There are some sermons that just hit you between the eyes, and the one given by Father Luke at St Martins-in-the-Veld was a good example. His opening proposition was there there could be no such existence as a passive Christian since they were opposite conditions. Jesus called on us to be ‘doers’ not armchair spectators, and in answer to the what and the how, Father Luke gently reminded that Jesus never expected us to do the impossible, and He equipped us with the tools to do what we needed to.

Expanding on that, the point was made that we are most probably already using the talents or gifts that we have been given, just not always for His ministry. We may not all be called upon to be preachers or evangelists, but all sorts of skills are needed to make for a thriving, joyous and lively church.

If you are reading this, there is a good chance you are already contributing to the broader ministry, but we each need to reflect and consider if He might find us falling short. Not always an easy question to address, as I would be the first to admit.

Coming from a UK rural benefice, it is truly wonderful to experience a different culture with a congregation  drawn from all backgrounds and ancestries. Nowhere have I understood better that the love of Jesus shows us that we are all brothers and sisters united in faith, but who just happen to wear different outer garments. Before the Cross, all are equal.