Invitation becomes a spiritual practice when we prayerfully invite unchurched people into some form of Christian community.
About every three years some pundit in the media or politician raises the prospect of taxing the churches or decries their rates exemptions.
I found in preparing for the ordination service that God kept affirming so deeply that this commitment I was preparing to make was what I was made for and every way in which he'd journeyed with me led to this.
"We see people meeting with Jesus wherever they are in their ages and stages," say Gary and Phillipa, leaders of Messy Church in Motueka.
Jane explains the concept of “permanent agriculture” as a way of life following some important principles.
In the Nelson diocese, we sadly have one of the highest rates of child poverty at 18.5%. So what can we do about it?
For those involved in Christian ministry, our sense of worth can easily become confused with our perceived “success” or output. Living with Chronic Fatigue unmasks this dangerous fallacy.
There was a level of enthusiasm for worship, prayer, prophecy and fellowship that I’ve never seen before.
We asked a few parishes to tell us about how their Easter celebrations went this year.
Scottie highlighted four markers in society we should be watching for as common pre-cursors to other renewal movements, and wondered if we were on the cusp of something here in New Zealand.
As we journey through the week leading up to Easter, I want to encourage us to think about how Easter opens the door for us in three ways.
As I’ve had the opportunity to hear the stories of our rangatahi who went on the trip it’s become clear that the Fiji Ministry Exchange was a transformative experience for all involved.
"Every now and again God places in your life someone who inspires you and encourages you through the practical outworking of their faith."
Nearly 170 years after the first ship in the series was launched, Reverend David Hastings and Reverend John Sherlock conducted the blessing ceremony for Southern Cross 10.
If people stop praying, the downstream implications are enormous on every single level – when it comes to mission, the kingdom of God, future leaders, serving the poor. It begins with a life of prayer.
In the early church, Christians simply focused on living quiet Christian lives. Attendance at church services was tightly controlled with only those baptised admitted. So how did the church grow?
I’m more and more convinced that the heart of any Christian gathering is reflecting on the scriptures and breaking bread together. It's that simple.
“You’re not going to be beaten by a grandma are you?” works well when persuading them to do something a bit difficult for them – jumping over the side or climbing up the rigging.
If you've been part of the diocese for a while (especially the northern end), you've probably heard of a place called Mamaku Grove – but what actually is it?
"I wrestled for years about how art and craft could be spiritual, but I know now for sure that it is by the opportunities it provides."
I’ve been drawn to the post-exilic books in the Old Testament for insight into the journey of revitalisation.
In a culture of consumption, consumerism and immediate gratification, fasting serves as an antidote.
Clear waters, golden beaches, hot days... Convergence didn’t have any coconuts with mini umbrellas to drink from, but it had everything else, as well as family and collective worship of our good God.
The blurring of boundaries between the virtual and the real increases the danger of substituting digital interaction for real participation in community.
The deliberate use of colour in Anglican liturgy is a way of participating through beauty and art in the seasons and celebrations of our faith.