I went along to the Connect09 Ambassador’s Day on Saturday, and had a great time with reps from 100 other churches. Too many highlights from the day to go through them all!

One story in particular was encouraging. A lady, only a baby Christian really, had the idea to throw a huge “birthday party” for her church and invite the whole community. The church leadership were initially reluctant, they could not see the gospel value in doing such a thing. She persisted though, and eventually the leadership swung around behind her. The day turned into an outstanding success, with about 10% of the local community coming along to the celebration.

I liked this story for a few reasons. It is a great example of a church very quickly and dramatically re-establishing some links with the broader community, which is basically what the Connect09 campaign is all about. I also liked that this idea was lay-led, and lay leadership is essential if we are going to achieve anything on a substantial scale. Finally, I thought it was significant that a new Christian, with a fresh perspective, was able to bring an effective idea to the table. Those of us who have spent many years immersed in church culture have perhaps become a bit “snow blind”. It’s a new world, and some new ideas are needed.

If there was a slight disappointment on the day, it was that only a 100 parishes were represented. Where were the other 170? God-willing, they will be at the next one…