Humbled by the invitation to join the New Zealand Lay Preacher’s Association (NZLPA) Strategic Planning weekend, 10 – 12 February, I wasn’t sure what the weekend would offer. It was an enlightening experience.

There is something nostalgic about going back to a place you once called home. I felt this way as I flew into Dunedin for the New Zealand Lay Preacher’s Association (NZLPA) Strategic Planning weekend, 10 – 12 February, following an invitation from the current President Namulau’ulu Taotua Leaoa Josh Robertson, I wasn’t sure what the weekend would offer. I did think there would be a lot of talking.

Greeted with a blue sky and crispness in the air on Saturday morning, we drove past my old high school, Kaikorai Valley College and onto St Margaret’s Church in Green Island. Rachael Masterton’s Opening Devotion invited us to think about what we factor in when we are planning to go away on holiday. Is the proximity of family and friends a factor? Does the cost involved factor in the decision of where to go? Whatever the reasons, we can find ourselves in places where we otherwise might not have planned to be, but perhaps were ‘meant’ to be.

After a brief welcome by Josh, and introductions, we moved on to the agenda. The group was split in two to discuss questions about the Constitution, and whether there needed to be changes made. A question that intrigued me was, ‘Was the NZLPA still relevant as an organisation?’ I think this is a very important question to ask if only for accountability.

That evening the committee hosted a dinner for local lay preachers, that combined amazing food and collegiality. There were no competing stories between denominations, no tally chart of how many services one had taken the previous year. Just new friends getting to know each other over a meal, with the commonality of preaching the ‘Good News’. Sunday morning was spent wrapping up unfinished business at Caversham Presbyterian Church Hall, then lunch together before departing for the airport.

My experience at the NZLPA gathering was an enlightening one. The Executive Committee is a committed group, aware of its capabilities in terms of ‘staying relevant’ for its more tech-savvy members and actively encouraging parishes and synods to host gatherings.

I urge all current and prospective lay preachers to check out the NZLPA website, join the association and seriously consider serving a term on the Executive Committee, as there are upcoming vacancies. Being a member of the NZLPA is an opportunity to be a part of a team of people who are passionate about encouraging and recognising the work of lay preachers throughout New Zealand.