The more I have spoken with people from Christchurch during the past two months, the more I am humbly in awe of what our churches are doing. Not only are they ministering to their own congregations,  but they are doing an amazing job getting out there and ministering to their wider communities.

Inter-denominationally, churches seem to be working in unity more than ever before. In a Baptist-led initiative, more than 100 churches of various denominations have joined the Christchurch Churches Resources Coordination Group (CCRCG), which meeets regularly at Spreydon Baptist.

It has been set up to coordinate the way churches work together to help those in their communities affected by the quake by developing inter-church cooperation, which in turn fosters that growing interdenominational unity.

Baptist Earthquake Response Coordinator William Drury-Turnbull says churches have become much more outward focused since the second earthquake and are doing what he believes the Gospel intended, “taking Christ to the people in practical ways, caring ways and loving ways.“

Churches have become much more visible within their communities. Prior to Easter, churches ran a shoebox appeal with people going door to door giving out an Easter giftbox.

It’s only a shame that such a tragic event has been needed as a catalyst to bring about this level of inter-denominational unity.

Long may it last!

– Fran Pardon