Roommates!

I announced last Sunday that on 18th September I will finish my term at Hope in order to begin post-grad studies in Scotland.

Aye, I’m excited! But I’m also sad to be leaving this vibrant community. In particular I will miss the Living Room gathering.

This is an update both on my personal plans (on the off-chance anyone is interested!) as well as talking about transition for the Living Room. Skip over the personal plans bit if you only want to read about transition…

The personal plans…

First, my personal plans. Time for a little trumpet-blowing. Or bag-pipe-blowing as it may be… (a wise friend reminded me that sharing our personal successes are an acknowledgement that they’re not just our own successes. We are shaped by the people around us. And I have certainly grown and developed at Hope hugely over the past few years). So what follows is a way of acknowledging the role you have played in bringing me to this point…I hope I can in turn celebrate your successes with you!

I have been offered the opportunity to commence doctoral studies at St Andrews University in Scotland. More specifically I will be working within the Logos Institute, a new institute dedicated to developing conversations around how we talk about God and humanity.

Modern science and philosophy make certain claims about how we know things. Rene Descartes made the famous claim cogito ergo sum… “I think, therefore I am!” Such an idea has undeniably shaped the Western world. Discussions about God, about what it means to be human, about right and wrong etc. — these tend to begin with rational thought. Our own scientific observations lead us to make rational, reasonable arguments about the nature of things.

The Logos Institute is seeking to gate-crash this philosophical party with a different perspective. We know the world, we know humanity, we know God through the Revelation of God in the person of the Jesus Christ. Theology and the Church begin with a different starting point, a different rationale, a different logic that turns everything on its head.

Within this wider discussion, my thesis will be exploring the role worship has in understanding what it means to be a person. It will consist of three parts:

1. What is a Christian understanding of what it means to be a person? Ultimately our personhood is derived from the Personhood of Jesus Christ who is the true human.
2. What role does worship play in shaping our personhood? If we become our true selves in light of Jesus, then the encounter with the living Jesus in worship becomes the starting point for knowing ourselves.
3. How are we formed as persons? What does this Jesus-encounter look like in the life of the Church? Our individuality finds its truest fulfilment as it participates in the community of faith, centred around Jesus and shaped by the Spirit.
4. Why are kilts important? Kilts are important.

Anyway, if you’ve read this far — congratulations. If you can remember the 4th point of my thesis I will reward you with a chocolate…

St Andrews is known for golf, beaches, and slow-mo running scenes. I will not be indulging in any of these. But it has a stunning university too.

Transition…

A consequence of my leaving is that the Living Room will require a transition in leadership. As I said on Sunday, the Living Room is by no means dependent on me. It is a worshipping community and we all contribute to the culture and life.

Saying that, I have poured a lot of myself into what the Living Room has looked like (thank you for enduring my quirks). And therefore, what will it look like in future?

In short, Gabe Hawker (our youth director) will be taking over direction of both edge and the Living Room. This will continue to encourage cross-over between these two worshipping communities. He will bring his own style and I very much look forward to seeing how he shapes the Living Room for the next stage.

Despite some differences that inevitably come with a change in leadership, there are a few important points of continuity that we are focussing on:

• Continuing to build a strong sense of (intergenerational) community during the worship and afterwards over supper.
• Preaching that is scripturally-grounded, practical, and punchy. Ouch!
• The general flow will continue much the same i.e. Gathering, Word, Response.
• Continuing to encourage widespread involvement particularly among youth. This may be in the music/AV team, hospitality, welcome, service leading, joint-preaching etc.
• A more casual atmosphere and an openness to discuss difficult topics and ask difficult questions

Gabe will be having an increasing “up-front” presence as I start to step-back. I will still aim to preach approximately twice a month between now and September, and service/worship lead on other occasions.

Hopefully this answers any questions/concerns you may have. Comment below or email me: jordan.redding@hopechurch.net.nz

Arohanui,

Jordan