11 August 2026

In acknowledging his failure to walk on water, Peter was able not only  to identify more closely with others whose failures are often more acutely seen than our own, but to acknowledge that it wasn’t his leadership but God’s which was of ultimate significance.

Sometimes what we do for others is more like the ministry of Santa Claus. It is a detached generosity in which we remain fully in control. It isn’t borne out of our solidarity with fellow human beings who are all in need of each other and of God.

Sometimes we are afraid to step out of the boat onto the stormy seas because we do not believe that God is to be found outside the church just as much as inside. We know he has promised to be with us when we gather in his name and  is uniquely present in Word and Sacrament.

But  that doesn’t mean to say that he is not present beyond the kirk walls and in the hearts of those who do not belong to the church. By stepping out into the community and the world beyond, we are able to exercise an interesting ministry.

We are able to work in partnership with people who share the same values and are engaged in fulfilling a similar Vision. In this way we are able not to change the world but to  influence the way changes are made with other like-minded people.

And by virtue of our faith, we are able to provide opportunities for people to make connections with God. At the very least, we offer an invitation to ‘Come and see!’  Christ needs no more advocacy than that. Love will do the rest.