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Newsletter 21/02/24

Feb 216 min read

Hard-Knock Way


Tucked away in the back corners of the Central Coast, you’ll find a street that I’ll call Hard-Knock Way. The houses belong to Aussies doing it tough. The street lamps are topped with CCTV cameras. The front yards are cluttered with council pick-ups yet to be collected. The atmosphere feels dense.


Last week, Evan (our community chaplain) took me for a drive to show me what he called “the real Central Coast”. It’s easy to assume our region is a haven for the upper middle class, especially from a Christian perspective. Our churches, by and large, are filled with full bellies and nice clothes. But how often do we sit next to someone who doesn’t even own an outfit they’d call their Sunday best?


In my 13 years on the Coast, I don’t think I’ve ever shared a pew with someone from Hard-Knock Way...


The closest I’ve seen the church engage with those doing it tough was through a small group of faithful Christians who once served meals at the local food kitchen. Of course, they weren’t alone; local Buddhists, schools, businesses, and other groups have also rolled up their sleeves to feed the hungry. And sadly, I don’t know if this ministry continues today.


I also believe that during my time as a ‘youth minister’ we did engage with the Hard-Knock youth; but it went against classic Christian methods. In a youth ministry context, too many intellectual sermons, or in depth bible studies and these youth simply walk away. We had to know our audience and reach them where they were at. It was important that we lived out the vision of scripture, rather than just intellectually engaging with scripture.


As Evan and I drove down Hard-Knock Way, it hit me like a tonne of bricks… or maybe like a tonne of patched-up fibro board… If Christianity isn’t for the people who live on this street, then it’s utterly meaningless. If the church isn’t filled with them, it’s worthless. And if our mission, our vision, and our works don’t resonate with these people, then what are we even doing?


These are people who don’t need Christian self-help books or perfectly crafted intellectual sermons. They need Jesus. They need hope, truth, life, and love... just like we do.


I reflect on the teaching of Jesus: “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’


And While food can open doors (The Central Coast has no shortage of charities offering meals and emergency relief), what the residents of Hard-Knock way do need is to be seen. They are just like you and me. They have hopes, dreams, and families. They have struggles and vices, just like us, but those don’t define them. More than anything, they need to know they have value and worth.


And I genuinely believe, if given the chance, they’d understand the gospel better than we do! The Way is for Hard-Knock Way.


So, I’m committed to finding a way to reach Hard-Knock Way. It might seem like A New Way, but really, it’s the ancient way. And if our faith is worth anything at all… it’s the only way.


If you want to come for a drive to Hard-Knock Way, and see the “real Central Coast”, I’ll happily take you for a drive through our community. Not as a tourist, but as a fellow Coastie. In fact, I think we’ll have a BBQ up there one day; and turn "they" into "we".


Jesus replied: “A certain man was preparing a great banquet and invited many guests. At the time of the banquet he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.’ But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said, ‘I have just bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please excuse me.’ Another said, ‘I have just bought five yoke of oxen, and I’m on my way to try them out. Please excuse me.’ Still another said, ‘I just got married, so I can’t come.’ The servant came back and reported this to his master. Then the owner of the house became angry and ordered his servant, ‘Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame.’... ‘Sir,’ the servant said, ‘what you ordered has been done, but there is still room.’ Then the master told his servant, ‘Go out to the roads and country lanes and compel them to come in, so that my house will be full.’”

—Luke 14:16–24 (NIV)



Community Chaplaincy

Sunday Rhythm’s has officially launched. We kicked off with a pilot run and test drive before opening up the following week to the public. Our first Sunday Rhythm’s, open to the public, had 12 participants and an additional 6 drop-in’s from Sundown Sessions.


This is a space for local creative’s who are looking for a community and space to explore their creative outlet and connect with likeminded individuals where they can check in weekly and have access to Chaplaincy Support.


The first session was filled with laughs, connection, creativity and some deep conversations about life.The highlight of the launch was from the mother of a participant who came to pick up her son who has been bound to a wheelchair after an accident a couple of years ago. Seeing her son smiling, laughing and socialising again after a season of disconnect and isolation brought her so much joy, and it is an absolute honour to be able to provide a space for connection for them to be a part of.


This program is supported in part by the Central Coast Council, and more significantly by CoastCare.



Vincent Fairfax Foundation

We’re thrilled to officially announce that A New Way has been awarded a grant from the Vincent Fairfax Foundation! This incredible support will allow us to mentor 12 young artists from the Central Coast throughout 2025 as they create works of art that tell their stories of faith.


Applications for the program will open in late March, and each successful applicant will receive $500 to support their chosen art form. At the end of the year, these 12 artists will present a public showcase, providing an opportunity for peer-to-peer evangelism through creative expression.


Lewis, alongside a team of local Christian artists, will mentor these 12 ‘disciples’, helping them not only refine their artistic skills but also develop their ability to share the gospel through their art. We can't wait to see how God moves through this initiative!



We Care Connect

An anonymous member of A New Way had the incredible idea to donate a substantial amount of school supplies to families in need. To help bring this vision to life, we partnered with the local charity We Care Connect.


We pray these supplies reach those who need them most, and we are deeply grateful to our community for its generosity! Time and time again, we are humbled by individuals who give selflessly, seeking no recognition... just driven by a spirit of kindness and compassion.



Good Luck Friends!

Some of our attendees are embarking on new adventures! We're especially praying for those moving away from the Central Coast to pursue their studies. We pray they continue to seek God and His plan for their lives, trusting that He will be with them every step of the way.




Sundown Sessions

On Wednesday evenings, we continue our exploration of Genesis, asking deep questions about the character and purposes of God. Along the way, we’ve tackled some thought-provoking topics, such as:


  • What is true worship?

  • Is tithing for Christians, or is it a misunderstanding?

  • What is a vision, and how does it shape faith?

  • What is belief?


We approach these discussions with open minds while remaining committed to biblical integrity. Some of these topics can be challenging... especially when they touch on long-held traditions or denominational beliefs. We recognise that deep biblical exploration can sometimes feel unsettling, but as a team, we are committed to reviewing our talks to ensure they remain balanced, thoughtful, and faithful to Scripture (although we do like the tounge and cheek click bait).


We warmly invite those who are curious and open to engaging in honest conversation. Together, we can test our beliefs with discernment and biblical reasoning. If a particular topic feels confronting, we encourage you to listen again with an open heart, just as we continue to refine and reflect on our discussions with humility.




Prayer Requests




Numbers 6:24

A New Way


Traditional anonymous donations can be made here: https://www.anewway.church/donate

 
 
 

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