October 2012

ISSUE 16 / OCT - NOV 2012 / €2

THE LEADERSHIP ISSUE

THE COMMUNITY, THE MARKETPLACE, WORSHIP, YOUNG LEADERS, THE FUTURE

THE GOOSE OR THE GOLDEN EGG? LET’S TALK ABOUT SEX Why we need self leadership

Tackling the hot topic churches often ignore

Modern day

slavery exists in Ireland today.

Tirzah is passionate about helping to end this injustice.

Will you join us for our anti-trafficking weekend on

9th & 10th November?

The lineup will include a photo exhibition, film screening and conference to equip the church.

For more information and to book go to

www.tirzah.ie and www.facebook.com/tirzahinireland

EDITORIAL

The wind beneath my wings was a broken woman. Paralysed with fear and clinging on with whitening knuckles, I had resigned myself to humiliation and was already imagining the headlines (of course that’s the first thing you do as a trainee journalist)… “Cub Reporter airlifted to safety after terrifying assault course ordeal.”

The afternoon visit to an army barracks had begun with delusions of adequacy. After all, with a brother in the army, surely I’d have no problem throwing myself over various obstacles?

Clad in oversized green overalls, I made rather ungainly progress across walls and ditches. But the scramble net proved my undoing. Less than a foot from the top, suspended a very, very long way off the very, very hard ground, I came unglued… or rather… I found myself glued to the spot.

Going back was out of the question. And I was convinced nothing on earth would get me over the top.

That was until the drill sergeant suddenly appeared at my side. Bringing his face inches from my own, he yelled, “Get yourself moving NOW!” (Or words to that effect). In a heartbeat, I was up and over and clambering down the other side.

VOX MAGAZINE

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YOU KNOW THAT THOSE WHO ARE REGARDED AS RULERS OF THE GENTILES LORD IT OVER THEM AND THEIR HIGH OFFICIALS EXERCISE AUTHORITY OVER THEM. NOT SO WITH YOU...

MARK 10:42 - 43 The drill sergeant beat me to the bottom and welcomed me with an ear-to-ear grin. “Well done!! You did it!” he said in an entirely different tone of voice.

That sergeant provided me with a life-long lesson in leadership. He was determined to help me succeed - and when he did just that, remarkably he gave me the credit (although I know for sure I’d have never done it without him).

In our special leadership edition of VOX, we’re considering just a few of the myriad facets of leadership. But one theme is constant - servant leadership.

Whether we are leading in the marketplace, in our churches, in our homes or our communities, Jesus’ radical example challenges us to service that equips and enables others to shine.

But vitally, this comes from a place of rest and security that doesn’t leave the leader as a casualty (The Goose or the Golden Egg, page 28).

SUBSCRIBE TODAY Ireland (32 counties): One Year (4 issues) €10 Two Years (8 Issues) €16 Overseas: One Year €15 Two Years €24 Solas Publishing Ulysses House 22-24 Foley Street Dublin 1 SUBSCRIBE ONLINE AT

WWW.VOX.IE

Watch out for our special Christmas issue, appearing at the beginning of December!

Ruth Garvey-Williams Editor (editor@vox.ie) OCT - NOV VOX

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A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE

THE LEADERSHIP ISSUE

THE VELVET MELODIES

OCTOBER - NOVEMBER 2012, ISSUE 16 ISSN: 2009-2253

CONTENTS 12 24 28

PUBLISH E R Solas Publishing EDITOR Ruth Garvey-Williams editor@vox.ie ADVERTI S I N G Jonny Lindsay advertising@vox.ie LAYOUT A N D O P E R AT I O N S Jonny Lindsay jonny@vox.ie PROJECT D I R E C TO R Tom Slattery (Evangelical Alliance Ireland) SUBSCRI P T I O N S Ireland (32 counties): €10 for four issues / €16 for eight issues Overseas: €15 for four issues / €24 for eight issues All cheques should be made payable to Solas Publishing.

SOLAS P U B L I S H I N G Ulysses House 22 - 24 Foley Street Dublin 1 Tel: 01 443 4789 info@vox.ie www.vox.ie DISCLAIM E R

The views expressed in letters and articles are those of the respective authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of Solas Publishing or its partners. The acceptance of advertising does not indicate endorsement.

PRINT Castle Print, Galway VOX magazine is a quarterly publication, brought to you by Solas Publishing.

18 20 22 27 30 14 16 32 35 37 38 06 08 10 14 15

COVER STORIES Let’s talk about sex - tackling the hot topic churches often ignore 2013 and beyond - leading for the future The goose or the golden egg? - why we need self leadership LEADERSHIP FOCUS Leadership in the community Empowering a new generation of leaders Leadership in the marketplace Worshipping with integrity A Dream Job? Meet Tearfund’s new CEO FEATURES AND INTERVIEWS My Story - Psalm 91 Invitation to a Journey - Reading for Transformation Bringing a world of difference to vulnerable children in Uganda Charter calls for respect and civility in public life Open to anything?

The Velvet Melodies - when art and faith collide

REGULAR FEATURES VOX: Shorts VOX: World News Your VOX: Letters Facts from Acts Confessions of a Feint Saint

25 30 41 44 46

Web Watch Family Focus Reviews Event Listing VOX: PS

Cover Image: Krista Burns (www.thecrimsonclover.net) with Dave Williamson @ Victory Centre, Tallaght

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH: 04

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TM

IRELAND

C.M.A. celebrating

15 serving the Lord in Ireland years

1997 - 2012

Christian Motorcyclists Association Our vision is to change the world, one heart at a time.

We seek to bring the Good News of Jesus Christ (Íosa Críost) to the biking community and others.

Luke 14:23 says to “go out to the highways and along the hedges and bring them in that my house may be filled.”

If this ministry sounds right for you, first pray about it and then call us on 086 8057982. We’d be delighted to answer any of your questions.

We’d also like to offer you a Biker’s Bible “Hope for the Highway”.

www.cmaireland.ie | info@cmaireland.ie www.country.cmainternational.org/ire | Tel: 086 8057982

VOX SHORTS

How many are homeless?

A recent Central Statistics Office report in the Republic of Ireland reveals that 3,808 people including 296 families were homeless on the night of the census in 2011. While the majority were in temporary, emergency accommodation, 64 were sleeping rough.

Of those surveyed, 2375 (60%) were in the Dublin area while the South East (403 people), South West (310) and Mid West (273) had the next highest levels of homelessness. Available on www.cso.ie, the report showed a high instance of mental illness and chronic pain or respiratory problems among homeless people, with 30% experiencing poor health.

Statistics about homelessness in Northern Ireland are unclear. A 2011 government report recorded over 20,000 households as “statutory homeless” (entitled to government help based on priority need). However, only 10 were reported as sleeping rough.

Churches often seek to respond to the needs of homeless people. At VOX we want to hear from you: Do the government figures reflect the reality you see on the ground? Write to us and share your experience: editor@vox.ie. .

Don’t be Afraid campaign tackles domestic abuse

One in five women in Ireland is affected by domestic abuse, but one third will never tell anyone what is happening. Women’s Aid has launched a national awareness campaign to highlight the issue of domestic abuse. ‘Don’t Be Afraid’ encourages women living with domestic abuse to call the freephone helpline 1800 341 900. In 2011, the helpline answered over 11,000 calls from abused women.

Speaking in support of the campaign, leading RTÉ broadcaster Miriam O’Callaghan said: “I know women are famous for talking to each other about all that life throws at us but in the case of domestic abuse, many women feel unable to tell even their closest family or friends."

Still drinking from the same cup

ACET Ireland celebrated its 20th anniversary with the release of a new publication called “Drinking from the same cup.” The poignant and inspirational collection of 20 stories from clients, staff members and friends of the Christian HIV and AIDS response is available from ACET’s website, www.acet.ie.

Originally used in one individual’s story to convey the burden of fear, stigma and discrimination that can exist for someone living with HIV, the phrase 'Drinking from the same cup' sums up ACET’s journey together with those affected by HIV and those they seek to educate about HIV-related issues.

“While stigma has reduced, it has yet to be eliminated,” shared ACET Ireland CEO Richard Carson. “Even as recently as 2007, research showed that one in four Irish people would be afraid of eating a meal prepared by someone living with HIV.”

New partnership for Samaritans’ helpline

Samaritans has announced a ground-breaking agreement with the six largest telecoms in Ireland on the provision of a new freephone helpline number. The new number should become operational in the first half of 2013. Samaritans' lo-call helpline received more than 400,000 calls over the past 12 months.

The current numbers are: Republic of Ireland 1850 60 90 90 and 08457 90 90 90 in the UK/Northern Ireland.

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VOX MAGAZINE

Sold for £59,000

A Bible used by Elvis Presley until he died, aged 42 in 1977, sold at auction in the UK for £59,000. The Bible contains Elvis’ hand-written notes and, according to the UK’s Press Association, one of the verses underlined is, "What is a man advantaged if he gain the whole world and lose himself or be cast away?"

Support for the "Turn off the Red Light" Campaign

Anti-trafficking group Tirzah has called on Christians to support the “Turn off the Red Light" campaign which seeks a change in the law to criminalise the buyers of sex.

“We believe in the dignity and value of each human being,” explained Tirzah coordinator Jeanne Whelan.

“If we pride ourselves on freedom and justice, we cannot stand by while people are bought and sold as commodities. In 21st Century Ireland, it is unacceptable for even a single person to be trapped in sexual slavery.

We believe a change in the law to criminalise the buyers of sex offers our best hope for a reduction in this atrocity.”

Find out more at www.tirzah.ie.

Christmas Shoebox Appeal 2012 - a time to give…

Team Hope’s 2012 Christmas Shoebox Appeal was launched in midSeptember with a spectacular event at The Exchange in Gardiner Street, Dublin. Special guests and stars of the evening were the Khulula Children’s Choir, an 18-member choir of orphans and street children from Swaziland, on their first ever visit to Ireland. The children had all been recipients of Team Hope shoeboxes in the past and shared their moving stories at the special event. (The choir is pictured above togther with Niall Barry and Carol Hennessey of Team Hope.)

And as Team Hope staff gear up for their annual campaign, they are appealing for help from VOX readers. “Over the last few months we’ve been inundated with requests from Christian organisations, pleading for Christmas shoebox gifts, for children living in some of the world’s poorest situations,” explained Niall Barry.

“These requests mean that Team Hope urgently needs more shoeboxes.

We’re asking people in Ireland (and this year, for the first time, including Northern Ireland) to be even more generous and to encourage all their friends to take part too.”

A shoebox filled with small gifts brings a little hope, a lot of laughter and smiles and a practical expression of God’s love at Christmas time. Find out all you need to know at www.teamhope.ie or call 01 2940222. In Northern Ireland go to www.teamhope.uk.com or call 028 91229730.

Online Counselling

An Irish substance abuse counsellor has found an innovative way to offer counselling support for people using Skype. The new online service enables people to log in from the comfort and privacy of their own home.

“This means I have the privilege of working with people who otherwise I could not see - people across town, across the country or across the world.

It allows for high levels of confidentiality and convenience,” explained founder Peter Walker. To find out more visit www.1peter1three.com

God’s Creation - Our Responsibility?

Over 140 people attended Eco-Congregation Ireland’s (ECI) inaugural conference in September. ECI Chairperson Sr Catherine Brennan commented, “The stark sign of our time is a planet in peril at our hands, and it is poor people who suffer most from environmental impoverishment.

Commitment to the poor and commitment to the well-being of life on this planet must go together.”

ECI encourages churches, communities and individuals to adopt an eco-friendly approach to worship, lifestyle, property and finance management, community outreach and contact with the developing world.

Visit www.ecocongregationireland.com to find out more.

OCT - NOV 2012 VOX

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WORLD NEWS

THOUSANDS DISPLACED BY FLOODING AND EARTHQUAKES

FREE!

There were joyful scenes outside an Iranian prison when Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani was reunited with his wife Fatemah, family and friends on Saturday 8 September. Youcef 's release came after three years of imprisonment, during which he was sentenced to death for apostasy.

At the court hearing on 8 September, Youcef was found not guilty of apostasy but was convicted of evangelising Muslims. He was sentenced to three years in prison but was released immediately, having already served this time.

“Thank you to everyone who has supported me with their prayers,” was his heartfelt message for those who stood by him throughout his prison ordeal.

Around 120 people gathered for the Church in Chains conference in Athlone, burst into spontaneous applause and praise to God when the news broke in Ireland.

David Turner, Director of Church in Chains, said, ”We rejoice with Youcef and his family. We have followed Youcef 's case closely and have been in regular contact with the Iranian Embassy in Dublin expressing the deep concerns of Irish Christians at his treatment over the past three years.

