By Rex Morgan
AUCKLAND, New Zealand--Members across New Zealand are taking up the challenge of moving from the past paradigm where evangelism was seen as the domain of the ministry and headquarters to becoming personally involved in proclaiming the gospel.
A major tool in this effort is Living Today magazine (see article this page).
Distribution of bulk copies has steadily increased with each issue, and 4,900 copies of the January- February issue are being distributed by members nationwide.
This includes 1,700 copies ordered by Gary and Brigitte Scott, who deliver the magazines to every house in their township of Waihi.
In the past two years opportunities have opened up for the church to connect with other fellowships and inter-church organizations.
Jack Croucher, pastor of the Auckland church, works with Sam Chapman, a Maori Christian leader, who heads a ministry of reconciliation among those in the lower socio-economic areas of South Auckland.
Jack has been with Sam as he works among prison inmates, and Sam has spoken to the Auckland congregation and at the church festival in Rotorua in 1997.
Plans are under way for a number of Auckland members to walk alongside Sam's Houhanga Rongo ministry as together we seek to further the work of reconciliation through Christ in our communities.
In January 1997, Jack Croucher and Rex Morgan represented the church at Vision New Zealand, a national congress for church leaders aimed at promoting unity and fellowship across denominational barriers, and discussing strategies for evangelizing the nation.
The congress chairman introduced our ministers to the gathering, commented on the church's doctrinal changes and led a prayer for the Worldwide Church of God. This was an excellent opportunity for the church's new approach to be communicated to the leaders of most of New Zealand's major churches.
The small group program has been successful in New Zealand, with many members enjoying the opportunity to grow and develop spiritually together in this way.
Many small group members distribute Living Today in their communities, enclosing information for anyone interested in further contact.
Many ministers are involved in small groups with ministers of other denominations. This provides new opportunities for us to work with other groups. Some congregations meet in church halls owned by other Christian churches.
Feb. 24, 1998, WN, page 13
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