How many churches do we need?

I facilitate the ministers fraternal in our community of Manurewa and I have been talking to a lot of pastors over the last 15 months, trying to connect and build relationships and see what we can do together as the Body of Christ in Manurewa. Its been a very interesting task. Some have welcomed me and the idea of networking with open arms some are not quite keen at all. Some sat on the fence for a while and now finally decided to join us. Praise God!! Acccording to my last count there are 71 Christian Churches in our community. Next year there will be 3 more new church plants in Manurewa. Talking to one of the ministers this year he commented ‘great to have you here in Manurewa, the more the merrier’. I remember saying yes to him but now I am asking myself do we really need 71 churches in Manurewa. Is it really true theat ‘the more the merrier’. 

Some ministers may not like this but I am starting to think that if we have a lot of  churches in an area and the physical, emotional, social and spiritual condition of the community is not changed then I don’t think ‘the more the merrier’ is the right attitude. 

The church, the body of the Christ and the hands and feet of God in this world must engage in redeeming and restoring people, the community. We are saved to do Good Works. Ephesians 2:8-10.

I am excited with the relationships already established with other churches in the area, we are able to connect, pray, share ideas and support each other. Now I think we need to move to another level of engagement!! Thy Kingdom come!!!

(Image by executableoutline.com)

Manurewa Police Surprised!!

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Members of LifeChurch Manurewa surprised the cops at Manurewa Police station last night when over 30 people showed up at the gates with gift baskets, flowers, hot food, Dunkin donuts, to say THANK YOU to the police for the work they are doing in keeping Manurewa a community safe. Manukau Central Area Commander Inspector Allan Shearer was speechless with the generosity and the number of people that showed up on a cold windy Monday night. He admitted, “I have never experienced anything like this my 30 years in the police”. Constable Akerei Malesala ex gang member turned cop could not hold back the tears as he gave his emotional thank you speech. Manurewa Police was also presented with a Certificate of Appreciation from LifeChurch in ‘honour and  recognition of service and comitment to the safety of the Manurewa Community’.

LifeChurch cheered, sang a thank you song and prayed for the police.  

Baptism Winter Style!

Yes its spa pool time again. What a joy it is to witness obedience and desire to follow God. This time it was special. I baptised a couple together and a father and his two teenage kids as well as my own nephew. As a pastor, I feel close to Jesus during baptism services, knowing that I am right in the midst of His will and obeying his commands to go into the whole world and preach the gospel and baptise them. (Matt 28).