When Abraham set out from his home town in obedience to God's call he did not know where he was going, but followed God's leading. He became the Founding Father of all God's people, both Christians and Jews. He is also looked to as the Father of Islam.

When Moses led God's people out of slavery in Egypt and into the promised land they were guided by the vision of a pillar of fire by night and a cloud by day. In this way God led them for 40 years until they entered into the fullness of His blessing.

The Apostle Paul was turned around and received a new direction for his life when he had a vision of the risen Jesus. Years later, when he was on trial before King Agrippa, Paul could say "I was not disobedient to the vision from heaven." (Acts 26:19)

Hudson Taylor, a young English doctor, had a vision from God while he was walking on Brighton Beach. He saw millions of Chinese going to eternity without Christ. Through that vision God led him to found the China Inland Mission, which still continues today, over a century later, as the Overseas Missionary Fellowship.

The idea of an Anglican Church having a vision may seem strange to some. Many have grown up with the idea that the Church is just there, for the convenience of the people of the area. A place to be baptized, married and buried. However, as society has become more and more secular, the church has become increasingly irrelevant as a chapel for the community. Few people bother to have their children baptized. Over 46% of marriages are not conducted by a clergyman, and most funerals are conducted in a parlour.

Over ten years ago we asked God to show us His purpose for our continuing as a Church. He gave us then an eight-fold vision of the kind of Church he wanted us to be. This is printed in the brochure "Values, Priorities, and Vision" which is on the back table. If you have not read this recently then I suggest you do so. It explains much of what has made us different from other Anglican Churches, and why many people from far and near thank God for the ministry of St Mark's.

But, as we met last Thursday to consider where God is leading us for the future, it was recognized that the vision that was relevant for the past 11 years is not necessarily for the years that lie ahead. One reason is that the ministry of the past eleven years has been very closely bound up with the particular ministry and giftings of Rosemary and myself. Others have shared in this, to varying degrees, but not every one of the eight has been a ministry of the Church as a whole. We recognise that, for the future, we need to distinguish between the primary vision for the Church as a whole and subsidiary visions for other activities that God may give to smaller groups associated with the church.

A second reason for seeking a fresh vision is that there have been great changes over the past 11 years in the coommunity that is our primary concern, the "Parish" of Northbridge. Unlike the new independent churches that have sprung up in various places, we do have a legal responsibility for those who live in a particular area. That can be both a burden and an opportunity, but we need to hear what God is saying to us about how we reach our neighbours with the message of God's powerful love.

One view that was endorsed very strongly on Thursday night was that the process of determining our new Vision for the future should involve the whole congregation. It is the congregation that will continue to be the bearer of God's vision for Northbridge even though Rectors may change. If you believe that God has given you some revelation in this matter, please pass it on to Jill Russell. We envisage that this could be a process which takes some time and we want to be sure we are all hearing God together.

One thing that was recognised on Thursday night was that God may be giving specific visions for distinctive ministries to smaller groups of people. This may not be for the whole church, but may be something that the church can bless and encourage. If God has laid a particular concern on your heart, please tell me about it.

The other point that was emphasised strongly was our commitment to the importance of the Holy Spirit in both the life of the individual Christian and the corporate life of the Church.

I believe God has an exciting future for his Church. I hope you will share in it as we co-operate with God.

Rev. John Davies
27 January 2002