Redemptive Community: Part 2 - Aotearoa/New Zealand

Written By Hayley Lotter

Opening Prayer:

Lord God,

You love us and You call us. We are Your Redemptive Community.
We are imperfect, we are broken, we struggle - but we are Yours and You are with us,
Transforming us into a people that, through Your power, can love the world back into Your embrace.
Lead us in Your holy task.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen.

Key Scripture:

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

Galatians 3:28

Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. 

1 Corinthians 12:12-14

After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb.

Revelation 7:9

Sermon Summary:

This week we explored what it means to be a "redemptive community", specifically within the context of Aotearoa/New Zealand. Our guest speaker, Antony Nihoniho, argued that true unity is not found in conformity, but in the intentional embrace of diversity. Below is a brief summary of his message.

1. Diversity vs. Conformity

While relationships often start with compatibility, a redemptive community requires diversity.

  • The Trap of Conformity: Ignoring differences (e.g., "I don’t see colour") denies a person's identity and reduces our reliance on God.

  • The Biblical Mandate: Diversity is a necessity for unity. Scriptural examples include:

    • Galatians 3:28: - We are one in Christ, yet our identities remain.

    • 1 Corinthians 12 - The body requires many different parts to function.

    • Babel vs. Pentecost - The Tower of Babel was a forced attempt at sameness; Pentecost and Revelation 7:9 celebrate a multitude of languages and nations.

2. The Theology of Culture

Culture is not an accident; it is the byproduct of the interaction between three pillars:

  • Atua (God) - John 1:14 - The Word becoming flesh among us.

  • Whenua (Land) - Romans 1:20 - God’s nature revealed through creation/environment.

  • Tāngata (People) - 2 Cor 5:20 - Humans acting as Christ’s ambassadors.

3. The Context of Aotearoa

In New Zealand, a redemptive community must prioritize the relationship with Māori culture, recognizing that God was active here long before European arrival.

  • Prophecy: Māori prophets like Toiroa (1766) foresaw the arrival of Tama-i-rorokutia (the Son-who-was-killed).

  • Tikanga: Many biblical principles were already embedded in Māori way of life (tikanga), explaining the fervent early adoption of the Gospel.

  • Partnership: The Church played a vital role in the signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, establishing a covenantal relationship between peoples.

Conclusion

A redemptive community in Aotearoa is called to be inclusive, not by erasing differences, but by celebrating the diverse ways Māori, Pākehā, and others connect to God and the land. By doing so, the church moves from mere "compatibility" to a true reflection of the Kingdom of God.

Click here for the PowerPoint

Discussion Guide:

Below are some helpful discussion starters based on the message. However, perhaps the most crucial question is ‘How might our South West Communities (Neighbourhood, Group, etc.) better embody this message? How might we be a “redemptive community embraces, celebrates and accommodates diversity.”?

1. Diversity vs. Conformity

Often, we look for "compatibility"—the things we have in common—when building relationships. While shared faith in Jesus is paramount, focusing only on commonalities can lead to a "bias" against diversity.

Discuss: Why do we often see "difference" as a threat to unity? What can be the problem when everyone in the group is the same?

Read: Galatians 3:28 and 1 Corinthians 12:12-14

Reflection: The text suggests that without diversity, we don't have unity—we have "conformity". How does the pressure to "be the same" actually hinder our reliance on God?

2. Theology of Place & Culture

Culture isn't just a list of traditions; it is the result of the relationship between God (Atua), the Environment (Whenua), and the People (Tāngata).

  • Atua: The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.

  • Whenua: God's nature is perceived through the things He made.

  • Tāngata: We are Christ’s ambassadors.

    Discussion: How do these three aspects combine to allow space for the creation of culture(s)? How have you seen this in action? How have they informed how you see your culture? How you see others’ culture?

3. God’s Pre-arrival in Aotearoa

God didn't arrive in New Zealand on a mission ship; He was already here.

  • The Prophecy: In 1766, Toiroa prophesied the coming of Tama-i-rorokutia (the Son-who-was-killed).

  • The Preparation: Many biblical principles were already found in tikanga Māori (Māori customs/correct way of doing things).

  • Discuss: What do you think God is already doing in your Neighbourhood or community? How might we join in?

Practices:

Individual Practice:

  • The Challenge: Identify one area where you have defaulted to "conformity" rather than "diversity" (e.g., your friend group, your media intake, or your assumptions about "correct" worship).

  • Action: This week, intentionally learn one thing about tikanga Māori or the history of Te Tiriti o Waitangi (The Treaty of Waitangi) to better understand the partnership God has called us to.

Community Practice:

  • The Challenge: Evaluate your South West Community. Does it "celebrate, and embrace" diversity, or does it require people to "renounce" their culture to fit in?

Additional Resources:

Further Study Resources:


For a printable version of this guide click here

Hayley Lotter
Next

Redemptive Community: Part 1