I could complain about a number of things – the state of the world, the state of the country, the state of the city, the state of the community, the state of the church. I could do that, but what’s the point? Complaining hasn’t improved anything – it is actually addressing the issue that has seen the change.
With that in mind I want to commend to you the project Nightchurch based in Stoke-on-Trent that recently celebrated 5 years in existence. That is quite an achievement considering the nature of it and the appeal across churches and requirement for volunteers.
I wrote about my first experience volunteering for them back in the Summer of 2008 (read about it here). Since I left Stoke-on-Trent at the end of 2009 I have only kept in touch through the Facebook page. Yet knowing it still carries on the good work of being a presence in the heart of the city’s nightlife during the busy weekends is encouraging.
When I think about what it stands for – a presence, a light in dark situations, it reminds me of the mission of the church. Not to be the all-embracing, all-encompassing monolith, but a real presence in the community – a presence of light. A presence of people welcoming and open to provide hospitality, compassion and a listening ear and then also extend joy and peace in Christ.
Before moving to Stoke-on-Trent I would never think it would be possible to be part of such an initiative. My sheltered upbringing saw the big world out there as something to be wary of. It saw it as the place where the devil lurks behind every nightclub, pub, bar and other den of iniquity. In that background we sang about the great change since I was born which now meant I didn’t have to go to all those places. I could remain holy and pure by not even going anywhere those places.
Thank God for the reality of situation which clearly denoted that engagement in such establishments did not necessitate impurity or demon possession. Thank God for the beginning of that during the university years, and then in those precious years in Stoke-on-Trent seeing how important it was to be a presence right where people were, so as to engage with them as they were. This would be the platform to show them Jesus’ love where they were, as they were, with no conditions, no questions asked (necessarily) and most importantly no judgements made.
It was not just influential for how to do missions corporately, it heavily influenced me on the importance of being light in the world in every situation of life. As long as there are people – Christian or not, – if we are walking in the Light, then that must have an impact on our dealings with others.
So I give God thanks for initiatives like Nightchurch and I hope that others will volunteer their time not out of obligation, but a heartfelt desire to be light in what at times can be an all too dark world with people who need light more than ever.
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
dmcd
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