3) The striking edge
Flint was used to create fire and to make tools for cutting. However to be able to do both effectively and efficiently the flint needed a sharp edge. When the church has a striking edge, God can create fire and equip people for ministry and mission. St Nic’s must continue to grow as a church open to the fire and the dynamic power of the Holy Spirit, “constantly fanning into flame” those gifts given to it.
4) The cutting edge
St Nic’s lives in the Kingdom of God, but exists in a world that so often denies the justice and righteousness of that Kingdom. If we are effectively to challenge and change society we have to be at the cutting edge of social issues. We need to be aware, informed and involved in what is happening in society, and particularly in the City of Nottingham. Living at the cutting edge will mean understanding and, where necessary, challenging standards, institutions and structures and offering a different Christ-centred, prophetic interpretation of any issue. Being at the cutting edge is about St Nic’s being “salt and light in the world.”
5) A bit on the edge of things
Sometimes we need to withdraw from the busyness of the journey of life and pull into the edge to take a rest. St Nic’s has been, and should continue to be, a place of refreshment, a Sabbath place where re-creation and fun are the order of the day and a welcoming oasis for those who are worn out. However, rest and recuperation are for a purpose. We do not reach the end of a journey by constantly withdrawing to the edge of things and remaining there. St Nic’s must grow as a church which supports those who need refreshment but which also encourages them back into their ministry and service. At St Nic’s with our emphasis over many years on Children’s and Youth work, we have run the risk of appearing to push some people to the edge of church life. While not losing sight of family, we should recognise too that perhaps 50 percent of our congregation are single and care and encouragement needs to be developed here too.
6) Falling off the edge
Over the years some people have simply fallen off the edge of St Nic’s. Being a large, eclectic church, this is one of our dilemmas and we must not deny it or refuse to accept the difficulties it brings. People fall off the edge when there is no-one there to save them and stop them from doing so. As a church we should not be afraid of being on the edge with others who find themselves there, but should be there with them gently to encourage. There’s little point in calling out from a distance for fear of being dragged over the edge ourselves, or being so distant we don’t even notice when people are calling out. St Nic’s must continue to grow into that Christian community where everyone knows they belong; where everyone knows they are valued; where everyone knows they will be missed... not because of what they do, but because of who they are.
7) On the edge of our seats
The edge is also a place of expectancy. We believe in a great God, who has great love for the world; has “lavished His grace” upon His church and empowered us with His Holy Spirit. Many have said recently that they sense St Nic’s is on the edge of something new. “Behold! I am doing something new. Do you not perceive it?”
To be on the edge of God’s new things can be both exhilarating and scary!