“I would ask Irish Christians to continue to pray for Youcef. Although he is out of jail, he is not out of danger. In the past, at least two other Iranian pastors have been murdered following release from prison. I would also ask people to remember that 16 other Christians still remain in prison in Iran.”

On the same day, Rimsha Masih, a young Christian girl with a mental disability, was released from prison in Pakistan. She had been held for just over three weeks after being held under Pakistan’s blasphemy laws, accused of burning pages of the Koran. Rimsha and her family are now living in hiding.

Rimsha’s case has drawn international attention to Pakistan’s blasphemy laws, which are frequently misused against religious minorities.

Church in Chains has highlighted the issue during several meetings at the Pakistani Embassy and earlier this year the issue was debated in the Dáil.

Visit www.churchinchains.ie for updates on these and other cases.

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Natural disasters continue to devastate parts of the Philippines. Flash floods caused by torrential rains, landslides and earthquakes killed more than 90 people and left half a million taking refuge in emergency shelters this summer. Standing floodwater soon stagnated, resulting in outbreaks of disease. Filipino Christians used rafts, boats and improvised floats to reach victims, delivering family aid packs as well as comforting the sick and trying to help older people and those who were stranded. Pray for the work to clean up and recover from these disasters, which are rapidly becoming a regular feature of life in the Philippines.

ETHIOPIAN BELIEVERS DEPORTED FROM SAUDI ARABIA

Saudi Arabia has deported 35 Ethiopian Christians arrested and detained since last December, for holding an all-night prayer vigil in a private home in Jeddah.

According to reports by International Christian Concern, the Christians suffered beatings, sexual assaults and pressure to convert to Islam during their imprisonment.

WHEELCHAIRS FOR PARALYMPIANS

A behind-the-scenes ministry during London's Paralympic Games was Through the Roof, a Christian organisation that donates wheelchairs and equipment to disabled people through their Wheels for the World programme. A representative said, "Many of the athletes coming [to the games] didn't have wheelchairs back in their own countries, so we were asked to provide some to the Paralympians and coaches."

Wheels for the World was based next to the Olympic Park and assessed 53 clients from 26 different countries, giving out chairs, crutches and walking aids, as well as repairing and tuning up several damaged chairs.

FACTS: SLUM DWELLERS ON THE INCREASE

UN Habitat says a third of the urban population in developing regions live in slums. It forecasts that the number of slum dwellers in the world will grow by 6 million a year and reach 889 million by 2020.

Watch the DVD on our website www.teamhope.ie, to see for yourself what a difference your gift can make

5, Leopardstown Business Centre, Ballyogan Avenue, Dublin 18.

Tel: (01) 294 0222

Irish Charity CHY 14524

Your Shoebox Gift can mean something very special to a child without much hope

YOUR VOX

Letters to the editor Star Letter

of VOX we In each issue all of a €25 One4 ize pr a d ar aw r. tte le ite r favour voucher for ou u!

It could be yo

How to welcome students It was encouraging to hear that three quarters of Irish students still count family as ‘most important’ (What students believe, VOX magazine Jul - Sep 2012).

Many adults remember the excitement - followed by apprehension - on leaving home for the first time.

Some delight in ‘kicking over the traces’, or doing their own thing.

But, for others, loneliness and isolation is a real danger. When our children were younger we often invited students for Sunday tea and I remember one girl remarking nostalgically, “It’s just like home!”

Hospitality is one way for the church to relate to students. Friendly, non-religious chat over a meal provides the ‘safe zone’ David Wilson mentioned and encourages confidence.

Having a regular lunch at church will draw students eager for a free meal. In our city, for several years we have provided student packs for new students, containing baked beans, a tin opener, ear plugs(!) and a Gideon New Testament, along with details of all local churches. Christians of all ages can take up the challenge!

BARBARA COLLIER CARLISLE, ENGLAND

NOT THE ONLY ONE

I really enjoyed reading issue 15 of VOX magazine. It was my first time reading VOX and I found it very encouraging and applicable, especially the piece on prayer by Ana Mullan. It was amazing to see that I wasn’t the only one struggling with prayer or seeing it as a chore rather than an “exchange of love” or even a simple conversation that can take place anywhere. This piece encouraged me so much that I cut it up and stuck it on my wall. I also blogged about it because I believe a lot of young people like myself can relate to it. I look forward to reading more!

IFE AGBOOLA CELBRIDGE, CO. KILDARE

NOURISHING SAPLINGS

In the autumn of 1982 the Irish Bible School was opened. Seven full-time residential students were enrolled. As we Irish say, this little parcel of ground was in “the back of beyond.”

It was the brainchild of Warren Nelson; a vision shared by his wife

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Phyllis and other local evangelical Christians. Warren had been rector of a group of parishes in the area. He had moved on from that ministry and travelled to many places in Ireland searching for lecturers and other forms of support.

Although modest in location and facilities, the IBS was no “Mickey Mouse” place!

There was a well-stocked library and a rich curriculum designed to prepare students for ministry at home and abroad. Biblical thought and theology, church history, Christian mission, ecclesiology, Bible ethics, spirituality, personal holiness, social ministry and dimensions of salvation were all treated in the lecture room.

Thankfully the diligent husbandry of these saplings in a small Tipperary wood led eventually to them finding a place in the corporate fellowship of the Irish Bible Institute. This is a story of strong faith and great faithfulness!

ROBERT DUNLOP CO. KILDARE

Will you take THE LITTLE EXTRAS CHALLENGE?

At VOX we’re looking for five courageous volunteers to take part in our “little extras” challenge.

For one week, we want you to keep your receipts every time you buy a “little extra.” Whether it is takeaway coffee, a chocolate bar or packet of crisps or an impulse-buy little luxury, we’re asking you to keep track of what you spend on non-essentials for seven days.

No cheating allowed - if you would have bought it any other week… then go ahead but keep that receipt!

Sound simple? Now for the challenge bit…

We’re inviting you to match that amount with a gift to a charity that is responding to the issue of poverty and then write about your experience. And VOX editor Ruth Garvey-Williams pledges to do the same. (Help! This means all those guilty secrets will be revealed!)

If you’re up for the challenge, contact us NOW by writing to editor@vox.ie or by telephoning 01 443 4789.

FOR ENCOURAGING, UPLIFTING AND LIFE CHANGING CHRISTIAN RADIO

LISTEN TO UCB IRELAND IRELAND LISTEN ON UPC CHANNEL 918 LISTEN ON SKY CHANNEL 0214 LISTEN ONLINE AT www.ucbirelandradio.com Download the FREE UCB Ireland APP from the iTunes store or the Android Market LISTEN ON DAB Radio

WORD FOR TODAY Kickstart your day by listening to the Word for Today on the hour, every hour on UCB Ireland To receive to the Word for Today booklet every quarter call us on 01 4299899 (office hours) or email ucb@ucb.ie

UCB Ireland is now broadcasting on DAB & DAB+ in Dublin City and County reaching as far west as Mullingar and as far north as Drogheda. Our DAB broadcast continues in Waterford, Wexford and South Leinster and the service is expected to be rolled out in Limerick, Cork and Galway in 2013

PRAYERLINE Do you need someone to pray with you and for you? Call the UCB Prayerline for the price of a local call.

Republic of Ireland: 1890 940 300 (local rate) Northern Ireland: 0845 456 7729 COME ON BOARD WITH US We welcome your skills and talents. Talk to us about volunteering with UCB Ireland or about producing a programme for your church or group. Let us promote your church events.

Email details to ucb@ucb.ie

24/7, 100% IRISH CHRISTIAN RADIO

REALITY

PARENTS OFTEN SAY THAT THEY STRUGGLE AROUND SENSITIVE ISSUES OF HOW TO TALK TO THEIR CHILDREN ABOUT SEX AND THE PRESSURES THEY FACE. ALL THE EVIDENCE IS THAT WHERE PARENTS DO ENGAGE AND TALK, THEIR YOUNG PEOPLE ARE MORE LIKELY TO MAKE GOOD CHOICES.” DR. RICHARD BARR, FOUNDER OF LOVE FOR LIFE

LET’S TALK ABOUT S ex 'LOVE FOR LIFE' TACKLES THE HOT TOPIC CHURCHES OFTEN NEGLECT

BY JUDITH CAIRNS

Judith Cairns is CEO of “Love for Life,” a Christian charity working throughout Northern Ireland and across Ireland to help young people develop a healthy respect for themselves, relationships and sex.

This year, Love for Life delivered school presentations to 31,085 pupils.

These programmes help teens make informed choices as they navigate their way through adolescence and balance the pressure and mixed messages from the media, friends and family. Here, Judith shares why it is vital for the church to engage with the issues surrounding relationships and sex.

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he last decade has seen such a decline in values and increasing sexualisation of children in Ireland. We are living in a society where there is immense pressure on young people to engage in sexual activity.

Love for Life surveys of over 10,000 teenagers found that 22% of 15-year-olds had had sex at least once. One in three young people had their first sexual encounter whilst drunk. Among Christian young people, our most recent research showed that up to one in five 16-year-olds is sexually active. An HSE survey conducted in Ireland shows that 80% of females and 60% of males regretted becoming sexually active at a young age.

The legal age of consent for young people is 17 in the Republic of Ireland and 16 in Northern Ireland.

Historically the church has had a head-in-thesand mentality. As faith communities we need to be comfortable dealing with this topic. If young people are not getting the answers from us, they will go somewhere else. The great silence from the church and from parents is a real problem.

We need to support and encourage young people to make good choices and to live out their decisions about sex and relationships. We need to communicate to our young people, “You are valuable and precious.”

As a parent you may feel overwhelmed, embarrassed or ill equipped. You need to remember that you can influence the choices your child makes.

We need to ask: What is the most important message I want my teenager to hear from me? What is the one thing I want my child to remember?

As a parent, I want my children to know that there is nothing they can do that would make me love them any less. I want to keep the communication channels open, creating a safe place for them to share what is

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happening in their life, without fear of rejection or alienation.

It is vital that there is a wider ownership of this (not just the youth leader or the parent). This is a massive issue. We need to give Christians the courage and the skills to talk about sex and to offer the unconditional love and support that young people need, even if they have already made harmful choices.

In our programmes, we emphasise that today is a new day. Whatever is in the past, young people can choose to make different choices about how they value themselves and others.

This is an important message within our churches. How do we support and address young people who are already sexually active? Is our message one of condemnation or of transformation?

What pupils said about the Love for Life programme in their school: • They didn’t judge – just said the facts and asked you to make your decision.

• I wasn’t judged for anything I’ve done in the past. It showed me that I shouldn’t feel under pressure to have sex.

• It showed you that it is your choice and took the pressure off that you get everyday.

• Thank you for informing me. I really enjoyed it; I’ve learnt a lot and I don’t feel pressurised or insecure anymore • They made me feel more comfortable to wait for marriage.

GO FURTHER Love for Life is developing resources for churches including sermon outlines and discussion tools. For youth groups, we recommend the materials from Romance Academy (www. romanceacademy.org).

Contact Love for Life to find out more. www.loveforlife.org.uk 6 Banbridge Road, Waringstown, Craigavon, BT66 7QA 028 38820555 Useful resources: www.loveforlife.org.uk www.romanceacademy.org www.b4udecide.ie

REPORT FINDINGS INTO TEENAGE SEXUALITY IN IRELAND (Hyde & Howlett Nov 2004): The majority of young people did not discuss sex with their parents.

Strong parental messages of disapproval had the effect of closing down dialogue and prevented young people from being truthful.

Parents make two (incorrect) assumptions in relation to their daughters: they presuppose their daughters are not sexually active and they assume their daughters are equipped with adequate knowledge about sex.

Teens who were able to discuss sex with their parents were less likely to have sex under the age of 17.

The Catholic Church has very little influence in regulating and maintaining norms around sexuality for young people. Even for “religious” pupils, their beliefs tended to be superceded by wider socio-cultural influences.

Traditional concepts of masculinity led to young men expressing strong notions of sexual “conquest” and of women as objects to be consumed and discarded.

A few young women described Dates for your Diary Love for Life Big Birthday Bash on Saturday 20 October at the Ramada Hotel, Shaws Bridge, Belfast. Tickets are £30 each or tables of 10 for £300.

Porn Scars Conference - Urban Saints, The Big House Ireland and Love for Life are planning to host a conference tackling the issue of pornography on Friday 17 and Saturday 18 May 2013. The conference is a one-day event (same programme both dates) aimed at church leaders, youth leaders, parents and grandparents (anybody who cares about the effect that pornography has on young people today).

feelings of being sexually exploited, the toll it took on their self-esteem and the emotional scars it left.

