James Duff 4th May 2014 - 3DM Workshop Melbourne

I have just arrived back at my digs in Melbourne after another jam-packed day of teaching, worship, prayer and strategising at the 3DM workshop. When I arrived in Melbourne on Sunday night it was with great joy that I took a deep breath of the 6°C air. Oh how I had missed that crisp air, the wearing of jackets and the dodging of rain. Melbourne, what a city, its beautiful autumn colors and almost-purple, mass colouring of low-hanging clouds was once again a reality as I travelled in the car, listening to familiar radio voices. This fond nostalgic feeling failed to last more than two days! Oh how I yearn to be back in Perth with its sun, its rugged vegetation, white beaches with sparkling blue sea and relaxed social ambience. The workshop here has been life-giving but after driving again in Melbourne, I had no doubts about some of the many great benefits of living in the ‘Wild West’.We have now been living in Perth for 16 months and we are as excited today about what God is doing at St Philips as we were on day one. We love St Philips, that is the people - you. We believe in the vision of St Philips as a place where we seek God together and step out to impact our community. We see this occurring through the various ministries that have emerged through prayer and asking the vital question, “God, what are you saying to us and what do you want us to do about it?”Since I have been away, I have been reminded of the truth that Jesus will build the church and not even hell will be able to stop it (Matt. 16:18). Our job, as the people of God, is to make disciples (Matt. 28:8-20). Let me confess: it can be easy for us ministers to end up trying to do Jesus’ job of growing the church. We start getting focused on buildings, on how many bums are on seats and budgets, instead of growing disciples of Jesus. I am not saying we should be neglectful of the 3 Bs - they are very important - but we need to be, like all Christians, primarily focused on (actually obsessed with) making Jesus disciples. Grow the church and we might get some disciples, but grow disciples and we will always get the church.We are blessed this week to have Craig Millwood from England share with us how God continued to encourage (invited him to be closer to God) and challenge him in how to best make Jesus disciples for over 25 years of ministry. This week I have had the pleasure of hearing Craig teach at the workshop in Melbourne. Now we are in for a treat! My prayer this week is that Craig’s message will, firstly, invite and challenge you to trust God in your life. Secondly, I pray that this invitation and challenge will help us observe, reflect and discuss what it means for us, as a church that is seeking God and stepping out together with Him. May He bless youJames