2009: Planning To Bless Our City’s Future

THERE IS AN URGENCY ABOUT THIS YEAR!

Melbourne is no longer such a livable city.
The many areas of social decline and some recent legislation are spiritual issues.
 
WE BELIEVE GOD IS CALLING US TO ACT NOW TO INFLUENCE THE FUTURE!

We know the power and love of God is unlimited.
He has committed Himself to work through us as we trust Him.
He has trusted us with the work of reconciliation in a broken world.
The love and grace and Good News of Jesus is not for us to keep.
We know around the world God is doing amazing things.
He is with us and works powerfully through us.
He can Transform our city.

WHAT WOULD STOP GOD TOUCHING OUR CITY?

Our dependence on our own strength and resources
Our desire for our comfort
Our failure to recognize and stand against the declining spirituality which is changing our laws and social values and threatening our peaceful way of life.
 
WE BELIEVE JESUS IS SHOWING US HOW HE SEES THE CHURCH

The draft copy of the Major Report of the first ever research of the whole Church across Melbourne is now ready.  We now have data on many issues about the Church we have wondered about – and these will be released first to Church Leaders on 12th March and later to pastors and leaders and the wider Church. 

For the first time we have clear data on the massive social and welfare support provided by local churches for their communities.  This is one of the areas in which our city depends on the Church, and how Christian faith is integral to our society. 

These will be highlighted and celebrated in a civic event in Fed. Square next year.
 
The data on church attendance brings a serious challenge to the Church and its future. This is an Inconvenient Truth!   But also the research includes data on where God is changing lives and communities, on areas of effective outreach, on the great number of ethnic churches, and the amazing range of resources in the Church in Melbourne. It indicates ways we can best minister to people of different ages or situations, including the challenging area of the Y-Generation and the Church.

WE INVITE YOU TO BELIEVE FOR GOD’S KINGDOM TO BREAKTHROUGH IN 2009

– To Welcome this in your own life
– To Join with others to Pray for it expectantly
– To be open to Pursue it as God leads
– To Support it as you have opportunity
– To Praise God as we see it

 

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