There was almost unanimous consensus that young people nowadays were not prepared to postpone sex until marriage. The very suggestion was deemed preposterous by some.

Participants did not consider that HIV placed a real threat to people having sexual intercourse without a condom.

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MY STORY

“My Story” is an opportunity for ordinary people living in Ireland to talk about their journey to faith or the impact God has in their daily lives.

PSALM 91 eptember 2 2011 was the day I almost died. A couple of months beforehand, a friend had given me a book called Psalm 91 all about God’s promises to protect us. The book was full of stories from people who were saved from life-threatening situations.

I remember wondering, if I was ever faced with a life and death situation, would I panic or would I call out to the Lord? I didn’t have to wait too long to find out.

On September 1, I went to the doctor because I had injured my back. She gave me an injection and some medication to take at home.

That night I took the prescribed medication and about an hour later went to bed.

The following morning I got up and felt unusually warm. I sat down and felt my eyesight starting to blur and my throat started to swell up. I knew my voice wasn’t strong enough to call out for help so I banged my foot on the floor hoping to get my mother’s attention.

I told her to ring a doctor or ambulance or somebody. While she was gone my eyesight went completely, all I could see was darkness and I was gasping for breath as I could feel my throat closing. I was so scared. I started to call on the name of the Lord and declare His promises in Psalm 91.

“Lord, you are my defender and protector.

No evil will come near my tent.

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BY CIARA COLLINS

You will give your angels charge concerning me.

You will deliver me from the deadly pestilence” At the same time I was praying, I felt I could just lie down on the bed beside me and give up but I persisted in prayer.

My mother then returned saying that the doctor couldn’t come out to the house and to ask if I could make it down to the surgery!

I have a printout of Psalm 91 stuck to my mirror (which a friend had sent me only a couple of days earlier!). I motioned for my mother to take it down and read it aloud. She sat with me holding my hand and declaring God’s promises of deliverance. All the while my condition was worsening. It was getting harder and harder to breathe.

Then all of a sudden I saw a small ray of light in the darkness and I could feel the swelling subsiding in my throat. Little by little my eyesight and my throat returned to normal. It was like “someone” pressed the rewind button.

Later on that morning, I went down to my doctor who was shocked and quite upset that I had such a severe allergic reaction to the medication, otherwise known as anaphylactic shock. I told her that I had no doubt that a couple of minutes more and my throat would have closed completely, and I would have died, but my God had saved me!

Ciara Collins is from Carlow and attends Carlow Christian Community.

PART 4

BY WARREN NELSON

It’s about people, so it’s for people he Bible is not a tidy book. It is not set out systematically in sections and sub-sections; it didn’t even have ‘chapter and verse’ until the Middle Ages. We cannot look up instant answers to problems in an index.

Instead, the Word of God is worked out in the lives of ‘flesh and blood’ people in order that it can speak to men and women in every age, when they find themselves in hard and untidy situations through their sins or the sins of others.

The Acts of the Apostles demonstrates this well.

Scattered throughout its pages are about 120 named or specified people, quite apart from thousands referred to in groups or crowds. Did you know that Acts contains five men called Judas?

Of course there are one or two names we’d love to know, such as that of Paul’s sister (Acts 23:16). And it is intriguing that although Titus was one of Paul’s main co-workers he is not named . . . was that because he was Luke’s brother?

These 120 characters cover a lot of life situations. We have cameos of the rich and powerful, military men, philosophers, lawyers, sailors, jailers and rabble-rousers, as well as church planters, teachers, evangelists, prophets, philanthropists and

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simple servants, people in every sort of situation of belief, unbelief, superstition, indifference and immorality. We know their names and, as we look at their lives, we can see the very same human dramas unfolding today, in the church and in the world.

Such a book meets our need. A rule book or ethics manual is not enough, because what use is the rule book after you have broken a rule or two? What use is a manual when you are ashamed or in depths of despair?

Can anyone really find strength for today and future hope from Section 5.1.3 of a ‘Pick-Yourself-Up’ paperback of popular psychology? We slip, we slide, we strive, we yearn and we press on with our high calling because we can read of others who did the same.

Someone once said to me, “The Christian life is not a sprint, but a cross-country marathon, with mud on your boots.”

That’s a good commentary on Acts, which tells the stories of people who over at least 30 years ran the race set out before them, looking to Jesus, the author and crown of their faith and ours. (Hebrews 12:2)

CONFESSIONS OF A FEINT SAINT

“I am their leader... I must follow them" N

o, that’s not an original - it’s a quote from the BBC comedy show ‘Yes Prime Minister.’

But sadly it’s a fairly good sum up of my leadership qualities. I was never a good

leader!

I used to be a good boss. In fact, I was great boss.

My staff loved me. One member of staff brought me food each week. I worked in the evenings and this lovely little Burmese lady would come in early for her shift with sandwiches, crisps, a little bar and a drink. She was wonderful, and though I was almost twice her height (and three times her width!) she always, with great affection, called me her ‘little boss.’

In fact, I was so loved as a boss that, to this day I am STILL mentioned in the will of one of my former staff members! Beat that with a stick, Bill Gates! J The problem is I wasn’t a leader; I was a friend.

My team, for all their camaraderie, support and job satisfaction, didn’t often produce dazzling results. I know that’s my fault. I didn’t challenge them; I didn’t want to be unpopular. I veered away from targets and deadlines. I didn’t want to be the taskmaster who told everyone what to do. I wanted them to love me – and they did. But that didn’t get the job done!

Thankfully, there is another kind of leadership available to the faint hearted (or the feint hearted even...) and that is servant leadership. After washing the feet of the disciples, Jesus says to them, “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” ( John 13:15) That willingness to stoop, to forget His own position and serve His followers is so counter intuitive – unless you have the heart of God. And even then it takes some work!

I admire leaders who have to make tough choices and unpopular decisions, all the more because I was always too afraid to make them. Well... it’s hard to reprimand a little Burmese lady when she keeps hugging you! But rather than wishing to be a stronger, more forceful leader, maybe I just need to work on being a servant... and let the leadership take care of itself.

My team, for all their camaraderie, support and job satisfaction - didn’t often produce dazzling results.

Illustration: Olly Blake - www.ollyblake.com

By Annmarie Miles

Annmarie Miles comes from Tallaght in Dublin and is married to Richard, from Wales. She works for Focus on the Family and loves to cook, sing, read, talk and eat! Follow Annmarie’s blog at www.auntyamo.wordpress.com.

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FAITH

INVITATION TO A JOURNEY PART THREE: READING FOR TRANSFORMATION

BY ANA MULLAN

couple of years ago, Sky TV launched a new channel. To promote it they produced an engaging presentation with Dustin Hoffman talking about the importance stories which make us laugh or cry or transport us to another place.

It was a good advertisement because anybody could relate to what he was saying. I remember watching Little House on the Prairie and loving the cozy atmosphere, the father’s strength of character and the sweet mother. When I had my own children, I enjoyed The Cosby Show - I could relate to the challenges of parenting. I remember reading The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and being transported to a land of adventure.

We remember stories because they stir our emotions and touch our inner being.

However, when it comes to the greatest story of all, we find ourselves a bit lost. If the word "prayer" provokes reactions such as guilt and frustration, the phrase "Bible reading" brings up another set of words like doubt, confusion, questioning, truth, difficulty and duty.

We would like to read and know more but somehow we don’t find joy in it. Many read the scriptures just for knowledge. Or we approach it as a moral handbook that tells what to do or not to do.

We look to the Bible to solve a problem or to meet specific needs. In all of these methods, we are telling the Scriptures what they should do for us.

But if we want God’s word to transform us, we need to allow it to master us. For 1500 years, people did not have the Scriptures in written form. People listened to the Bible being read and as they listened, they used their imagination.

In the same way, we should approach our own Bible reading by engaging

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IT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN EATING AT MCDONALD’S OR HAVING A THREE-COURSE MEAL IN A FRENCH RESTAURANT.

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"not only our mind but also our heart, our emotions, our body, our curiosity, our imagination and our will" - Ruth Harley Barton.

One 21st Century problem is that we read too fast. We read to accomplish something and tick the box. We live in an era of multi-tasking, constantly interrupted by text messages, Twitter and Facebook. We don’t allow words to dwell in us and to do the job of inner transformation.

Reading for transformation is counter cultural. We need to slow down and savour the words. It is the difference between eating at McDonald’s or having a three-course meal in a French restaurant.

So how do we go about it?

One way is to choose a Gospel, like Mark, and read the encounters Jesus had with people. Don’t just be a spectator but imagine yourself as part of the crowd.

Enter into the stories. Become part of it. Observe Jesus and watch how people react to Him. Ask questions like: How do I feel about what is happening? How do I feel about what Jesus is saying or doing?

What does this show about me? What does it show about God? A reading like this demands honesty. Many of us think that if we have doubts about what we have read, or if something makes us uncomfortable, then that feeling is wrong. For transformation to take place, we need to wrestle with the stories of the Bible. If a passage, a verse or a word jumps out of the page, we need to stay with it until it becomes part of who we are, until it masters us.

If prayer is an exchange of love, the Scriptures are the greatest love story. From Genesis to Revelation it’s the story of a God who is seeking to restore relationship with humankind.

And guess what? We are part of that Great Story!

Ana, originally from Argentina, is married to Sean and has three adult children. She loves to encourage others in creative ways of praying and reading the Scriptures.

for a child living in deSperate poverty By the time she was just 10 years old, Elisabeth Ovalle from Guatemala was the sole caregiver for her family, including her disabled father. But her story changed forever when a student, also called Elisabeth, sponsored her.

Now little Elisabeth is discovering a new story, full of opportunity, hope and love.

We believe God is calling us to change the stories for more children who, like Elisabeth, have known only hunger, disease, neglect and the terrible disadvantages caused by poverty and we need your help.

Will you sponsor a child today and change their story forever?

For just ₏1 a day, you can ensure a child has access to healthcare, education, food, clothing, social care and the opportunity to know Jesus Christ. You’ll be changing a child’s story from one of desperate need into one of incredible hope.

Registered Charity Number CHY 19426

800121

Sponsor a child today by visiting www.compassion.ie or calling 01 5133719

LEADERSHIP

LEADERSHIP IN THE COMMUNITY

BY ANDREW GARVEY-WILLIAMS

hristians are called to be salt and light, Scripture also shows that, at times, God yet too often churches appear to be gives His people opportunities to go even marginalised, out of touch, insular, further in influencing, transforming and irrelevant and even hostile to the needs even leading our communities. and concerns of the wider community. When salt fails to do its job, Jesus puts the responsibility on the SHINING LIKE STARS salt – it has lost its saltiness!

While the apostles dedicated Our experience today is similar to Israel’s times of themselves to preaching the Word of captivity in Egypt and Babylon. Living in a secondGod, their teaching encouraged all choice, alien world longing for the values of home, believers to live blameless and pure they were commanded to, ‘Seek the welfare of the city lives for Jesus within the community: where I have sent you into exile and pray to the Lord “children of God without fault in a on its behalf...’ ( Jeremiah 29:7) The word for welfare warped and crooked generation. Then is shalom and also translates as peace, well-being or you will shine among them like stars in prosperity. the sky as you hold firmly to the word of Our engagement with the community begins with life.” (Philippians 2: 14-16) Or, as Peter living blameless lives. Jesus calls us to participate in our community through humble service, surprising generosity HOW ARE WE EQUIPPING EVERY CHRISTIAN TO “SHINE LIKE and sacrificial love resulting in praise for our Father in Heaven STARS” IN WHATEVER POSITION GOD HAS GIVEN THEM? (scan through Matthew 5 and 6 for some radical examples). But

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puts it, “Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us.” (1 Peter 2: 12) The New Testament church included slaves and masters, doctors, military commanders, cloth merchants, leather workers, palace officials, tent makers, craftsmen and farmers all living out their faith in Jesus in real life. How are we equipping every Christian to “shine like stars” in whatever position God has given them?

BEING PART OF THE COMMUNITY

Jesus attended weddings, funerals, festivals, the temple and the synagogue. He ate freely with people in their homes and spoke their language. He broke conventions of the day by associating with Gentiles, women, “sinners”, the sick and the

VOX MAGAZINE

DANIEL, JOSEPH, ESTHER AND OTHERS FOUND FAVOUR WITH KEY AUTHORITIES BY THEIR INTEGRITY, WISDOM, COURAGE, HUMILITY AND RIGHTEOUSNESS.

“unclean”, yet He did not compromise His own holiness and was careful to disassociate from the hypocrisy and pride of the self-righteous religious leaders.

How are we participating in our community and seeking its welfare?

Are we involved in the main events and festivals in our communities - both to participate and to serve? Do we affirm and support what is good? How are we eating and drinking, sharing life, building relationship and identifying with the most marginalised and disaffected members of society?

