“There is no individual discernment outside community, and no community discernment without individual discernment.” Ruth Haley Barton 

I wonder if the last 5 sermons I preached will be my most important at Unley Park? As we consider our future, we have learnt about discernment. The core message has been spiritual discernment, which requires us to grow in faith. Without God changing us, we are blind to his will and fail to follow Jesus faithfully. This is not the life or the future our church desires. Hence we must grow. 

We will take this challenge seriously. There are things our church can do. We can expect our Pastors,, Council and Ministry leaders to be growing in their faith. Already, for example, our youth leaders meet with mentors to help them follow Jesus. We can extend this principle and similar practices across our church leadership. I wonder what we might agree on for our church membership? Our church Members are key to decision-making. Therefore, spiritual growth is vital for our Members to exercise discernment. We can use discernment practices in our leadership, meetings, our services. There is much we can do to take what we have learnt and make it part of our church life. 

I wonder what you might do? I have summarised the key lessons, practices and prayers from the last 5 weeks. You can download this here, or ask the Church office for a printout. How much of this is new to you? Where are your learning areas? How can you take these insights and weave it into your daily life? This is important. Our growth as a church in spiritual discernment needs you to grow in faith.  

In Him, 

Jason 

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