God never gives up – so let us not give up
God never gives up – so let us not give up
I have recently returned from leave, which was a combination of rest and study in Europe. One of the continual messages that I was hearing in many different contexts was that as Christians and as a church is to never give up, because God never gives up.
In Paris – the local Lutheran Church is Church of Les Billettes. The building was built in the 1700s and given to Lutherans in the 1800s by Napoleon. By 2023 the congregation was down to 3 regular members, however it now has a regular worshipping community of over 45 people. And when asked what happened … the members said “we focussed on Jesus, receiving and sharing His Good News, engaging with scripture frequently, worshipping together regularly and getting together socially as a community.”
This is not a one-off story, in my visit to Estonia there were a number of congregations experiencing some renewal and growth. They gave a similar story that their turn is because they focussed on Jesus, receiving and sharing His Good News to others, engaging with scripture frequently, worshipping together regularly and getting together socially as a community. This also affects how they talk about their history … it is not about what they have done but about why they exist…because of the message of Jesus.
And one of the most encouraging stories is that of St Peters Anglican Church in Brighton, often called the Brighton Cathedral because of its size. Around 2000 people can worship there but by the early 2000s, only 7 people were turning up to worship regularly. There was serious consideration of ceasing in being a congregation. It felt very lifeless. However now it is a vibrant worshipping community, with a focus on God, people and the saving message of Jesus … one member Jenny Wheeler says, “It’s not like it used to be … the building has changed, but the changes are drawing people to Jesus and that’s a good thing.” Again this turnaround occurred because they focussed on God, His mission including what He has done, is doing and will do, and invited other people to help them. As a reminder to focus regularly on God they pray the ancient prayer, “Come Holy Spirit Come.”
And these stories of not giving up as a Christian or God’s church in the places God has placed us, are because we have a God who never gives up on us, no matter how bad things get … if you want to see an expression of this read Luke 15:11-32, a story Jesus tells us of the prodigal son.
I pray you are encouraged by these stories of renewal. The same God who never gave up on the prodigal son never gives up on you, your faith, your congregation or your community. As disciples of Jesus, may we continue to join God in His mission – staying faithful, being hopeful, and never giving up on the people He places in our lives.
Bishop Richard Schwedes
Sydney
May 2026