KNOWING THE NEEDS AND JOINING WITH THE COMMUNITY IN MEETING THOSE NEEDS

Images: Serve the City - www.servethecity.ie

Jesus not only associated with sinners; He served and met their needs

(physical, emotional, spiritual and intellectual) - even when many did not thank or follow Him. What are the needs in our community? It is easy to find out by listening and asking questions, or through the local newspapers and radio.

In many communities, people are already aware of the needs and seeking to meet them. But community groups regularly struggle to find volunteers, raise finance or fill committee roles (e.g. treasurer, secretary, etc.).

Is it possible for our churches to support what is already happening rather than duplicating? For example, could youth leaders in the church serve and support a community-run youth club rather than pouring energy into a churchbased alternative? Of course the church may not be able to call the shots, but the kingdom of God is about serving, not control. And by being involved we may be invited to influence.

Where needs are not being met by the community, then can the church initiate? But if we do, can we invite the rest of the community to get involved?

KNOWING YOUR LEADERS AND PRAYING FOR THEM Do we know the names of our community leaders and politicians?

Have we ever met them to find out

their concerns? Do we express respect, appreciation and support for them? Have we told them we are praying for them?

And do we? Scripture describes how we should interact with leaders.

“Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority... For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honour the emperor.” (1 Peter 2: 13- 17) In 1 Timothy 2: 1- 3 Paul calls believers to pray for all in authority, “… so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet

life in all godliness and dignity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”

The stability and peace of our societies is dependent on the rulers of our society. And a chaotic, anarchic society is not conducive to the spread of the good news of Jesus.

POSITIONS OF INFLUENCE

In the second-choice world of their exile, Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were drafted into the Babylonian civil service. Esther was forced into marriage to the ruling king.

Nehemiah became the king’s wine taster.

Joseph became second-in-command to Pharoah. They did not demand influence.

They were given it.

Daniel, Joseph, Esther and others found favour with key authorities by their integrity, wisdom, courage, humility and righteousness. They were winsome, though at times they met setbacks usually as a result of false accusations or the machinations of jealous enemies.

But behind all these human factors, it was God who gave them influence. He gave them wisdom beyond their human capacity – an interpretation of a dream or writing on a wall or a wise solution to a

problem. They were quick to acknowledge God as the source and this was often recognised by those in power.

For the church and believers to be of genuine influence in their community they need credibility. This cannot be demanded and it is not automatic. It has to be won through working hard and serving - humbly, diligently, whole-heartedly and with integrity.

WHAT IMPACT DOES THIS INFLUENCE HAVE?

At key moments of God’s intervention, Daniel, Joseph, Esther and others were in the right place and time. Their positions enabled them to speak and have an influence for God, for their people and for righteousness and justice, as Mordecai’s words express, ‘And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?’ (Esther 4:14) At times they must have wondered why they were ‘sleeping with the enemy’ (literally in Esther’s case - stop and consider the true horror of what

she had to endure). And long years often passed between the milestone moments (it is too easy to read the stories without realising the years of sacrificial service that happened in between the highlights and breakthroughs).

At other times they knew where to draw a line on key issues and stood uncompromising; suffering the consequences of the fiery furnace, prison or a lions’ den. Their integrity and God’s deliverance spoke clearly against the injustice they suffered.

Their position and engagement revealed God’s character, brought about rescue and deliverance for thousands of people, challenged injustice and held back evil.

Today’s church is called to a similar salt and light influence. But are we willing to pay the price such influence requires of us? Do we have the humility, love and patience to serve?

After serving with Operation Mobilisation for 23 years in Pakistan, England and Ireland, Andrew Garvey-Williams is now a church and community worker in County Donegal who is actively involved in a wide range of community groups and initiatives ranging from youth work to sucide prevention.

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LEADERSHIP

EMPOWERING A NEW GENERATION OF LEADERS

BY SAM MOORE

been equipped to develop leadership s Director of Innovista Ireland, Sam Moore (ministers or pastors, worship leaders, teams or work as part of a team, so is passionate about seeing young leaders youth leaders, etc.). There is not a wider they carry the burden of having to do bringing hope and transformation to their understanding of leadership that has so communities. Innovista is involved in much more potential. it all themselves. This can then be leadership development, coaching and mentoring, and Too often in churches, we gather perpetuated when those they serve bringing leaders together to inspire creativity. Sam everyone into church activities abdicate responsibility. shared with VOX about the challenges of releasing a new instead of equipping our people to live We need to recover a theology generation of leaders in Ireland. resurrection life and be servant leaders of the body and to remember that Look around in the workplace apostles like Paul always operated in a at where we are in or to be involved team. We need a beautiful diversity of Ireland. People have in community leadership.

WE NEED TO BE RELENTLESS GIVERS OF COURAGE. organisations. lost faith in their Is our understanding of leadership leaders. The church, Imagine the about authority? Or is it about banks, business and kingdom potential people who serve, lead the way, set government have if the church could the example and release others? We failed. Now more than ever, we need to see young equip and release Christians to lead in have a picture of the “charismatic” Christian leaders of integrity who can bring lasting whatever sphere of influence that they leader, whereas many effective leaders change in their communities. For mission to happen, have! are quieter people who are more it needs to be led and be contextual. Leaders need There are also big questions around concerned with releasing others than equipping, training and support. the role of women. A lot of gifted, with their own achievements. talented young female leaders are not We need a robust theology of CHALLENGES FACING YOUNG LEADERS enabled to flourish within our churches. servant leaders - releasing people and The thing most young leaders lack is confidence.

In the conversation about women in serving others to be all they were There is a lot of cultural stuff that goes along with leadership, a lot of male leaders do not created to be. this. As Irish people, we don’t like being up front. realise how much they are crushing Sometimes the lack of confidence comes from not women. being given opportunities.

This is linked in with another issue: when an older HINDERED BY A WRONG generation of leaders is hanging on to power and is not UNDERSTANDING OF willing to give the younger generation an opportunity LEADERSHIP WE DON’T NEED PERFECT HERO LEADERS - WE to use their gifts. In a lot of cases, there is insecurity We’ve created the - leaders are not confident enough to release others to image of the one-man NEED PEOPLE WHO ARE WILLING TO BE HONEST. be all they have been created to be. (superman?) church Sadly, they are hamstringing the mission of God. leader who is paid to Part of the issue is that when we talk about leadership do all the work. Many we tend to understand it to mean church leadership church leaders have never

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VOX MAGAZINE

A MESSAGE TO THE OLDER GENERATIONS

failures or the difficult experiences). It is helpful to have feedback that highlights and affirms the Young leaders are crying out for mentoring, for people to believe in them, good but provides pointers for things that could be better. encourage and coach them.

Some of the older So generation don’t feel much of my that they have things growth as a person and IMAGINE THE KINGDOM POTENTIAL IF THE CHURCH to give. They don’t feel perfect enough. But we as a leader COULD EQUIP AND RELEASE CHRISTIANS TO LEAD don’t need perfect hero is because people IN WHATEVER SPHERE OF INFLUENCE THAT THEY leaders - we need people who are willing to be from the HAVE? honest. older If someone tells me, generations “I’ve only just learnt invested in this; I wish I had learned that 30 years ago,” that me. In one case, it is a teacher who is in his 80s. Those people believed in me and is a really powerful gift, sharing both wisdom and experience. gave me the courage to be who God has called me to be.

Jason Lane of Innovista International MISSION AND LEADERSHIP ARE INSEPARABLE A new area of opportunity for us is in equipping says, “We need to be relentless givers of and inspiring teenagers to be leaders within their courage.” own community.

Encouragement and giving courage It is heart-breaking to see teens who don’t is not something we’re so good at in have any sense of hope. God enabled us to use Ireland. We need to develop a culture leadership development as a tool to help teens in which we are not afraid to tell people reach their potential. the specific things we see that are good.

So often within communities there is a sense of Most of us know what we’ve done wrong.

Sometimes we just need reassurance that hopelessness: “Nothing is ever going to change.”

We are helping teens create projects to improve it is not a disaster! their local community. As they see something We need to create a safe place for small can change, we hope it will break the cycle of people to grow and to learn from their hopelessness. mistakes (most growth comes from the

Images: Caroline Connaughton - www.blueeyedcaz.wix.com/photography

GO FURTHER To find out more about Innovista Ireland, visit www.innovistaireland.ie This autumn Innovista will launch new Tempo groups in Dublin and Belfast.

Tempo is a year-long leadership development group experience.

To find out more see www.innovista.ie/ tempo or contact Sam – sam.moore@ innovista.org.

After working with students in Belfast for nine years, Sam moved to Dublin in 2009 to set up Innovista Ireland. He attends CORE church in Dublin where he leads a small group with his wife Emily. He loves reading, coffee, watching football and competing in the odd adventure race.

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LEADERSHIP IN THE MARKETPLACE TWO SENIOR “MARKETPLACE” LEADERS IN IRELAND SHARE THEIR VIEWS ON LEADERSHIP AND FAITH.

What is your name?

Graham Hohn

How old are you?

45

Where do you work?

LHW Insurances Group Ltd

What is your role?

Managing Director

What are the principles of leadership that you believe are most important?

Honesty, integrity, consistency, respect for others, fairness, self-motivation and saying thank you!

Why is it important for the church to talk about leadership in business and other spheres of influence?

Church leadership is important but can be difficult for those who do not have experience outside this arena. Leadership skills come naturally to some but in the main they are developed over time through experience, be it in the work place or in other spheres.

Both types of leadership (church and business) can work in tandem and indeed complement each other. However, church leaders should show more understanding and empathy toward those they lead. While these should also apply in business, your employees and colleagues generally know what is expected in the business relationship.

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What Christian principles do you apply to your leadership?

The “fruit of the Holy Spirit” is a good starting point for me.

I try to live my life now as close as I can to these gifts both in business and at home.

Are there any times when your leadership and your faith are in conflict?

In my early days before I became a Christian, my leadership skills were quite blinkered in that my focus was to benefit myself rather than others. I became a Christian during the boom years when work was not as challenging as it is now!

My faith certainly helps me to lead my business during these very tough times when there is added pressure to perform to keep your head above water. There can be moments where your faith can be both challenged and tested by either unethical behaviour of others or where there is profitable gain in the short term - my faith and beliefs always win the day!

How can Christian leadership in the marketplace benefit the Kingdom of God?

The manner of your leadership is extremely important. We can spread the good news in our actions and attitude toward our employees and clients by displaying honesty, integrity and respect. Most of my staff and some of my clients know that I am a Christian. I would like to think that my manner and style of both leadership and work shows them that Jesus lives in me every second of the day.

VOX MAGAZINE

I SEE MY ROLE AS ENVISIONING OTHERS AND EQUIPPING THEM SO THAT THEY CAN ACHIEVE WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE.

What is your name?

What Christian principles do you apply to your leadership?

Joe Kelly

Servant leadership is a wonderful model that Jesus has lived out during His lifetime. I cannot imagine using any other model. I see my role as envisioning others and equipping them so that they can achieve what needs to be done. I get a great kick out of seeing my team members achieve.

How old are you?

55

Where do you work?

ProStrategy Colman Limited

What is your role?

Are there any times when your leadership and your faith are in conflict?

Director

What are the principles of leadership that you believe are most important?

Pick and develop a great team Develop and clearly communicate vision Give your team members the freedom to act Put understandable accountability procedures in place Be clear on what you expect from others Model how objectives can be achieved Highly value and encourage contribution from all team members Keep people informed Take care of people and develop team spirit Encourage creativity Acknowledge and reward achievement

Why is it important for the church to talk about leadership in business and other spheres of influence?

It’s all about people. People are found in all walks of life and leadership exists in all walks of life. Leadership is about envisioning and encouraging people. This is common in church or in business or in education or in politics. The leader must know where he/she is going and be able to motivate people to want to get there too!

There can be times when non-Christians are less concerned about ethical issues.

In the long term, good ethics lead to better business relationships with customers.

My faith gives me an advantage. I have the advantage of prayer and the certainty that “God’s plans are to prosper me and not to harm me.”

How can Christian leadership in the marketplace benefit the Kingdom of God?

I believe that God is concerned with every aspect of all of our lives. For generations we have become accomplished at separating out religious activities and considering those to be the essential elements of God’s relationship with us. If we are to have any hope of showing society that God is concerned about everything that we do, then we need Christian leadership in politics, commerce, education, medicine, public service, all aspects of the marketplace – not forgetting church life!

