Brett's Blog: the Hope project bulletin 1

The Good News

in New Zealand

Story

— then & now

This booklet was written by Dave Mann, the Hope Project Coordinator, for free use by Christian Churches in New Zealand

A BRIEF HISTORY OF EARLY CHRISTIANITY IN NEW ZEALAND

THE GOSPEL ARRIVES IN AOTEAROA-NEW ZEALAND

The Maori invitation to bring the Gospel in 1814.

It was 1814. At the invitation of a young Maori Chief named Ruatara, the ‘Active’ set sail for New Zealand. On board were ten Maori –-‐ including Ngapuhi Chiefs Ruatara and Hongi Hika — as well as the Reverend Samuel Marsden, who was based in Sydney.There were people from several other nationalities also on the ship.

When they arrived at Ruatara’s Pa, at Rangihoua (now more commonly known as Oihi), they were welcomed with a powhiri (welcome) as they came ashore.

The next day was a Sunday. Ruatara made preparations for his friend Samuel Marsden, to speak about God’s good news for all people. A crowd of 300 to 400 Maori came, some of them coming in waka from the other side of the Bay of Islands, or from the Kerikeri area. Marsden preached from the Gospel of Luke, on “Behold, I bring you good news of great joy”. Afterwards, Ruatara explained what was said. Maori then performed a haka as a celebratory response, and as an indication of their welcome.

MISSIONARIES TO SETTLE IN 1814

Marsden did not stay in New Zealand, but over the years he made seven extended visits to New Zealand. However, from 1814 three families did stay on, living at Oihi. They were the King, Kendall and Hall families. These settlers had been invited by Chief Ruatara, and were hosted by his people.They formed the first permanent European settlement in this land.

In what other nation where Europeans went, do you find such an amicable beginning as this? Our bicultural partnership in New Zealand began to take shape at Oihi.

Samuel Marsden — a mix of a man

This industrious farmer was also a visionary leader and a preacher, and became a local magistrate in the prison colony of New South Wales. His rulings, in that very harsh environment, earned him a hostile nickname, the 'flogging parson’. While strict in justice, and a little grumpy and stubborn at times, Marsden was also a compassionate man. One ex-‐convict who wanted to murder Marsden pretended to be drowning, for he knew Marsden was the kind of man who would risk his life to save another! Marsden jumped into the water, and they did fight. However both survived, and it is said they became friends.

Marsden was a man with some faults, but also a man with heart.

THE EFFECTIVE 21ST CENTURY WITNESS

THE BENEFITS OF A CONVERSATIONAL APPROACH

Times have changed, and in western societies we can no longer expect to go out and tell people about Jesus and see many respond immediately.There has been a growing resistance to the idea of religious truth in our culture.This has resulted in a general disinterest in the Christian message. However, while many have felt at a loss as to what to do, all is not lost!

The majority of New Zealanders are still spiritual people. For example, about 77% (according to a 2007 study) believe in God or a Higher Power.There is also a timeless method for Christian witness that can work in all cultures. It is simply called conversation! Look at Jesus’ example. Consider His approach. When Jesus talked with people He usually began by asking a question! He showed us a ‘method’ for evangelism and discipleship that works in all cultures at all times: He (1) talked with people (2) with an ear open to the Spirit!

What if we were to adopt this ‘method’ again? Instead of trying to tell people things, we could become proactive in seeking to ask them good questions, at which point we listen — like Jesus did. With the doors for conversation then open, we could master the art of encouraging people toward faith through the use of questions, suggesting different ways of seeing things and asking what they think. Indeed, it is a timeless method. It’s powerful, and it’s easy!

Here are six benefits of a conversational approach

(in which we ask questions more than we talk)

It creates space for us to listen to others before we speak
It creates space to listen to God before we speak
It potentially opens an ongoing conversation
If they have criticised our beliefs, it returns the onus of proof to them.
It is non-threatening - we can disagree without ever disagreeing.
It can cause them to reevaluate their beliefs — which is our desired outcome.

Here are three great questions that can turn a conversation to good purpose

What do you mean by that?

Where did you get that idea from?
Have you considered…?

The three questions illustrated

If someone hints that they think all religions are the same, don’t argue! Instead be bold to investigate exactly what it is that they are saying (because they are making a religious truth claim).

What do you mean ‘all the same’? In what ways?
Where did you get this idea from? What makes you think this is true?
Have you ever noticed that the world’s major religions actually say majorly diff rent things in the major areas? For example, there can’t be a God, and also not be a God, can there? Which do you think it is?

Through a conversation like this a person can be enabled to see a different perspective. The conversation has called them to consider the possibility that religious truth might exist, instead of dismissing religious truth as being unknowable. If they were interested, the conversation could go further. If they were not, it remains that they might be a step closer to Jesus than they were before.

This is what a conversational approach is about: helping people every day and in every way to take steps closer to Jesus. It’s also achievable for the average Christian, and it is very practical because it’s about how we conduct ourselves in the conversations that take place every day.

PART THREE

SEEING THE GOAL

One goal of the Hope Project is to help we who are in New Zealand’s churches to see that there are actually opportunities all around us to encourage faith. Sometimes helping a person is as simple as asking a question with a listening ear! However, preparation is still needed as engaging people in relaxed conversations about spiritual things is a skill-‐set.The key to great conversations is great questions — and we can learn how to ask such questions.

In October 2014 people will see the Hope Project’s TV ads and booklet, creating an opportunity to talk about them. For this project to be effective what is needed is people like you who can engage that conversation. “Did you get a booklet? Did you read it? What did you think?” Why not learn a bit more about this, and start practicing what you already know in your daily conversations?

WHAT IS NEEDED NOW

Please pray for the Hope Project, that God will use it to draw many to investigate and better understand the Christian faith.

Please give generously. If we all give a bit, the full project can easily be covered.

Please prepare yourself for the conversations.

FOR MORE about the History of New Zealand SEE…

DVD: Te Rongopai: 200 Years of the Gospel in New Zealand, 1814-2014. A newly released DVD, written and narrated by Presbyterian Minister and Teacher at Laidlaw college Dr. Stuart Lange. From nzchristiannetwork.org.nz

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