A key part of the Christchurch Moore Mission has involved door knocking the streets around the two churches that we are based out of (St Nicholas’ & St Saviours) and letting them know about different things that are going on. New staff, new services, events that are going on as part of the mission week, opportunities to share the gospel… there are plenty of reasons to do some door knocking.
Okay, so the picture might be a little misleading about what this might look like, the area we are in is a normal suburban street.
Here a few of the people that the team has been meeting. Note: names of residents have been adjusted.
Gus & Sarah met Max, a senior resident of the community who lives close to the church. He watches ‘hymns of praise’ and only goes to funerals. He doesn’t know Jesus.
Andy & Lachlan met Thomas a man who has had some experience with Christianity and the church and is blind. He is keen to come to church next weekend.
Cameron & John met Steve, a man in his 30’s who grew up in the church but was turned off by not having his questions answered. He is still hesitant but might be willing to come along and hear the gospel message.
They also met Edith, a woman in her 80’s who attends another local Anglican church and was encouraged that people from an Anglican church were getting out to the people of Christchurch, inviting them along and sharing the gospel.
The other day, the women from the team were grabbing an afternoon coffee and met Owen, a man who happened to sit with them at the local café and then came to one of the church events.
Finally, Selina has been out door knocking with Chris (one of the staff here) and has been amazed at how positive people are with the local minister making time to come and say hello.
Despite these examples of some of the conversations we’ve been having, door knocking is tough and draining and can often feel discouraging. Pray that we would be persistent and winsome as we try to relate to people in this city.
But also, give thanks for positive interactions with people who have expressed some keenness at coming to church.
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