THE WORKPLACE CHALLENGE Speaking at the Lausanne Conference (Cape Town 2010), Mark Green from the London Institute challenged what he described as the “ghetto” mentality of the church and its “tragic” failure to value the “high calling” of daily work. Here’s an extract from what he had to say: “98% of Christians have not been equipped or envisioned for mission in 95% of their waking lives. What a tragic waste of potential. From Monday to Saturday people from our churches are touching literally thousands of lives. They are taking traces of

grace out into the community and into their places of work.”

“We have failed to regard work as significant. The church has not discipled people for ordinary daily life. The problem is the secular / sacred divide.

“It is the belief that some things are important to God (church, prayer meetings, missions, etc.) but other things like work, college, the arts, sport and even sleep are not so important. We honour, celebrate and tell stories about pastors, teachers and missionaries but we almost never tell

stories about school kids or bankers or bus drivers or politicians. We may know in our heads that the Gospel embraces every area of life but this is not the Gospel we are celebrating.”

To listen to Mark Green’s full talk, visit www.conversation.lausanne.org and search for “People at Work.”

Do you agree? Tell us your opinion of this vital issue and how it affects Christians in Ireland. Write to editor@vox.ie or visit www.theconversation.ie.

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2013 AND BEYOND LEADING FOR THE FUTURE anon David McClay, originally from Donegal, is the rector of Willowfield Parish Church in East Belfast. He is one of the leaders of New Wine Ireland and is passionately committed to leadership development and mission across the entire island. David spoke with VOX magazine about the challenge and opportunity facing Christians in Ireland.

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What should be our focus as we move toward 2013 and beyond?

Churches across the island of Ireland need a fresh commitment to biblical truth, to courageous evangelism and to making a difference in their communities.

Often we wait for God to change society but God is waiting on us to do it! We need to ask: Would we be missed if we weren’t here? Are we serving the needs of the community?

We need a fresh belief that the Gospel is the power of God to transform lives. We need a commitment to evangelism in imaginative and winsome ways.

We are not called to join a country club or luxury cruise! We must be studying the scriptures and doing what the scriptures say. When we give ourselves to that sort of selfless lifestyle and devote ourselves to pursuing biblical truth, we will begin to see supernatural acts of God. No one church or denomination can do this alone! We need to work hand-in-glove with everybody and anybody that has a Gospel focus.

What should the church look like?

Church needs to be much less a club for those who belong and much more of a safe place where broken people, enquiring people and lost people can encounter God’s presence, His mercy and His transforming power.

We are living in a post-Christian society. The church has the opportunity to respond just as it did in Acts. Society is crying out for it. We need to look at the way we do church - When do we meet? Where do we meet? Do our worship styles enable people to connect with God? How do we provide for those who haven’t yet believed but who want to be in an environment where they can ask questions? It may mean allowing more interaction, making things more child friendly, gearing what we do to those who are not “part of the club”.

It’s not about dumping the old.

Denominational churches may need to provide for more than one congregation the traditional and the contemporary.

Who can lead us forward?

We need leaders who really love the people of this nation and those they are

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called to lead. Loving people means being concerned for their needs at every level – both their practical needs and their eternal welfare. That is a God-given burden. We must ask God to stir up that kind of passionate concern for people.

We need leaders who are full of expectation that God is at work and that He really does work through us!

We need courageous leaders who are willing to go where others won’t go and who are willing to pay a price others won’t pay.

Leaders must encourage, sharpen and build each other up. Christian leaders should speak well of each other and honour each other.

There must be a real commitment to raising up the next generation of leaders. Those of us who are 45 plus need to be intentional. We need to allow younger people to outshine us and not feel threatened.

In everything, we need to be careful to give God His rightful place; to give Him glory and not to take any credit for anything He is doing.

WE NEED COURAGEOUS LEADERS WHO ARE WILLING TO GO WHERE OTHERS WON’T GO AND WHO ARE WILLING TO PAY A PRICE OTHERS WON’T PAY.

[ WEBWATCH ]

How can we tackle the challenge of the “haves” and the “have-nots”?

Larger churches need to be resourcing smaller churches and church planting across Ireland. By the same token, we need to be willing to ask for help and to connect with others.

Often there are networks and offers of support that we don’t avail of.

Why not take mission teams to serve smaller churches or send people for short or longer-term placements? Why not resource youth workers or other staff in rural areas?

We also need to equip and empower what’s already there by training all of our people in sharing their faith and in areas of ministry.

New Wine Ireland is a network for leaders to find encouragement and the opportunity to share resources. It provides a framework for churches and leaders to support each other. It may simply mean a phone call when someone is struggling! (To find out more visit www.newwineireland.org.)

What obstacles do we face?

I don’t believe any obstacle needs to stand in the way. I want to focus on the possibilities and the opportunities. The greatest danger is to be overpowered by perceived obstacles.

Too often we allow ourselves to be drawn into a negative mind-set that believes that nothing can happen in Ireland. We believe God does wonderful things in other parts of the world but that we are in an era of church decline. I refuse to accept that!

How should we be leading in society?

The church needs to value, equip and encourage Christians who are leading in society. We need to stand behind those in education, commerce and industry.

Leading in our communities is all about serving. Let’s come alongside people and be Christ to them in whatever sphere of influence we have. In all of this there is a need for humility. We need to recapture what it means to live out the Christian life as those who are made in the image of God. We need a deep desperate concern for the nation and that will mean a concern for the person next door, regardless of who they are.

How do we respond to the wounds of the past? (north/ south divide)

The Gospel really does change people’s hearts and if hearts are changed then forgiveness can come. Forgiveness is about building something new and developing a new commitment to each other.

I think there may be a fear of opening up old wounds. We can spend forever navel gazing about our past.

There needs to be cross border cooperation, cross border working together and cross border commitment to reaching the whole island of Ireland with a grace-filled Gospel.

My top five...

Web highlights from VOX readers www.messychurch.org.uk For the last couple of years we have run Messy Church, an interactive church service for families to explore faith together. It has been a great way of connecting our community ministry with our Sunday ministry and we would love to see more churches in Ireland be part of this movement. www.pray-as-you-go.org Being disciplined in prayer has always been a struggle but this helpful resource from the Jesuit community provides daily prayer reflections through 10-minute podcasts. You can download two weeks' worth in advance. www.theworkofthepeople.com If you feel it’s time to go beyond Nooma, check this out. Hundreds of videos are available for worship and mission - download for a fee or watch online for free. I really enjoyed the interviews with Ian Morgan Cron. www.animoto.com If you fancy making a video yourself, Animoto will help you create something within minutes to be shared on the web or to download. Your digital photos, videos and music can be dropped into a pre-designed template then edited the way you want. Free and paid options are available. www.homebrewedchristianity.com Coming from a faith background that has an abstinence position toward alcohol, I find that this site stretches my mind. It combines articles and podcasts from a progressive theological base and references to fine ales.

Marcus Mylechreest, along with his wife Jane, leads a community outreach ministry for The Salvation Army in Rathmines in Dublin. With four young children of their own, the focus of ministry is toward families in the local area. www.salvos.ie

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LEADERSHIP

VOX MAGAZINE

WORSHIPPING WITH INTEGRITY

BY RUTH MALONE

Image: Chris Nelson

e chose David his servant and took him from tending the sheep. He brought him to be the shepherd of His people Jacob, of Israel his inheritance. And David shepherded them with integrity of heart and led them with skilfulness of hand. Psalm 78:70-72 David led God’s people with integrity. The only way we can effectively lead people into the presence of God is by cultivating integrity. Integrity is being ‘whole’ or ‘undivided’. It is being wholeheartedly devoted to God and the things of God. David cultivated integrity when he tended to his father’s sheep. He practiced the presence of God in private and grew in character where no one could see him. His character, built in private, created a stability that God could use and anoint when David was King of Israel. The scriptures say that David was a man after God’s own heart, a true worshipper!

Character doesn’t happen overnight; it requires time spent alone with God. We are not worshippers if we only worship God on a Sunday morning - our whole lives must be worship: every decision, every thought, every motive and action must be submitted to the will of our Saviour.

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This is the true worship God requires and this is how we mature a character that imitates Jesus. People should know we have been with God. This is the difference between those who merely go through the motions and those who have heard God and know what He wants to speak to His church. Ultimately, what we sow, we will reap.

In Psalm 101, David connects worship so closely with righteousness.

If we want to be true John 4:24 worshippers then we must live in tune with the Holy Spirit.

We were created for worship; it is the highest call, which means the highest responsibility. It requires us to truly give everything to Jesus, choosing Him, leaving this world behind and staying on the road that few travel. It can be a lonely walk.

The high call requires a life set apart to holiness. We are called to live in this world, but we are not of this world. We

are called to obedience. Many people wish to do great things for God, yet are unwilling to sacrifice the things He asks us to leave behind.

Let’s choose today to be true worshippers who lead with integrity.

Let us be those who have set ourselves apart for the cause of Christ.

Ruth Malone is a music and English student from Dublin who leads worship at St. Mark's Church Dublin. She writes her thoughts on God, worship and living a life of faith on her blog - faithandsparrows. wordpress.com

MANY PEOPLE WISH TO DO GREAT THINGS FOR GOD, YET ARE UNWILLING TO SACRIFICE THE THINGS HE ASKS US TO LEAVE BEHIND. OCT - NOV 2012 VOX

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LEADERSHIP

THE GOLDEN EGG OR THE GOOSE? WHY WE NEED SELF-LEADERSHIP

BY DR KEITH MCCRORY

n Dying for Change author Leith Anderson recounts the story of the battle of Saratoga (October 1777), during the American War of Independence.

American troops faced a British regiment equipped with more soldiers, more gunpowder, more muskets and more shot. And yet, they achieved a celebrated and crucial victory. Daniel Morgan, the American commanding officer, met his men the night before the battle and delivered these orders, “Don't waste your shot on those who fight for six pence a day; save your shot for the epaulet men.”

Morgan’s point was simple - target the officers. His strategy devastated the British forces. By the second day the officer ranks were decimated, their battle plan confused, their soldiers left not knowing when to advance or retreat. Though still well equipped, the British regiment was overwhelmed and forced into surrender.

Saratoga illustrates a principle that remains true today and applies as much to the church as to the army - as go the leaders, so goes the war.

Studies confirm that the key human factor in the emergence of healthy, effective churches is healthy, effective leaders. This seems obvious. Yet, a great many of us in church leadership have somehow forgotten.

I

NEGLECTING PERSONAL HEALTH

In the 1996 report Stress in the Ministry the Presbyterian Church of Ireland revealed that 1 in 4 serving ministers has been off work or has considered leaving the ministry altogether, because of stress.

Little has changed. Most denominations report similar statistics for full-time staff. Among committed Christian lay leaders the picture is little better.

Some end up resigning. Some leave their congregation to go somewhere they won’t be asked to do anything. Some even end up leaving the church entirely, disillusioned with what their commitment to the Gospel of Christ led to in everyday life.

All around us Christian leaders are struggling.

How can we avoid becoming a statistic? The most

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STUDIES CONFIRM THAT THE KEY HUMAN FACTOR IN THE EMERGENCE OF HEALTHY, EFFECTIVE CHURCHES IS HEALTHY, EFFECTIVE LEADERS. effective leaders are those who maintain their physical, emotional and spiritual health.

So what leads us to take on more than we can handle? Part of the answer lies in our failure to make a strong commitment to personal health. We spend too little time in self-leadership and have weakened ourselves, and our ministries, unnecessarily.

FALSE EXPECTATIONS FROM WITHIN

Some years ago Leadership Magazine published an article entitled, “What it means to be a Pastor?” The author, a second-generation minister, was talking to his father after visiting a church the older man had once pastored.

Dad looked up and spoke softly, “Not one of those people mentioned a single sermon I preached. They reminded me of ‘the night you got up at 2.00 a.m. and

drove me 200 miles up to the lumber camp where my son was dying of double pneumonia," "the three days you stayed with us and helped during father's last illness"… and so on.

So I’ve changed my mind about “pastor,” and I’ve told my congregation, “Even though I may disappoint you at times, you may expect of me service...

I want to serve you even unto many deaths - some little, some great. Deaths of my own time, desires, expectations; deaths of my rights, ambitions, opinions, and ways... This is what it means to be a pastor."

Or is it?

When I first read this article, my initial response was a resounding “Yes!” I told myself, “This is what I want to be!” and for five years I did my best to live up to that description.

I failed, of course, but achieved something resembling this perfect picture. I sacrificed my own interests; I tried to be available whenever people needed me. I said “yes” as often as possible.

After five years, I had gained weight. I had lost touch with many former friends. I had drifted away from my family, decreased in the efficiency of my work, lost much of the joy I had once known as a disciple of Jesus and began dreaming of other avenues of work.

I watched as some of my peers and a few of my dearest friends wore

VOX MAGAZINE

themselves out. Some lost their passion.

