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	a healthy church...transformingLIFE
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	March 2004				John Harrower
		Bishop's reflection by John Harrower
			ahealthychurch . . .transforminglife The launch of my vision 'ahealthychurch . . . transforminglife' has been warmly received. Thank you to the 400 Anglicans who attended in Launceston, Hobart and Burnie. In my first address to the Diocesan Synod in October 2000 I used the phrase 'let the flowers bloom' as an expression of my commitment to local mission in all its diversity. It is my prayer that for the many faithful 'gardeners' in the Diocese the document transforminglife will shape every aspect of our life, at diocesan, local and personal levels. It is a permission-giving document designed to guide us into our future with God. We are facing many challenges. They demand that we become the church that God has in mind for this generation and the generation to come. The church is not ours. It is God's. New blooms are emerging. They are indicators that the Holy Spirit is refreshing us. The challenge is to allow the Holy Spirit to transform us. The 'healthy church' theme is a helpful way for us to examine our strengths and weaknesses. I am passionately committed to lead us in becoming what God wants us to be. We must turn to God in humility seeking Him become missionary disciples refocus on the mission of God in our world develop new, creative, innovative and flexible ministries bring about structural change to enliven new ministry release the resources we need to reform the church Every one of us must submit to the transforming work of God if these things are to happen. 'transforminglife' is His heart's desire. A biblical reflection Jesus immediately said to them, 'Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid.' 'Lord, if it's you,' Peter replied, 'tell me to come to you on the water.' 'Come,' he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. When he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, 'Lord, save me!' Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. 'You of little faith,' he said, 'why did you doubt?' (Matthew 14:27-31) What does it mean to trust God and follow Jesus? In an act of faith, Peter asks to come to Jesus. That act of faith required going to a place of complete and utter reliance upon Christ - the surface of a storm swept sea. In our Diocese, such a place of reliance is found as we do new things - things we have never done before. Are we prepared to do this? To follow Jesus is to engage in risk-taking, relying on Him. Stepping out of boats onto dry land is one thing. To step out into unknown windswept waters is another! At each step of faith, the Faithful One is there to reach out His hand and catch us, hold us. We must go where we have never been before. We will go with the certainty of our Lord's constant presence as the Holy Spirit transforms every aspect of our Diocesan life. Shalom