When God looks at Hobart, how many churches does he see?

There are some arguments to suggest that God sees one church in Hobart – the Church of his son, Jesus Christ. Sure there are many ‘communities of faith’ expressed within many denominations, many sizes and many locations. But One Church. One Body.

Whether all the different groups of Christians in Hobart are like-minded about every theological issue is immaterial from God’s perspective. Together, all believers, all the Salvos, the Pentecostals, the Roman Catholics, the Lutherans, the Orthodox Church, the Anglicans, many other communities of faith and even the believers who don’t ‘go to church’, are part of God’s Church in Hobart. He sees their differences but he also sees their place of unity. And heaven rejoices when God’s children work together to make their unity evident.

This is what happens every year at Church Together – the cross-denominational gathering of the Christians in Hobart. Here everyone actively puts aside their differences to worship the one true God. Together.

Church Together this year was again held at the Derwent Entertainment Centre, and was again the combined effort of over 20 communities of faith in the Hobart region. There were a few differences from previous years though – the starting time was brought forward to 4:30 pm; and a special children’s program, Kids Together, was organised. Both initiatives introduced in an effort to make the event more family-friendly. And the children came – 276 in all enjoyed a well-supervised afternoon of activities, singing and worship.

Tim Costello, CEO of World Vision Australia, and a Baptist minister to boot, was a most outspoken and inspiring speaker; along with Enzo Maisano of LifeHouse Church, Melbourne and Anglican Bishop of Tasmania, John Harrower. Together they encouraged the 1800 people in attendance to stand firm in love and unity as Christians in Hobart. And in unity they gave, $8,800 being gathered, most of which went to support Whitelion – an organisation dedicated to supporting youth at risk in the community.

Love, Life, Faith, Community, Service, Prayer and Worship. God’s Church Together in Hobart.
No wonder the heavens rejoice.

Jesus said, “As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35)

** Banner photo (above) and Tim Costello (front page) courtesy of jonjarvela.com