Others lost interest altogether and left the ministry. A few even lost the certainty of their faith. Something was wrong with the picture.

WHAT IS A SERVANT?

We are called to servanthood as Christian leaders. When Jesus knelt and washed His disciples’ hot, dusty feet, He gave a definitive picture of Christian leadership. To be faithful to our calling, we must lead by serving.

Sadly, some in the church have forgotten this and seem more in line with the leadership traits of Attila the Hun! Nevertheless, too many others have bought into an equally dubious understanding of leadership. The issue is not whether servanthood should characterise our leadership. Jesus made it absolutely clear that it should.

Rather, the issue is what this servant leadership implies.

In serving and leading as Jesus did, there will be occasions (such as death or serious illness of someone in our care) and even periods of time when the immediate needs of others will override our plans or activities. (See Mark 10.46-52).

However, we must not slide into the pattern of continually responding to one urgent need after another; to do so leads us from selfsacrifice to self-neglect and moves far from our Lord’s example.

Throughout His brief and wonderfully effective ministry, Jesus committed Himself to staying strong for the work God had given Him. In Matthew 14, more than 5,000 people had just witnessed an astonishing miracle, but Jesus seems to ignore a great opportunity. Instead of preaching and ministering to the masses, we read, “immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead

of Him to the other side, while He dismissed the crowd,” and then He “went up on a mountainside… to pray.”

Why would Jesus deliberately miss in a local congregation. As he spoke with them out on an obvious opening for ministry? concerning the type of person they were hoping Did not His life of servanthood imply for, he asked them to list the activities they self-sacrifice?

I would suggest it was OUR LORD RESOLUTELY REFUSED TO GO WITHOUT HIS TIMES OF NEEDED principally because REST, EMOTIONAL REFRESHMENT AND SPIRITUAL EMPOWERMENT. He and the disciples were drained. expected of their new leader. He also asked them Whilst servanthood to note how much time should be given to each undoubtedly involved spending activity. When the time was totalled, the figure had Himself for others, Jesus could climbed to almost 100 hours per week! They were not do this without taking care genuinely surprised, even horrified. of Himself and of His disciples.

Being a servant does not require us to neglect Healthy ministry flows from our own needs. We are to love others as we love healthy ministers. ourselves. The former flows with the latter and Jesus’ commitment to His necessitates a conscious decision to look after personal health was not just for His ourselves as well as those under our care. If our physical and emotional condition work for Christ is damaging our health, then we but also His spiritual health. Christ need to ask some serious questions. was unable to do anything without abiding in His Father. Therefore, THE GOOSE OR THE GOLDEN EGG in regular cycles, and before I once came across an advertisement for a every major event in His life, management agency. Most of the full page was we find Him at prayer. empty but near the bottom was a shiny and Few will ever obviously valuable golden egg. Underneath, were face the challenges, the words: “What you really need is the goose.” burdens and Whatever our leadership role, we are ultimately demands that were more valuable than the most golden of eggs we the daily norm for produce. The example of a balanced, healthy life Jesus. Yet despite is one of the greatest gifts we can bring to our them all, our ministries.

Lord resolutely Determine to build in time to your schedule refused to go where you can replenish yourself - physically, without His emotionally and spiritually. Make this the times of needed consistent pattern of your life. rest, emotional refreshment and spiritual empowerment.

FALSE EXPECTATIONS FROM WITHOUT

Christian leaders are not all to blame for the rising burnout.

Sometimes, we suffer from false expectations placed on us by others.

Some years ago, an experienced pastor was asked to oversee the vacancy

Rev. Dr. Keith McCrory is pastor of Maynooth Community Church.

He studied Computing & Electronics at Durham University before entering the Presbyterian ministry.

He completed his doctorate in church planting at Fuller Theological Seminary in California.

OCT - NOV 2012 VOX

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MA in Applied Theology reflection

people application

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learning to lead, engage, empower and be transformed

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The MA is a unique blend of study and reflection to empower students for transformational leadership and ministry in the 21st century Ulysses House, 22-24 Foley Street, Dublin 1 01-8069060 info@ibi.ie

www.IBI.ie

LEADERSHIP

A DREAM JOB

M EE T TE A R FU N D ’S N EW C EO

resh from pioneering a flagship youth problems such as addiction, anti-social centre in Ballyfermot, Sharan Kelly behavior and early school leaving using a describes her new role as Chief Executive multi-disciplinary approach. It was very with Tearfund Ireland as her “dream job”. hard to move on but I knew it was the Speaking to VOX magazine during her first right thing to do.” week, Sharan from Dublin told us, “I’ve been Sharan is thrilled to have the familiar with the Irish context but Tearfund works opportunity to work in a Christian with really vulnerable people in even more extreme organisation. “My faith and values are circumstances. I’m really looking forward to getting at the core of who I am. I have been a my teeth into things.”

Christian throughout my professional Taking over from founder CEO Reuben Coulter, life. When I interact with people, I always Sharan has arrived at a time of change for the hope to be Christlike.”

Christian relief and development agency.

At a time when many have become “We are excited about the move to our new desensitised to the needs of those in the premises in the Irish Bible Institute (IBI) in the next developing world, Sharan is motivated few weeks,” she said. “The move by compassion for will be a physical manifestation people in need. of the new phase in Tearfund “So often the need I WANT TO CONNECT WITH PEOPLE’S can become too Ireland’s development. From a practical point of view, the team commonplace - we HEARTS TO BRING ABOUT ACTION.” has well outgrown the space we’ve see it in the media. had. It will also give us a more I want to connect visible space for people to come with people’s in and visit. We are growing up!” hearts to bring about action.”

After 16 years working in the not-for-profit sector, Over her first few months in including the last 10 years as CEO of The Base youth Tearfund, she will focus on getting to and children’s project in Ballyfermot, Sharan brings a know the staff and becoming more range of skills to her new leadership role. familiar with the work. “I have lots “I was recruited to take the concept [of The Base] of ideas, but I want to find out what and bring it to reality. We began with a capital build is happening on the ground before project and then developed the programmes and mapping out the next steps.” services to meet the needs in a socially deprived area “The most important thing about of Dublin. The Base pioneered a unique approach leadership for me is about having a to working with children and young people, tackling common vision and facilitating people

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within that. It is important to bring people with you, to inspire and motivate them. We all need to know how we are going to get where we are going.

“We need to start by asking: what are the issues for the people we serve?

From there we can build vision.

“I like to draw on the multiple talents within a team. I don’t believe any leader has everything that is needed for the success of an organisation we need to draw in others and build cooperation with people around us, including our partners and people of influence.”

Preparing for a trip to Malawi to visit with partners there, Sharan was excited about seeing both the practical and spiritual impact of Tearfund’s work. “I’m looking forward to meeting people, seeing what they have to live with and the difference our partners have made in their lives,” she shared.

Excited to continue partnership with VOX magazine in bringing news and stories of Tearfund’s work to Christians in Ireland, Sharan added, “I’d like to thank the VOX readers for their support so far - we long for your continued support as we grow and develop the work.”

Find out more about Tearfund’s work at www.tearfund.ie.

FAMILY FOCUS Parents are leading the next generation

Sean Ruth, an Irish Organisational Psychologist and former Senior Lecturer in Psychology, has written about his experience of leading workshops on the subject of leadership all over the world. Having asked people to describe what was special about individuals who had made a positive impact on their lives, he writes: ‘they point to someone who cared about them, someone who was understanding, someone who was a good listener, someone who was approachable, or someone who brought out the best in them.’ (Ruth 2006)

As parents, we have the opportunity to be just this person for our children. We are the leaders for the next generation. They will watch what we do and, even when we think they are not listening, they hear what we say.

The Focus on the Family Drug Proof your Kids programme can help us with this task. It is designed to equip parents with the tools they need to be the leaders in their own home and in particular to keep our children safe from the harmful effects of drug and alcohol abuse. This is for every parent. It’s a small group programme in six simple stages. Find out more at www.family.ie.

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REALITY

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VOX OCT - NOV 2012

VOX MAGAZINE

“NOW I CAN RUN AND PLAY WITH MY FRIENDS!” BRINGING A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE TO VULNERABLE CHILDREN IN UGANDA

projects, family planning and nutrition," hen Stuart Wilson met nine-year-old Stuart shared.

Kevin in a disability school in Northern In 2013, Zest4Kidz will develop a Uganda, Kevin had two club feet and was second home with bigger facilities. At extremely isolated. No one ever played present, monthly capacity is five families with him or even spoke with him. He couldn't go but the second home will enable over home, so he stayed in the school at night and received 15 children and families to pass through very little care or love. He moved around in the dusty to new lives without disability and the ground on his hands and barely looked up. stigma it holds.

All this was because Kevin had club feet, a “Our aim is to live in a world where condition that was easily corrected with a simple every child knows they are loved. We operation costing on average €300. do this by fighting "They are turned away from injustice, loving hospital because they have no as family and money. Even if they are in pain, WE WANT TO GIVE THESE WONDERFUL empowering no one cares enough to treat them,” explained Stuart, who is CHILDREN A REAL CHANCE IN LIFE.” children,” said Stuart, who CEO of Dublin-based Christian founded Zest4Kidz charity Zest4Kidz. with his wife Magi.

In Uganda, people with "We believe it is God’s heart and plan physical disabilities are shunned and hidden away from their community. Such is the stigma that people to reach these kids and it's simply our privilege to stand in the gap and see these rarely talk about the issue. Children with disabilities little miracles take flight!” often cannot attend school and without education they hold little hope of reaching adulthood. Many die of malnutrition or food-related illnesses because healthy, able-bodied children in the family get fed first.

In response, Zest4Kidz opened 'KumiHouse' in Uganda, providing corrective surgeries and a home for children with disabilities.

Operations Manager Matt Kingsley explained, "We partner with two local hospitals that carry out the surgeries. Then our post operative care team in KumiHouse journey with the children and their families through rehabilitation, physiotherapy and education over the next few months. It's amazing to see kids arrive nervous and unable to walk and a few short months later, they are in our garden playing football and running around. It is one of God’s true miracles.”

Zest4Kidz’ motto is "bringing light into little lives," and Stuart adds, “We really try to live up to that. We want to give these wonderful children a real chance in life.”

"We adopt a full family approach, which means while kids are in our care for a couple of months, we educate and assist families with lots of other important areas like healthcare, income-generating

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GO FURTHER Zest4Kidz currently works with vulnerable children in Uganda, India and Eastern Europe.

For more information or to volunteer or donate please visit www.zest4kidz.com.

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€100,000 Needed to Secure the Future of Christian Radio for Ireland.

After years of prayer, work and the generous giving of many,

Spirit Radio began broadcasting in January 2011. The hope was that Spirit would engage the wider community and reawaken a

hunger for God. Eighteen months on, the feedback tells us this is happening.

“I was very devoted as a child.. I am looking for a way

back to Jesus..... , I don't know where to start, I would like to start reading the bible.. It's been over 20 years. I am extremely thankful for your station. ”

Listenership is growing. Surveys by RedC and AskChili in

February point to a weekly listenership of 165,000 across the

five cities. In June, Spirit began broadcasting on Medium Wave and is now available extensively from Athlone in the centre, to Coleraine in the North.

In the coming 12 months Spirit Radio has an opportunity (and an obligation) to launch FM transmission in another 18 towns* across the country.

Over half of the staff are volunteers - overheads have been kept

to a minimum. Donor support and advertising Revenue is growing slowly but steadily. We need to urgently raise €100,000

working capital to bridge our income shortfall and enable us to

bring the Good News of Jesus Christ into the homes, cars and offices of the cities towns and villages of Ireland.

Join our support team today go to www.spiritradio.ie

On FM Dublin 89.9 Galway 91.7 Limerick 89.8 Cork 90.9 Waterford 90.1 & 549 Medium Wave *Spirit Radio is licenced to launch on FM in Dundalk, Drogheda, Navan, Naas, Newbridge, Bray, Wexford, Carlow, Kilkenny, Clonmel, Athlone, Port Laoise, Letterkenny, Sligo, Ennis, Tralee and Kilarney. If you live in one of these towns and are willing to help build support to bring FM into your town email me... rob@spiritradio.ie

FAITH

GLOBAL CHARTER OF CONSCIENCE CALLS FOR RESPECT AND CIVILITY IN PUBLIC LIFE veryone has the right to freedom of thought, “HOW CAN WE LIVE WITH OUR DEEPEST conscience and religion; this right includes DIFFERENCES?” freedom to change his religion or belief, and The charter challenges any who seek freedom, either alone or in community with to impose their views on others, who others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or expect special treatment or who desire belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance. to limit the rights or freedoms of others.

Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human “A society is only as just and Rights free as it is respectful of the rights of Nearly 70% of the world’s population live in its minorities and its least popular countries where there is a high level of restriction to communities. The greatest threat is freedoms of thought, conscience or religion whether where there is coercion or oppression through government action, sectarian violence or of those who do not share the official mounting culture wars, according to the Pew Research views,” it affirms.

Centre.

This “civil market square” requires Closer to home, the letters page of our national people of all faiths as well as the nonnewspapers and the comments section of online religious to listen to one another and to news websites reveal the live peacefully and respectfully increasing hostility and alongside one another. rudeness of interchanges It poses the question, “how between religious and we protect the rights of those WE CANNOT DEMAND RIGHTS secularist worldviews. who differ from ourselves?”

FOR OURSELVES THAT WE SEEK and recognises that we cannot The Global Charter of Conscience, launched TO DENY TO OTHERS. demand rights for ourselves that at the European we seek to deny to others.

Parliament in June, seeks Download or order a copy to address the challenge of Global Charter of Conscience of religious freedom in our increasingly diverse and at: www.charterofconscience.org. pluralistic societies.

The issues raised by the charter will Reviewed by a wide range of academics, form the basis for this year’s CS Lewis politicians, NGOs, and people of all religions and Lecture, set to take place in Dublin’s none, the detailed paper addresses present-day Chartered Accountants House, 47- 49 obstacles to implementing Article 18 of the Universal Pearce Street, at 6.30pm on Monday Declaration of Human Rights.

22 October. The lecture, entitled “Soul Welcoming the charter, Evangelical Alliance Freedom - creating safe public space for Ireland chairman Joe Kelly said, “We need a solution belief and unbelief ” will be by author that avoids the tendency towards polarisation and and social critic Os Guinness (greatbitterness surrounding religion in public life. Here in great grandson of Arthur).

Ireland we have suffered from generations of religious Tickets and further information will tension and we face the real threat of conflict between be available online (www.cslewislecture. the extreme ends of secular and religious intolerance. org). There is a minimum purchase “This charter reaffirms the right of those of all of two tickets to encourage people to faiths, and none, to have freedom to be faithful to the bring friends, colleagues or associates values that inform their lives. We want to encourage interested in discussing this vital issue. a new culture of civility and respect towards those of Finger food will be available on arrival. differing beliefs to our own.”

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SOME KEY STATEMENTS FROM THE GLOBAL CHARTER OF CONSCIENCE Freedom of thought, conscience and beliefs is a right of all (not just the religious).

Both religious people and secularists need to acknowledge the excesses and, at times, evils of their respective views and commit themselves to an equal regard for the rights of all.

Freedom of thought, conscience and religion is absolute in terms of beliefs but limited in terms of practice because of the equal rights of others on whom practices impinge.

No one group has the right to dominance or to deny rights to another group, whether religious or non religious.

It is never an advance of human rights when special protection for some people becomes oppression or discrimination for others.

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK! Share your views on www.theconversation.ie or write to editor@vox.ie.

OCT - NOV 2012 VOX

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FROM TOUCHING ROCK BOTTOM TO TOUCHING THE NATIONS Nick Park

"I was moved to tears, profoundly disturbed and prompted to wonder, love and praise. This book is brilliant. You will not regret reading it."

Bishop Ken Clarke

Available from Scripture Union Bookshops, Amazon and direct from www.nickpark.ie

â‚Ź10.99

REALITY

OPEN TO

ANYTHING? fter a serious accident and a number of lifechanging moments, John* found himself in the depths of despair and depressed… He talks about his very special journey from darkness to light - a story of hope and faith.” (*name changed) Sound familiar? A similar story could easily be reproduced on a flyer for a Christian event. But this text does not describe a Christian conversion. It is taken from the publicity for the “Mind, Body, Spirit” festivals held in Cork and Dublin each year.

Guardian angels, tarot card readings, shamanism, yoga, meditation, angel cards, crystals, mediums and psychics - these are just some of the stalls and workshops on offer each March and October at the weekend festivals, which attract thousands of people.

For many Christians, the lineup would be the cue to stay well away but for the last 13 years, a group from different churches in Cork has taken a very different approach.

Daithi Mac an Bhiocaire explained, “We take a stall and distribute ‘Word for Today’ booklets and prayer cards and we offer to pray with people. We also collect written prayer requests and the churches pray for people for a month after the event.

“People come because they are searching, even though they may be searching in all the wrong places.

They feel a sense of emptiness and they are looking for something. For me personally, I don’t want to see one single person being without God for eternity and that’s what drives me to get involved.”

In March this year, Daithi encountered dozens of people who were desperate to receive prayer for healing and for other issues in their lives. A number chose to follow Jesus after talking and praying with the Christians at the stall. So many responded that the small team was overwhelmed.

“It was a continuous flow for three days. I’ve never seen anything like it,” Daithi said. “By the end, I was so exhausted.”

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MANY PEOPLE ATTENDING THE FESTIVAL HAVE BEEN CARRYING PAIN FOR DECADES. “I remember one woman, who was attractive, multi-lingual, highly intelligent and very successful.

Outwardly it seemed like she had everything. I asked her if she wanted prayer. She said, ‘No, I’m fine. I can sort out any problems in my own way.’

But when I asked, ‘Are you sure?’ she changed her mind. I just prayed in general and suddenly she burst into tears. She came back the next day asking for prayer again and started crying again.”

Many people attending the festival have been carrying pain for decades.

Disillusioned with what they have seen of the church (whatever denomination), they are searching for alternative spiritualties - and there is no shortage of options.

“We have to be prepared to go into these places,” Daithi explained. “But we don’t do it lightly. We had a team that was praying for us throughout the whole weekend.

“A friend of mine told me she knew a strong Christian who did

something similar and from the moment he did it things fell apart in his life. I remember one tarot card reader who came over to me and said, ‘You know you can’t save them all.’ I was upset for months after that! But I hold on to the truth that the light of Christ will overcome the darkness.”

One of the greatest challenges is finding appropriate ways to follow up those who express interest. This year, the team was taken by surprise by the response. There is a need for a “safe place” for people because churches are often unprepared or ill equipped to support those wrestling with alternative spiritualties.

The group in Cork is interested to find out whether anyone is involved in the Dublin “Mind, Body, Spirit” festival.

Let them know or find out more by sending a message c/o the VOX team (editor@vox.ie).

CHURCHES ARE OFTEN UNPREPARED OR ILL EQUIPPED TO SUPPORT THOSE WRESTLING WITH ALTERNATIVE SPIRITUALTIES. OCT - NOV 2012 VOX

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LIFE

THE VELVET MELODIES When art and faith collide

BY RUTH GARVEY-WILLIAMS

Image: www.coastalsoulphotography.co.uk

VOX MAGAZINE

012 has been a landmark year for Coleraine songs that are actually testimonies BIRTH OF A BAND band “The Velvet Melodies,” with the launch about what we have seen God do in Lead guitarist Phil Drummond is of their debut EP in May and a last-minute our lives.” from Scotland. Remarkably, he has only appearance at Summer Madness. VOX Reviews for The Velvet Melodies’ been playing the guitar for three years.

Editor Ruth Garvey-Williams caught up with Scott and debut EP have helped to confirm the He was introduced to music by people Jaye McNamara, and lead guitarist Phil Drummond from his church in Perth and soon joined band’s direction. Scott’s poetic, even (drummer Mark R couldn’t make it!) to chat about their prophetic, lyrics in Kite and title track the worship band there. music, their faith and their passion for telling people Mockingbird have received the highest When he was offered a worshipabout Jesus. acclaim. [Ed note: both have made it internship in Northern Ireland, Phil Things had started out so well for one-time onto my iTunes playlist!] turned it down - three times - before he cocaine addict and rising music star Scott McNamara. finally sensed maybe this was what God “I wrote Mockingbird when I was A newfound faith in Jesus enabled him to clean up his in that dark place struggling with my wanted. life and earn a place at London Bible College, where drinking and wrestling with seeing “I decided to come over and my he met his wife Jaye. mediocre Christianity that seemed whole mindset “At first, I was all guns blazing changed. I saw God diluted into the world,” Scott said. [as a new Christian] but I had not “I almost didn’t include it on the doing miraculous dealt with a lot of issues,” Scott EP and yet it is the track that everyone things.” Joining IT’S NOT ABOUT TRYING TO admitted. “Addicts base their lives with Scott responds to. [As Christians] we’ve BECOME ANOTHER MATT REDMAN. rehearsals around highs and lows. I knew I got hold of the answer but it’s so and Mark, Phil was was a cocaine addict but alcohol had easy to lose that passion. We’re fat inspired by their gone hand in hand with cocaine, so like kings and it’s as if we’ve become music and their anaesthetised by grace.”

I didn’t acknowledge that I was an passion for God. alcoholic too. I’d never faced up to it.”

Jaye joined as backing vocals. “I love ONTO THE STREETS But when the violent legacy of his past came back singing harmonies with Scott. He never And when it comes to passionate to haunt him, Scott turned to drink in his attempt to let me be in his band before because it “full on” sharing about Jesus, Scott escape the anxiety and panic attacks of post-traumatic was not cool to have ‘the wife’ involved, and Phil certainly don’t hold back. stress. “I had abstained for so long that when I had my but now I am part of it.”

Each week they head onto the streets first pint it was such a high.“ of Coleraine, where they talk and pray Struggling with his drinking, Scott became DISCOVERING A UNIQUE SOUND with people they meet. increasingly disillusioned by what he saw as mediocre “We want to write songs that bless Scott recalls one incident. “I Christianity. the church but do not alienate those who put down an amplifier and played “I was afraid of complacency; of being so dull and don’t know the Lord,” Scott explained. uninspired as a Christian and so lacking in Jesus that I “Delirious? was a big influence. I love the Christian music outside a pub. The owner started screaming in my face became just like everybody else. I felt I would rather heart of their music and their creativity.” and making threats. I simply told him, walk right away than settle for mediocrity.”

Initially the band struggled to find “Jesus loves you.” Immediately he their niche, as Scott sought to reconcile WALKING AWAY… backed off. his passion for God with his gifts as a And that’s what he did. Scott ended up, “The second week I came back songwriter. “homeless, jobless, estranged from my family and with a friend and we asked him, “Can “I was a poet in my early days. When totally hopeless.” we pray for you?” He answered, “Yes, I started trying to write congregational Watching her husband’s downward spiral was I have a really bad back.” Ten minutes worship songs it was really hard. I felt an extremely painful journey for Jaye. “I was such a later he called us inside the bar and stifled. God really challenged me to be wreck about everything. I was walking on eggshells offered to buy us a drink (I had a who He created me to be. The songs I but I knew there was nothing I could do. In a way, Coke!). It turns out God had healed love to write are real and honest. It’s not when we separated, it was a relief.” his back and he was blown away by about trying to become another Matt She moved back to Northern Ireland with their that.

Redman. six-month-old daughter but it took another nine “We’ve built a “I’m still on a months before Scott finally reached rock bottom. relationship with journey. Is it okay I’VE MET CRAZY PEOPLE IN MY “On News Year’s Eve he gave his life back to the this guy. He told to do this? I want Lord,” Jaye shared. “I had told him there was no hope to honour God and TIME BUT YOU ARE THE CRAZIEST! us, ‘I’ve met crazy of us getting back together unless things drastically people in my time I’m afraid I’m not changed. As soon as I saw him I knew it was real. but you are the honouring Him Scott told me, ‘I’m going to prove it to you.’ He flew craziest!’” enough. There over every few weeks - I suppose we were dating again. is a part of me that feels I need to say Crazy or not, We renewed our wedding vows on New Year’s Day the God’s name in every song. It is a kind of The Velvet Melodies have high hopes following year.” dichotomy - I want to create poetic lyrics for the future: writing new songs and Music had been such a vital part of Scott’s life that getting back into the studio; perhaps but also be full on for Jesus." now he began praying for the chance to write songs having the chance to perform at some The rest of the band has no doubts. that would glorify God. more high-profile gigs.

Drummer Mark told Scott, “You need “I met Mark, our drummer, at church [Causeway But Scott sums up their real to tell the stories about where you’ve Coast Vineyard in Coleraine] and then Phil came to driving force, “I’m most passionate come from - that is the beauty when you do a one-year internship. That was when the magic about seeing people come to know combine art with faith.” started to happen,” Scott grinned.

Jesus - music comes after that.”

And Phil shared, “Scott is writing

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OCT - NOV 2012 VOX

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MUSIC REVIEWS

VOX MAGAZINE

Reviewed by Amy O’Byrne

TIM HUGHES - ULTIMATE COLLECTION In his Ultimate Collection, Tim Hughes, one of the UK’s most prolific worship leaders, has given us some of his most popular worship songs on one album.

