The Art of Saying No
Written by Gideon Clark on February 5, 2016
I write this as no expert, in fact quite the opposite. The inspiration for this article comes from the perspective of a ‘yes’ man. To me ‘no’ was a word that I didn’t feel I had the right to use; learning to use it has been a steep learning curve. Part of the ‘yes’ response was from growing up in a church culture which at one point adopted the phrase ‘burning out for Jesus’. Understandably this might appeal to anyone wanting to give their all for Jesus but it doesn’t make my list of top ten mission statements!
Worship isn’t really about instruments
Written by Gideon Clark on January 1, 2016
About a year ago I found myself having to lead (that’s loosely put) worship in a small community house. As far as I could see it required a certain degree of confidence in singing and playing the guitar. Neither of which I had. In fact growing up going to church I would often ‘mouth’ the words to songs just to look like I was singing. Anyway, I accepted the challenge, drew the short straw and grabbed a guitar. It was a painfully embarrassing experience.
A Theology of Food – As Easy As Pie
Written by Gideon Clark on April 15, 2015
I have been thinking a lot about food lately.
Okay let me rephrase that.
I have been thinking about gathering together to share a meal.
Poor Church, Right Place
Written by Gideon Clark on March 28, 2014
It’s estimated Jesus walked up to 20 miles a day to spread the Gospel. He travelled light. He wasn’t looking for earthly possessions.
Jesus was looking for relationships. Jesus was looking for people. As a church we intend to follow the example of Jesus, sowing the kingdom of God, seed by seed among the people we interact with.
Getting Through Challenges to Missional Community
Written by Gideon Clark on November 11, 2013
I was recently watching a documentary about the Gloriavale Christian Community in New Zealand. While convicted by their daily devotion to God and each other I kept thinking of one of my favourite parts of the Bible. Jesus has defeated death and gives his followers the Great Commission:
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28)