One of the newly commissioned Captains gave the message at Box Hill Corps today. She is Captain June Knop and she gave a great message. With confidence, good preparation and a pure heart, she spoke to us from the Word of God on this first Sunday of Advent.
Captain Knop is one of the people that convince me that we have a new day in the territory. She, and her associate Heralds of the Good News give us reason to celebrate God's active interest in who we are and what we're doing. She's a wonderful representative of our Lord.
Isaiah 61:1 (NIV)
1 The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners,
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7 comments:
Yes a good speaker.
Have attended that Box Hill 11:00am service only twice.
To not mince words, how big will that congregation be in 15 years time? Ten years?
Maybe my limited experience is not representative - perhaps the 11:00am service normally contains a broader ranger of ages, I just happened to catch it when it was predominately attended by older folk.
Is it true that there are many church meetings across Australia where the average age is significantly higher than the national average age?
What strategies are in place to counter this? Is it enough to rely on God, the Holy Spirit?
Or does God expect people to do something about it?
What is your strategic approach to this problem, Jim Knaggs? Or is it not a problem?
A more general challenge is this: Why is it that Christian influence is waning in this country?
Has God abandoned Australia?
Here is my prayer:
Where are you God? I can't hear you. I can't see you. I don't see your presence anywhere. Perhaps I'm not as spiritually clever as Jim Knaggs. Perhaps you have abandonded me as you seem to have abandonded Australia. I guess I'll find out in hell. Amen.
(Preach it June!!!!)
Interesting thoughts David!
It is enough to rely on the Holy Spirit to bring revival, and using people is how the Spirit gets things 'done', so the answer is 'both'! ;o)
I think we need to step up the activity and passion of our Army to see revival and I really believe Connections 07 was the first big step (and I reckon that's part of your strategy Commissioner... am I right?).
I feel your pain for the state of the Army David, but there's always hope - God hasn't abandoned us, and I believe you've got a purpose to fulfil in that future too.
David - just a suggestion to help you through, read the word and share prayer with another Christian with a heart for growth, you may understand God's heart for you and our Army. Don't let your pain drag you down, harness it to instill in you a greater passion for the lost and for God. And keep an eye out for glimmers of hope... check out my blog, I wrote about a good-news youth story from last night, it might show you the situation is looking up in this next generation!
www.revolutionarmy.blogspot.com
David, know that each of us are equally fallen and equally blessed to be part of God's family, and as a body of Christ we need to support each other and lift each other up. You're worth it, Jim's worth it, I'm worth it. I'll be praying for you, hope you'll return the favour ;o)
Go June! Go Heralds!
It does not matter what age the congregation is, what does matter is the health of the congregation.
You can have a congregation with an average age of 35, but if it is not outward looking and bringing their friends and members of their local community into the corps and then into faith it to will die.
If older folk are reaching out and bringing their family, friends and members of their community to faith then that is what matters.
Old does not equal useful, and does not take away their voice or ability to serve.
If fact it brings to our church a depth of experience and wisdom that is invaluable.
Yes some are set in their ways but that is not just an age thing either I know of some quite young people who also are very fixed and who struggle with change.
A vibrant church will have a place for everyone and that includes the 50+ demographic.
They have years of collective service and life to bring if we just bother to look.
They are our mentors and prayer warriers. I observe their words of encouragement, hugs and prayers with our young folk, it is often unseen, but many of our young folk are still at our corps because of this gracious and gentle influence.
Our mandate is to GO into ALL the world, all races and all ages lets not see an aged congregation and immediately equate that with decline and death.
PS: I am not in that demographic yet !!!
Correction !!
Paragraph 4 should say:-
Old does not equal USELESS
My apologies !
It would be interesting to learn a bit about the demographics as it relates to the; 9.30 am Contemporary Service, the 11.00 am Korean Service and the 6.00 pm Contemporary Service.
Being a world away I am unable to worship at any of the Box Hill Corps services. Nonetheless, it would appear the corps seeks to serve many diverse age and ethnic groups. A good reason to celebrate !!!
SEL
Why not communicate directly with the corps. The corps officer in Major Wynton Knop and is on lotus notes. The website is : http://www.salvationarmy.org.au/boxhill/
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