Lifestyle Not Just Words
At Jubilee Church we are a diverse group of people, coming from different backgrounds and experiences, but all committed to Jesus and to the vision, values and culture at Jubilee. Our five culture words – Passion, Family, Honour, Authenticity and Courage are shorthand for our vision and culture. But are they just words that have meaning when we gather together on a Sunday morning?
Our recent series We Are The Church has made it clear that those who are committed to Jubilee are the church. The church is not a building – it’s us, the people.
Passion and Calling
We often quote the verse ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me’ and maybe interpret it as we can do anything. But the Amplified Version says this: I can do all things [which He has called me to do] through Him who strengthens and empowers me [to fulfil His purpose – I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency; I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace.] Phil. 4:13
This is where our passion lies – in Jesus who saved us and in the work he has given us to do. It’s where our purpose lies – in what we are called to do. We can see it within the four people who have been recently recognised as deacons. Alison’s compassionate ministries, Sarah’s work with children and the community, Lorraine’s passion for hospitality and inclusiveness and Tom’s devotion to worship and the development of young people.
Not just words
I believe that since we are the church and we have embraced the culture of Jubilee Church then this should also be our lifestyle wherever we are. We may not experience all of these words at the same time, but certainly a combination of them at any time.
I recently spent four weeks as the Artist in Residence for a Museum and Art Gallery in New South Wales. I lived on my own in an apartment in a park. I had not lived on my own since 1982 so it took all my courage to take on this adventure. However I believed that God had opened this door for me as he has called me to encourage people in their creativity. This is my God-given passion. There were many people who were encouraging me and I set up a WhatsApp group to keep them up to date. They were family to me with their texts of encouragement and support during the 4 weeks. When I wrote my final blog post reflecting on my time I received comments about my authenticity – I had not held back about the failures whilst also describing the successes. I want to honour all those who supported me – thank you.
Lifestyle
It was only when I returned home and walked into Jubilee that I realised how much I had experienced of Jubilee culture whilst I was away.
Can you see Jubilee culture and values in your daily life?
How can you bring our values into your home, your school, your workplace?