Like any other greatest hits albums, it saves the effort of having to skip those songs we aren’t too fond of in order to get to the rousing choruses like O Happy Day and Beautiful One and sing along as loudly as possible.

It’s safe to say that these songs are used in churches across our nation and beyond. Hughes writes great worship songs. For a while, Here I am to Worship was sung almost every week in my own church for the best part of six months. There was a time I never wanted to play it again but, after a period of time without, it’s refreshing to hear and actually grasp the lyrics Hughes has penned.

Hughes has come into his own in his last few albums, which is demonstrated in this album - you can hear the progression of his lyrical maturity and musicality.

Not having heard Jesus Saves before, the song takes a different direction for Hughes but seems more like an album track rather than a greatest hit not sure whether it belongs here.

The bonus track, When the Tears Fall is probably one of the most raw worship songs ever written. It captures a cry of the heart, turning it into praise. The lyrics are real, honest and authentic - it talks about pain, not dissimilar to the prayers of David in the Psalms. The lyrics turn into praise, declaring, I will praise You, through the suffering, still I will sing to You. It’s these kinds of lyrics that have led Tim Hughes to impact the worship life of so many churches all over the world. He writes songs that are accessible and from the core of who he is. If Tim Hughes is unfamiliar to you, this album is highly recommended as an introduction of some his best.

VOX rating: «««««

REND COLLECTIVE - Praise Like Fireworks Video It’s so refreshing to hear and see such vibrancy from a worship band! Rend Collective has captured the pure essence of joy and praise in this video, which makes you want to jump into the scene with them and dance around with reckless abandon!

Set in what appears to be a barnyard with a retro caravan as the backdrop, the video starts off with some 8mm-style video stills full of vintage loveliness and authentic style.

The song and video are both full of life but there is also incredible honesty to the lyrics: "From joy and pain we praise you" rings out, demonstrating a heart to worship despite our situations; it’s a declaration of confidence in Christ. One of my favourite lyrics is 'I’ll leave behind the cynic in my soul'. This song and video is one that’ll definitely be on repeat.

All Glory

Nikki Fletcher

VOX rating: ««««« Originally from Australia, Nikki Fletcher has being working with the Worship Central team in the UK – investing in local church worship and developing a network of worship leaders across the globe. Her first album All Glory carries a real sweetness to it, with simple melodies making it an album that is very easy to listen to.

The strongest is the title track All Glory, which features at the end of the album – you can imagine a congregation really grasping this song and making it their own.

This is an album you’re probably more likely to be listening to while having your devotional time - its songs are reflective and sweet, with great lyrics but a little lacking in terms of passion and ‘oomph’. That said, the songs are really easy to pick up and sing along to.

VOX Rating: ««« OCT - NOV 2012 VOX

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FILM REVIEWS

VOX MAGAZINE

Reviewed by Ruth Gar vey-Williams

EYES TO SEE Written and Directed by David de Vos

In the aftermath of the January 2010 earthquake in Haiti that killed over 200,000 people and left 1.5 million homeless, filmmaker David de Vos travelled to the stricken nation to make a documentary. His experience of “the worst devastation I have ever seen” inspired him to write the short film Eyes to See. Out now on DVD, Eyes to See is the story of news cameraman Ray (played by British actor Matthew Marsden - Coronation Street / Black Hawk Down). Filming the victims of the Haiti earthquake, Ray distances himself from the tragedy as he captures dramatic closeups of people’s suffering.

But when a young boy begs for his help to save his mother, Ray is forced to choose between his camera and his humanity.

This encounter with Marie (beautifully portrayed

by Haitian-born actress Garcelle Beauvais) challenges Ray’s preconceptions. “You people could use some building codes,” he tells her.

“Is that what you see? Us people? My name is Marie,” is the dignified response.

Eyes to See punches above its weight. Clearly a labour of love, it combines a remarkable attention to detail with understated yet deeply moving performances.

While the film raises disturbing questions about the media’s exploitation of suffering, at its core, it is a personal exploration of our own response to tragedy and disaster.

The DVD’s extra features include the “making of” and David de Vos’ original documentary. We see David’s confidence as he arrives for the “adventure” - “Let’s go out and do some good” - transforming into humility and heartfelt engagement with the Haitian people.

“When I started filming there was a barrier between me and my subjects,” David shares. “As long as I had my camera between them and me, I was safe. After a while I started realising, ‘I’m invading these people’s personal tragedy.’ It got to the point I just couldn’t film any more. I went to the doctors and said, "I’ve got to help." Once I put my camera down, it changed my whole outlook.”

Eyes to See won the US Dove Foundation’s highest honour (five Doves) and earned Matthew Marsden the Best Actor award at the Doorpost Film Festival 2010.

With 100% of the profits going to charity Hope Outreach International for the ongoing, and often forgotten, work of rebuilding Haiti, Eyes to See is definitely one to buy. Order your copy at www. eyestoseemovie.com.

VOX Rating: Must See

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EVENTS

VOX MAGAZINE

Events Calendar What’s happening where and when

OCTOBER Christian Dance Fellowship of Ireland Intercession Day Saturday, 13th October, 11am Athlone www.cdfi.weebly.com Inside Out Men's Conference Saturday, 20 October, 10am Carlow Bible Church www.insideoutconference.org CS Lewis Lecture with Dr. Os Guinness Monday, 22 October, 6:30pm Chartered Accountants House, Dublin www.cslewislecture.ie

Graham Kendrick and Tony Campolo Compassion Partnership Tour Wednesday, 24 October, 7pm The Exchange, Dublin www.compassion.ie

NOVEMBER All Ireland Full Gospel Businessmen's Convention 1 - 3 November Tralee www.fgbmfiireland.com

Victorious Women's Conference 26 + 27 October Victory Centre, Tallaght www.victory.ie

Tirzah Anti-Trafficking Weekend 9 + 10 November Dublin www.tirzah.ie

Communitas Conference 2012 29 + 30 October Belfast www.communitasireland.com

Building Blocks Children’s Ministry Conference 17 November, Ballymena 24 November, Dublin www.buildingblocks.ie

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VOX OCT - NOV 2012

"Soul Freedom - creating safe public space for belief and unbelief" Is it possible to create a civil public space where debate is shaped by a commitment to the common good?

Our lecturer is Dr. Os Guinness, author and social critic will seek to address this question. Os has written or edited thirty books on a wide range of themes and is a widely respected thinker, author and speaker.

Date: Monday October 22nd 6,30pm Venue: Chartered Accountants House, 47-49 Pearse Street, Dublin 2 Tickets: €12 from www.cslewislecture.org (advance booking essential)

BOOK REVIEWS

VOX MAGAZINE

Reviewed by Brian Kerr

Operation World (7th Edition)

Ultimate Price

When asked to do a review for VOX, I thought I should review a book I can really enthuse about. After the Bible, this is the book that excites me most!

If you ask me, every Christian should possess a copy, although those who feel called to the work of prayer and who have a world vision are most likely to appreciate such a resource. It is, as the subtitle aptly suggests, The Definitive Prayer Guide To Every Nation.

It could be used as a reference tool (it is a mine of information) but to derive the maximum benefit, I would suggest that it should be read (prayed) daily. Yes, it is a book not merely to read, but to pray through!

In this way, the reader can pray intelligently for every country in the world every year (for example, on July 19th, people all over the world should be praying for Ireland. Isn't that something?).

In the statistics section there is geographical, demographical, ethnic, economic, political and religious information. The latter section is further broken down into world religions, different varieties of Christians, churches, evangelicals, Charismatics and Pentecostals.

Percentages and growth rates are given for each religion and type of Christian. The prayer section often begins with answers to prayer and, typically, this is followed by prayer for the government of the nation, for solutions to social problems affecting the country, for the church, for church leadership training, for the less reached, and for help ministries such as Bible translation, literature, radio and TV. The book is rather bulky, so for those who travel frequently I would recommend the CD Rom version, although it is a bit more expensive.

So get your hands on a copy and pray for the world!

This attractive publication introduces the reader to seven individuals (some Lutheran and some Catholic) who resisted the Third Reich. Each chapter begins with a brief biographical sketch, which is followed by extracts from the individual's writings. Sometimes these are from books written by the individual; sometimes they are from diaries and personal letters.

All suffered at the hands of the Nazis - execution, health problems or death resulting from time in concentration camps and one individual, along with his Jewish wife and her daughter, who took his own life.

Some were names I knew, such as Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Sophie Scholl, while others I wasn't familiar with.

They each had the inspirational courage to resist National Socialism, even at the cost of their lives. The introduction provides a brief history of resistance to the Third Reich, especially by the German Protestant and Catholic churches.

VOX Rating: «««««.

VOX Rating: «««««

Edited by Jason Mandryk

by Annemarie S. Kidder

VOX rating: ««««

There Are No Strong People

by Jeff Lucas

The title of this biography of Samson states an important truth: to be human is to be weak.

Not only are we weak, though, “we are all capable of great evil.” “Scripture portrays most of [the leading men and women of the Bible] ...as they were, deep flaws included.” To know that we are weak (and sinful) will hopefully “keep us more alert and awake”.

Jeff Lucas writes well and even poetically at times.

He calls a spade a spade. I knew that Samson was a bit of a womaniser but I hadn’t realised quite how many sexual allusions there are in the “warts and all” scriptural account of his life! This isn’t a book, therefore, for the prudish.

In considering Samson’s tragic end, Lucas makes the good point that “people don’t usually fall - they slide” (this is one of his chapter titles). Although about a man, this isn’t a book exclusively for men. Recommended.

Victorious Women’s All Ireland Conference Women fulfilling their destiny in Christ

Special speaker: Pastor Sharon Daugherty, www.victory.ie reception@victory.ie +353 (0)1 461 0056

Victory Centre, Firhouse Road, Dublin 24 October 26th. and 27th. 2012

Building Blocks Children’s Ministry Conference for people who work with children in churches Keynote speaker: Bob Hartman

Ballymena 17th November £25 Dublin 24th November €35 More information and booking on www.buildingblocks.ie

OCT - NOV 2012 VOX

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VOX PS

APP-LESS ‘APPINESS

BY SEÁN MULLAN

THE BEST OF LIFE COMES WITH NO SUITABLE APPS.

uitar out of tune? There’s an app for that. Waiting for a bus? An app will tell you how long you have to wait. How much money is in your bank account?

Apps for that too – even to warn you when you’re going overdrawn. Apps for dieting, for getting fit, for monitoring your health, your wealth and your calendar.

“Appiness” is a life controlled by apps – every contingency covered. “All I have needed the apps have provided!”

Then comes the moment – an “appless” moment – (no not an “apples” moment, my dear spellchecking app!). It can be a sunset glow in a Western sky, the bewitching melody of some feathered warbler, the wide-eyed gaze of a little child, the colours of a Monet masterpiece – and you know there’s no app for what just happened. There’s no controlling it – you can’t buy it, bottle it, bring it with you or birth it again. It just “appened.”

You can grab your phone and take a picture – or video it – but even in trying to capture it, you lose the essence of whatever touched you. The best of life comes with no suitable apps. There is nothing that can measure it, predict it, describe it, programme it or work out where it’s going to take you. It just sneaks up on you and perhaps disappears as quickly even while you’re still working out what it was and where it came from.

Perhaps metaphors are the best app to help us with it. It’s yeast, it’s seed, it’s a field or a catch of fish, a farmer sowing or a harvest. None of those are original. They came from a more creative mind than mine. And they have one thing in common – they are the unremarkable to describe the remarkable –

G

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VOX OCT - NOV 2012

the obvious to hint at the hidden – not so much in your face as under your nose.

Don’t get me wrong. I use apps every day – yesterday my app told me that the train I thought I could not catch had been delayed and I was able to make it. Today I used an app to track my friend as he ran an Iron Man race in another country.

I knew he’d finished and the time he’d achieved long before he sent me a text.

Marvellous!

But not as marvellous as what he experienced in the Iron Man Challenge – that

venturing into the unknown – going where you’ve never gone before in your head and in your body. Now that’s life!

My friend lived it – I just watched it – “app-ed” it!

App-ily there exists a life that cannot be contained in apps, immeasurable, uncontrollable, un-analysable (there goes that spell check again!). And every now and again it bites you in the bum, smacks you in the face or kicks you in the shin just to remind you it’s there. It's what the carpenter from Nazareth called the governing activity of God and it is, he said, present here and now, right under our noses.

But ironically there’s no app. You can only access it by accepting you can’t control it. It’s simply there, available to all who take the risk and pursue it.

Seán Mullan has been working in church leadership for many years. He has developed a new project in Dublin City Centre called “Third Space”.

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