Bishop’s Charge - Synod 2022
I do want to just remind us of this, that the adoptive birthright of every follower of Jesus, is to live in the gift of joy and hope. It is not something we generate. It is a gift of God.
While global events and disruption closer to home have the potential to take us from our focus, Bishop Justin encouraged Synod members to remain in the good embrace of God. In these times, when we are anxious and tired, the invitation of God is to live into the spirit of Joy and Hope.
Bishop Justin recalled how Jesus’ own suffering was transformed into healing and multiplication. When Jesus heard the news of his cousin’s murder, he ventured off to process this traumatic event. However, as we read in John’s gospel, the crowds followed him and the miraculous feeding of the 5000 follows.
Notice, however, what Jesus does. His despair is transformed into action, his suffering into the healing of others.
“Our world’s not like that," said +Justin. “We live in a world where, if we feel hard done by or if we feel hurt, it gives us a rationale to hurt other people.” Not so, for the people of God. “Hurt followers of Jesus bring healing and multiplication.” So, when we are feeling overwhelmed – that's when Jesus brings healing and multiplication. For there is a joy that comes in multiplication. “My challenge is for us to talk about who is ready to multiply and go out and plant.” said +Justin.
Bishop Justin told the story of the founding of Ngatiawa River Monastery. God had placed the vision for Ngatiawa on Jenny and Justin’s hearts but there were mountains to climb to fund it. “I didn’t realise you needed to have a job to get a mortgage,” he said.
In faith, and lots of prayer, he moved his family into a barn nearby Ngatiawa and God provided. “Nearly, without exception, the church grows when there is no money,” he said. The problem, he told those gathered, is not lack of money, it is spiritual temperature and discipleship of the flock that God has entrusted us to.
Bishop Justin testified to having story after story of God’s provision. He encouraged Synod members to check their spiritual temperament to generosity to be cheerful in their giving. Sometimes people are just holding on and the issue is not the money, it is discipleship. “I don't want you to feel guilty. If you have nothing, then bless you because you are rich. But those who have a lot think it is not for them. Generosity is something we do, not demand.”
Throughout the Charge, and Synod, Bishop Justin called for a champion for refugee resettlement, for supporting the Diocese of Zambezia in Mozambique and a champion for training in multiplication.
