It has been one year since the Lord called me and Wendy to give up a very successful Christian Ministry in Brighton England and come back to Wendy’s birthplace, Australia.
I have been asked many times, “what do I see as Australia’s greatest need”. And for the first year I kept my mouth closed, it was a time to explore and learn”
Our first year has gone through illness and cyclones, we listened and met with many wonderful people. I agree Australia has major issues such as Gambling, Youth crime, domestic violence, the cost of living, homelessness, drugs, I could write pages, the list is long and sad.
It is my belief the pinnacle issue is that for the most part the Church of Jesus Christ has retreated, it has barricaded itself in the building we call the Church. Its members have withdrawn from bold social involvement and has chosen to sit rehearsing its doctrines and passing the time by singing its songs to itself.
I was told the average Christian in Australia listens to over 200 sermons and sings over 500 Spiritual songs each year and does not witness once. Something has gone very wrong with our understanding of Christianity.
The level of debate has gone from redefining Christian Service in the 21 Century to such incidentals as refurbishing the Church kitchen and choosing the colour of the cups.