| Steven Goulstone is the pastor at Wellington South Baptist. This post is adapted from his sermon on 23 August 2026, part of the Renew Together series, the annual Arotahi appeal. You can listen to it on our church podcast here. |
What does it truly mean to be a transformational family of Jesus in our neighbourhood? While many organisations strive to bring positive social change to our communities, the church is distinct because of who Jesus is. From tha ancient liberated slaves being formed as a priestly nation to the reconciled body in Ephesians, God’s people are gathered together not for our own sake, but sent for the sake of the world.
In Matthew 16, amidst the competing voices and cultural pressures of Caesarea Philippi, Jesus posed the ultimate question: “Who do you say that I am?” Peter’s confession—“You are the Christ, the Son of the living God”—became the rock upon which Jesus promised to build His church, establishing an unstoppable life-force against which even death cannot prevail.
Crucially, Jesus is the master builder; our role is to partner with his Spirit. This kingdom work isn’t an abstract idea; it looks like the reality of Luke 4: proclaiming good news to the poor, release to the captives, healing to the broken, and freedom for the oppressed. Whether in historic global mission partnerships like Tripura, India, or right here in the southern suburbs of Wellington, Jesus is actively transforming lives.
Before we focus on strategies or programmes, our mission begins with our confession. When we declare Jesus as the living Christ, our daily lives in our workplaces, homes, and streets naturally align with his redemptive, life-giving work.
