Reflection - Hope

by Luke Stanley, Head of Faith Values & Formation – The Lakes College, and Uniting Church Candidate

As I contemplate the future of the Church and my role within it, my hope is shaped by what I am already seeing within the communities that I am a part of.

Within the communities that I am engaged with at The Lakes College, Trinity College, and ministry formation, I have a unique perspective and privilege of seeing where the church is heading, and how the Holy Spirit is working within these communities.

Central within my hope is the people that I see discerning a call to serve our Lord Jesus Christ through ministry in the Uniting Church in Australia, and stepping into the challenge of ministry formation. We are an eclectic and diverse group of disciples who have been pulled from all corners, cultures, and life experiences, committed to live a life in service of Jesus Christ, his Kingdom and the Uniting Church in Australia. None of us have entered this space in a naïve manner or with rose coloured glasses. I see and spend time with strong individuals who have a clear-eyed awareness of the challenges that are confronting the church. Yet with humble conviction they willingly step into the spaces they feel led by God into, even if they don’t fully understand it.

I see this as well with our youth. Whilst this generation seem distant from traditional expressions of faith, they are not indifferent to the deeper questions in life. There is a genuine openness and hunger for a meaningful life, grounded in justice and faith. Our youth today straddle the tensions between who their heart is calling them to be, and what an instant-gratification internet existence tries to sell them. Although they will slip from time to time, there is a deep recognition within our youth that the world is selling them a lie and there is a willingness to engage and understand faith that I think is underestimated at times.

What gives me hope is that this search for meaning and purpose tends to be thoughtful, curious, and grounded in faith. When we are at our best the Uniting Church has always held a posture of listening and a desire to understand, as we seek to remain attentive to the Holy Spirit while holding tightly to the gospel. That posture feels as important now as it has ever been. As a church we need to remember that it doesn’t always produce quick or visible outcomes, rather it is a faithful way of living in uncertainty.

My hope for the future of the church is not grounded on the strength of the institution. My hope rests in my conviction that God remains at work within and beyond the Uniting Church. This hope is being reinforced from what I am seeing in classrooms, in conversations, and in ministry formation. Whilst I understand there are real pressures and unknown challenges ahead for the church, I am hopeful because I can see the beginnings of something taking shape.

Right now, that is enough to trust that the future of the Church is still being held, shaped, and informed by God.