12th August 2012 – To Read or Not To Read

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ. On Monday evening a few of us gathered with The Reverend Ralph Bowles to discover, and learn from, the results of our latest NCD survey. There was much to celebrate in that it became clear that our parish is improving in all areas. This being said it is still a sad fact of our parish life that there remain some disturbing areas of weakness in our faith community at St Paul’s.

I say disturbing because they relate to our experience of faith and prayer – most particularly in our own individual faith and prayer life. The 2 lowest ranking questions relate to the bible.

Question 72 states “The Bible is a powerful guide for me in the decisions of everyday life”. The (large) majority of respondents said this was untrue in their own lives. Question 84 states “I enjoy reading the bible on my own.” Again the great response was negative.

Admittedly our response is better than when the survey was initially undertaken but it is still not good. AND – sadly, our parish is not alone, as this seems to be the trend in the Diocese of Brisbane. The Natural Church Development project has shown and discerned that growing congregations are those where individuals read their bible and use it as a guide for life.

I would be interested in knowing the reasons for the responses in our parish. So I ask you all to reflect on your reasons. Why don’t YOU enjoy reading the bible on your own? Why don’t YOU see the bible as a powerful tool for your decision-making? For instance, Is it lack of understanding? Perhaps the bible translation you are reading is in a language you find difficult to decipher. Perhaps it is a lack of time?

I do not ask so as to make judgment. In fact, personally I am concerned that I am failing you in this area. I simply ask so that perhaps we might, together, discern a way in which we can change the trend! Why? Because I believe this would help us to grow in faith, as individual and as a community of faith. Please send me an email or jot down your thoughts and get them to me … anonymously f you like… but not at the door of the church please as, at the beginning and end of Sunday services I have a lot on my mind and can not keep all of your comments at the forefront of my concentration.

Love and blessings

Reverend Shan