In practice – Worship Works

18Feb 2025 by Mel Lewis No Comments

Crossing the Lines: Embracing Our Mission Identity

Many of us have crossed borders, but perhaps never stopped to reflect on what they truly mean. I am writing this blog from the Myanmar/Thailand border, where an arbitrary line once scratched in the dirt by government officials now marks the divide between vastly different realities. This border is particularly significant for the Karen people, who found themselves split between becoming Thai or Myanmar nationals. On one side, there is relative stability and opportunity; on the other, justice gives way to injustice, freedom of speech to censorship, and security to persecution. Borders like these are not just physical; they exist in how we live our lives. We draw lines in the dirt of our daily routines, dividing time, spaces, activities, and roles. One divide we have created as Christians is…

03Feb 2025 by Mel Lewis No Comments

Confidence in Knowing Who and Whose You Are

In practice, teaching

'Yet you, Lord, are our Father.We are the clay, you are the potter;we are all the work of your hand.' [Isaiah 64:8] As a classroom teacher, I found it amazing to look across a class of 30 primary school students and see such diversity - individual personalities, intellectual abilities, creative skills etc. I knew every child had been uniquely designed by a loving Heavenly Father who packed them full of potential to fulfil different, yet equally divine purposes in their lifetime. I loved seeing every student have their moment to shine amongst their peers as they brought their strength and ability into the mix. But what was difficult for me was to see students struggle in areas and start adopting negative, limiting language like, ‘I’m stupid’; ‘I’m not as good…

09Jan 2025 by Mel Lewis

Being Thankful Makes Your Prayers Powerful!

In practice, prayer, teaching

When we read the letters of the Apostle Paul, we learn that he was a big advocate of giving thanks. He often wrote about how thankful he was, and he frequently encouraged his readers to be thankful. In Colossians 4:2, he instructs the Church to “Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving”. In this verse, there's a sense of: Being steadfast in prayer (some translations even say “Devote yourselves to prayer”) Be watchful. Be thankful. This instruction comes just a few verses after Col 3:23-24, in which Paul writes: “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ”. In chapter three of his letter…

23Sep 2024 by Mel Lewis

Fishers of Men

career, In practice, teaching

As Jesus walked along the Sea of Galilee, He noticed two brothers, Simon Peter and Andrew, casting their nets into the water, engaged in the daily work that provided their bread and butter. “Follow Me,” He told them, “and I will make you fishers of men.” Without hesitation, they left their nets and followed Him (Matthew 4:19-20). In this simple yet profound encounter, we see Jesus, the first Fisher of Men, inviting these ordinary fishermen into an extraordinary apostolic mission—fishing for souls for the Kingdom of God. This invitation wasn’t just for them; it echoes through the ages, reaching us today. Jesus still calls us to follow Him and draw everyone unto Him. So, how do we respond? Must we all leave our jobs to preach full-time? For some, that…

12Jul 2024 by Mel Lewis

When Staying is Obeying: Trusting God in Hard Places

In practice, teaching

‘The LORD appeared to Isaac and said, "Do not go down to Egypt; live in the land where I tell you to live. Stay in this land for a while, and I will be with you and will bless you..." [Genesis 26:2-3] Living here in The West, ‘famine’ feels like a far-removed concept. It’s something we might hear about in the news, but not experience first-hand. Well, that is when it comes to food. But none of us are immune from experiencing ‘famine’ in alternative forms. Shortage. Want. Unproductivity. Scarcity. Barrenness. Loss. Lack. Fruitlessness. Do any of these resonate across your life right now? In Genesis 26, we read that Isaac is experiencing famine in the land where he lives. In the PROMISED land - the very place where God…

14May 2024 by Mel Lewis

Supporting Mental Health in the Workplace

#workisworship, ekklesia, In practice

For this year's Mental Health Awareness Week, we have a guest blog post from trained therapist, Molly. Molly helps us think about practical ways we can support people in our workplace by intentionally following the loving and compassionate example of Jesus. As a Christian within the workplace, we all endeavour to reflect and represent Jesus in our everyday routine. We have a wonderful opportunity to demonstrate the values, wisdom, and guidance of our faith to colleagues through the way we carry ourselves. But if we want to be used by God to reach others we will need to get up close to them by investing in relationships, which can be difficult if workloads and stress distract us. This is why I believe INTENTIONALITY is key! Most jobs have some form…

20May 2022 by Chawanzi Chintu

Why be data-driven when you can be insight-driven?

#workisworship, career, In practice

As Christians, we are firstly followers of Christ. Our Lord is meant to be the biggest element of our life. We are to keep Him at the forefront of every aspect of our lives, we are to keep Him at the centre of our thoughts, conversations and interactions. In short, as bearers of His light and word to the world, we are called to dedicate our entire being to Jesus Christ, as an act of Worship. ‘“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts”.’ – Isaiah 55:8-9I recently read an article about being “data-driven” vs “analytics-driven”. The article claimed that…

30Mar 2022 by Mark Lawrence

Bearing Fruit

In practice, teaching

This is our third part of a series on growing as a disciple in the marketplace. If you have not yet read the previous articles, here is part one, Abide in the Word and grow as a disciple. In part two we saw what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. We will now explore another signifier of discipleship, which is bearing fruit but first, we need to look at what the bible says about fruit. Colossians speaks about bearing fruit in every good work as we walk in a manner worthy of the Lord as we increase in the knowledge of him. Our life should be one that bears fruit and grows in our knowledge of Him. The Lord is pleased by this. so as to walk…

08Mar 2022 by Chawanzi Chintu

Created for Worship

#workisworship, career, In practice

As Christians, we are firstly followers of Christ. Our Lord is meant to be the biggest element of our life. We are to keep Him at the forefront of every aspect of our lives, we are to keep Him at the centre of our thoughts, conversations and interactions. In short, as bearers of His light and word to the world, we are called to dedicate our entire being to Jesus Christ, as an act of Worship.When I say worship, I don’t necessarily mean the obvious correlation to worship. Worship is more than a song, it’s more than being emotional in the presence of the Lord.It is interesting to notice that in the account of creation in Genesis, God did not create physical temple buildings. Neither did He assign priestly duties…

15Feb 2022 by Tomi Shobande

You are created uniquely and beautifully by a perfect God!

#workisworship, career, In practice

As I journey through life, through the seasons and times, discovering why I was created and for what purpose has become increasingly fundamental. I am constantly asking the question ‘What is my purpose, and am I on the path of fulfilling it?’ Many times over, I am reminded that it is a very hard question to answer without the wisdom and guidance of God. The answer flows from the very heart of the Father and the depths of his love. God has redeemed us, and he desires to call us back to himself, and that actively reflects in how we live our lives, what we are called to do, and how we influence the world for God. The bible says in Genesis: “Then God said, “Let Us make man in…