I have come so that they may have life, and have it more abundantly

(John 10:10)

Jesus makes this statement in the context of a comparison he makes between himself as the Good Shepherd and the thief that comes at night to ‘steal, kill and destroy’. It is a strong statement and what is striking is the way Jesus sets his purpose before the hearers. The phrase ‘I have come’ gives an insight as to what we might discover and experience through him. 

In other places in John’s gospel, Jesus indicates that his desire is to ‘do the will of the one who sent me’. This is his inner motivation. When Jesus says ‘that they may have life…’ the words are directed beyond himself towards others. 

Over the coming months the NCCA will be moving into a period of planning and reflection in preparation for the next Forum to be held in Adelaide in the middle of 2024. The Forum will include a celebration of 30 years of the life of the NCCA. Part of the focus of the Forum will be exploring the purpose of the NCCA within the life of the churches in Australia.  

We may ask something like: How is it that through the life of the churches in Australia we can say together ‘we have come that they might have life….’? 

This thought potentially takes us beyond ourselves and opens up new pathways into the future. The answer to the question is not simple or straightforward. Exploring it takes us deeper into reflecting on why we exist. We can affirm that we need each other, we can celebrate our differences and appreciate our contributions to each other. Together, we exist to do the will of the one who established the Church, and in this we exist for an outward purpose. 

What then can we say as to the future of the NCCA?  How do we continue to serve God, the Australian churches and so ensure that our work together is life giving?

I look forward to this journey and to the conversations we will have and invite you to be part of it, both prayerfully and by contributing your insights.

Rev John Gilmore

NCCA President