Innovative approach helps Campbelltown Corps 'rediscover' mission to those impacted by addiction
Innovative approach helps Campbelltown Corps 'rediscover' mission to those impacted by addiction
9 June 2017
The newly formed Rediscovery congregation has created belonging over a shared meal and genuine relationships.
Campbelltown Corps (South Australia) has added a new congregation to the church, to provide a spiritual home for people experiencing and affected by addiction.
The Rediscovery church service was proposed by church leadership, and was implemented in March last year. It restructures the traditional way the corps does church, with a focus on creating conversation.
“Our Rediscovery congregation started when our leadership team recognised the need for a more relaxed worship service with a meal for the people who were coming that had addictions or family members with addictions,” said Corps Officer, Captain Roslyn Casburn.
“Not everyone has a church background and so relationships are the key. As [long as] you are able to talk to them and share the Gospel, it doesn't matter what you do [in a service].”
Each service is comprised of a key scripture passage, the sharing of life’s experiences, and a short message based on the scripture passage emphasising practical daily living issues for recovery and discovering new life. Between 35 and 50 people attend the Friday night service, which pairs together the missional and spiritual purpose of the Army.
“The name ‘Rediscovery’ is an amalgamation of two words, ‘recovery’ and ‘discovery’, which highlights the aims of congregation as a place to belong, a place to help recover from addictions and a place to discover new life,” said Captain Casburn. “People will not just walk into a church anymore, so we need to connect to them in whatever way we can.”
While still growing, the Rediscovery congregation is seen as a valuable part of the Campbelltown Corps community. Many members have joined in worship, added to spontaneous prayer, shared their testimonies and occasionally even shared the Bible message. So far, one member has become an adherent, with many joining in corps fellowship activities.
Captain Casburn said that its important that corps think innovatively to reach the community.
“To be able to do this we need to know what we believe and share it,” she said. “We hope to continue to build relationships and help [these] people so they can then help others overcome their addictions and know Jesus in a personal way.”
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