National Superintendent

Crossings

by Rev. Brett Jones National Superintendent

When Joshua and the priests stood at the edge of the Jordan river with the people of Israel gathered behind them, it must have felt like an impossible task was before them. The river was in flood, the people were uncertain about the future and Moses was no longer with them. And yet the words of the Lord recorded in Joshua 1 must have surely been ringing in their ears: “Be strong and courageous.”

These are words that lend strength, but also raise questions. Strength and courage are surely only needed when challenges arise! Not least, that God repeats the exhortation three times. This is going to be big. So when the time for a courageous crossing arrives, it is indeed a moment for strength and courage as the priests step into a raging torrent. Courageous crossings have long been a part of our story as Wesleyan Methodists. It was fitting to celebrate 20 years as a movement at our 2020 Connexion with a “Crossings” theme and to recall the crossings of the past. Celebrating the past, as we honoured those early pioneers who stepped into a new vision as Wesleyan Methodists, recalled moments of courage as churches were planted and fresh callings embraced, and thanked God for his faithfulness on the journey. We were also privileged to honour Rev Dr Richard Waugh and Jane St GeorgeWaugh for serving the movement so sacrificially, initially as the founding National Secretary and thereafter for 18 years as National Superintendent. We give thanks for strength and courage. In 2021 we continue to face the turbulence of the moment, as a global pandemic rages on, and communities come under the burden of social, mental and economic pressure. Alongside this challenge, the culture continues to ask questions of a church that has been swayed by new allegiances other than Christ, is often tempted to being right more than it is to living right, and does not always demonstrate confidence in the gospel. Our churches have rallied in this season and worked hard to offer care and to innovate how the church engages. But, make no mistake, it has been a difficult journey and we continue to wrestle with questions of how to be church, what faithfulness looks like in this moment and how the lost are to be reached. We lean on God for strength and courage. As we look forward to a future that is perhaps more uncertain than we are used to, it is our turn to step in. It is our turn to hear the echoes of God’s words to the Israelites, be strong and courageous. It is our turn to risk the flood and discover the certainty God’s presence lies on the other side of stepping into uncertainty. This next season will be defined by some foundational affirmations. We will call people into Jesus’ promise of life in all its fullness and live out that fullness ourselves – heart, mind, soul and strength. We will grow healthy churches that overflow with the presence of God. We will prioritise our efforts towards sharing Good News with our neighbours and our communities. We will step into the flood with God’s strength and courage. When the priests stepped in, the waters piled up and the nation crossed. God’s miracle that day was a promise of his presence and faithfulness for the future. Stones were set up as a tangible reminder and a prompt to recall the faithfulness of God. As we celebrate 21 years as a movement, with the river in full flood, we also remember the provision of God, we trust His strength and receive his courage, and we ‘step in’ together.