Creativity in
Local Ministry
As church planters, creative thought and
innovation have been core to how we
connect with communities. After pioneering
four church plants, what appeals to us is that
no church is the same. What makes the church
community is the people who gather together
and the unique stories, perspectives and
gifts they bring. Right now, we are at the very
beginning of building a new faith community
in Melbourne and we’re asking God to show
us how we can use what He has given us to
connect with this community.
SUE AND ROB, CHURCH PLANTERS
However, notice that the Bible does
not spell out exactly how, but just
tells us to.... Go, make disciples,
baptise them and teach them
(Mathew 28:19-20). Maybe God’s
design is for us to think creatively
about how we fulfil this command
within our context.
In Acts 2:42-47, we read that the
early church devoted themselves to
the Word, fellowshipped together,
witnessed signs and wonders, cared
for each other and praised God. We are
not told what time to hold the morning
service or whether to have a two or
three song bracket before the twenty-
minute sermon. However, we are told
a simple list of characterises that form
the foundations of a thriving church.
In each community, whether local
or global, the ‘church’ should look
different. Our challenge is to not fall
into the same old comfortable patterns,
but to seek the local people of peace,
respond to the needs of the community
and to creatively look for ways, new
ways, to connect with people and share
the message of Jesus.
Creativity in
Global Mission
I never considered myself
‘creative’ when I was
younger, but I’ve had plenty of
opportunity in Mozambique to
discover how creative God made
me. When we build relationships
we engage in varied ways – one day
we attend a funeral and the next shell
beans on a verandah or share a meal.
We think about how to craft and share
Bible stories so people not only engage
but understand. Creative solving of practical
problems. Creative collaboration as a team.
Creative ways to journey with and empower
others. This year we had the opportunity to
share during village initiations. We selected,
shaped and told stories in order to engage
the women and girls, asked questions
that connected with their worldview and
performed songs and dances to reinforce
teaching – definitely some creative
(and collaborative) thinking required!
BEK, CROSS-CULTURAL WORKER
resonate
· issue 32 · page 4