even better.

This year, Kanishka, the Archbishop, spoke about how ministry was hard for the disciples and how Jesus encouraged them to persevere. A Moore College lecturer read us excerpts from Ministers in despair and considering resignation. Our Bishop spoke about how things are changing faster and more profoundly than ever.

Such challenges and adversity can engender baseline levels of anxiety and indecision. And yet we have a task to do – to reach the present world.

I observed the mood of the retreat as swaying between two poles. On the one hand, we were reminded that God’s word is eternally true, that Jesus has defeated sin and death and is building his church, and we must be faithful. At other times we were engaging with the present world, trying to fathom its contours so that we might find fruitful entry points of dialogue with it.

Fluctuating between two poles may induce further anxiety. At such times, we want to go back to what we are certain about. Like the rabbits of Watership Down, intuitively, we seek the security of a deep burrow.

The concept of diagonalisation brings clarity to this moment in history. The gospel is both eternally true and yet always speaking in the present. It brings a message of hope beyond these trials and yet works for redemption here and now.

The temptation to stop and burrow down or to modify our core message so it aligns with present values is strong. But Jesus’ Kingdom is both now and not yet.