For centuries, mariners crossed vast and unpredictable oceans with little more than a sextant, a compass and the night sky. Among the many stars, one held particular importance: the North Star. Fixed in the sky and visible night after night, it provided a constant point of reference. Even when clouds obscured the horizon or storms pushed ships off course, sailors could reorient themselves by returning their gaze to that single, dependable star. It did not tell them every turn to make, but it ensured they were heading in the right direction.
Every now and then, the church can benefit from having a North Star to which everyone and everything orients. I remember Net ‘98. It was a North Star moment. Satellite dishes were erected around the world, and the message of Jesus went global. Even in rural villages in PNG, satellite dishes went up, and people gathered to see the image on the screen and hear the message preached every evening. For that one moment, the world church came together. Common purpose. Shared activity. North Star.
Today, we live busy lives, and this is also true for our church life. Each church has its own goals and community projects. We move in different directions, and this is often necessary and good. However, there are times when pulling together can make a difference.
A North Star is not a detailed strategy or a list of annual goals. It is a unifying purpose, project or goal. And 2027 is going to provide the church with a North Star opportunity again through the evangelistic initiative called OneVoice27. This calls all churches to point in the same direction. It is a global initiative that celebrates 2000 years since the baptism of Jesus, and it will utilise our many media platforms to reach both our digital and in-person communities.
Every local church—yes, even your church—is called to become involved and to be part of the movement that points north, a movement that will share Jesus in new and familiar ways.
Just as the North Star provided a point of reference for ancient mariners, you are being asked to align with your fellow churches around another point of reference and become part of the OneVoice27 initiative.
