What transforms a tourist into a pilgrim?
And why should we be transformed?
Photo: “I feel in awe of what God has done and how the many volunteers have come together to work on different aspects of the project,” says volunteer Ali Mascarenhas
As I explored Holy Island with many other holiday makers, I pondered this question.
by Rev Greg Bakker
I’m sure that many insightful sermons have been preached and erudite books written on this theme over the years.
For some reason, I thought of Sophie’s Pioneering Parishes’ Journey Together Road Map which she kindly drew for our newsletter some months ago. There is something about the journey together which involves a careful noticing: where are we? It also requires an openness to not avoid or overstay the place/circumstances in which we find ourselves.
God has much to show us. We miss what God has for us when we avoid the challenging and when we dwell too long in a place of comfort.
Where do you and your parish find yourselves this autumn? What are you noticing? Is there something you might be avoiding? Is it time to set comfort aside and break camp for the next stage of the adventure?
It is the awareness of where we are and moving with God’s Spirit that transforms church life and ministry into a sense of pilgrimage.
May your autumn season be full of grace and discovery.
Discover the next adventure that God is calling your parish to through a Pioneering Parishes course.
