This Is Our Story

Recently we had a big conference to which all ministers of the United Reformed Church were invited and over half (a little more than 300) came. It was an inspiring opportunity to see the breadth of the United Reformed Church and to gain a glimpse of the variety of what God is doing through our denomination. It was encouraging that, despite some pre-conference misgivings, it received a very substantial ‘thumbs up’ from those who attended.

The over-arching theme was the URC’s current emphasis on missional discipleship under the banner of ‘Walking the Way: living the life of Jesus today.’

The Bible studies helped us get into this theme. Loveday Alexander, who led these, guided us through a whistle-stop tour of Mark’s Gospel, encouraging us to see the journey as a pilgrimage. She reminded us that the story is not just the story of Jesus, but also the story of the first disciples. The story of Jesus is lived out through those who follow him. Thus, Jesus’ story today is our story and it is our task to make the Kingdom live in meaningful ways.

She reminded us “Discipleship is not an autonomous goal nor an end in itself. Discipleship is part of a bigger story: the messianic community is called into being to act as agents for the Kingdom of God.” In the end we are, or should be, about doing stuff for God.

“Discipleship therefore cannot be divorced from ecclesiology. Disciples are called as individuals to be part of a community. A distinctive calling – to work together for the furthering of God’s Kingdom.” We each have our part to play. That is being a disciple – but we need to remember that we are part of something bigger. That’s a church!