Unless the Grain of Wheat Falls

About 9 months ago, we presented the updated Vision and Values to the church, which are included in the What We're About page of the website. At that time, our hope was that things could be 'back to normal' by late autumn 2020, and it's now looking like the new normal will become more apparent late autumn a year later. I have since wondered if we went through this process too early, especially because all of our values are community values, which are more difficult to live out under COVID restrictions.

I was greatly encouraged after watching a teaching by Mike Pilavachi for all Vineyard UK churches titled What Kind of Church Do We Want To Be? In this teaching which will be shown in the livestream this Sunday, he argues that our churches must be '1) Jesus-centred, 2) biblically-based, and 3) Spirit-led' and then talks about 4) building an alternative kingdom community. Bognor Vineyard's renewed vision is, 'We want to see people transformed by the love of God, 1) becoming fully devoted followers of Jesus 2) who are grounded in his truth 3) and empowered by his Spirit 4) for the sake of his kingdom. My friends, what was true for us 9 months ago is still true for us today.

After a number of Greeks (non-Jews) asked to see Jesus, he said to his disciples, 'Very truly I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.' (John 12;24) He was indicating his death and resurrection in a few days' time, which would make it possible for both Jews and Greeks to receive forgiveness and redemption. It also reminds us how Jesus still brings us life even after we have let go of control (the grain of wheat falling to the ground) and can't see what he's doing (the seed germinating in the ground). All the things he has planted in us this past year will bear abundant fruit, and I look forward to walking with all of you in the next season as we see God bring about his vision for the church he wants us to be.

This reflection introduces the Sunday teaching on 11th April by Mike Pilavachi, who shared about What Kind of Church Do We Want To Be? You can watch it here.