KNOWING THE WAVE TO SURF

By Siosifa Pole in All Sorts

reflections from a Pacific perspective on our understanding of time and how the church should respond to changing times

KNOWING THE WAVE TO SURF
Recently, I walked down to St. Clair beach and saw surfers surfing in the sea. I watched them with curiosity, observing how they surf and
when they surf. I noticed that the surfers congregate in the deep sea waiting for the right wave to surf. Each one of them has their own timing for the right wave to surf, and you can tell that by the time they surf. They are not all surfing at the same time but surfing in different times according to their knowledge of the right wave. I admire the surfers for their skill and experience to know the right wave to surf. Knowing the wave to surf signifies the importance of time [i.e. good timing]. The time has to be right in order for a surfer to enjoy surfing as well as to reach the beach unharmed. Those who do not know the correct wave to surf are likely to be in danger, and risk their lives. They could potentially drown or collide into the rocks.
There is a time for every wave to roll down the beach and it is up to each surfer to choose which one is suitable to catch. This understanding of waves' routine denotes the Tongan notion of 'Peau 'o taimi' means 'waves of time'. This notion 'Peau 'o taimi' (waves of time) is different from the Eurocentric concept of time. European understanding of time is linear. It operates in a parallel line in a consecutive period. Peau 'o taimi notion refers to the changes that constantly occur in certain time and in different generations. Tongans view the changes that take as being like a spiral of waves. They are inevitable and they come in different times with diverse impacts upon the life of any society. These changes confront traditions and customs that are the norms in which a society operate. Changes that come in different times are like waves rolling down from the deep ocean. They come unexpectedly, and it is up to individuals to know how to adapt to them. Our failure and successes depend upon our knowing how to function in response to the inevitable changes that we face. Just as surfers need to know which waves to surf, we, as Christians need to know the type of ministry which is appropriate for a time of change.
We need to know the signs of times in order to operate in a way that will be relevant and successful. Jim Davidson in his book, entitled, Effective Time Management, writes, "Time is an invaluable resource. When time is not utilized effectively, productivity and money are automatically lost. How you arrange your time is how you arrange your life and in your business, managing time is often synonymous with managing the job." If we accept Davidson's concept of time as the appropriate way to respond to changes that happen, then we would have to control both the time, and the changes that occur. However, that is impossible because change can happen at any time and in any context without our control. William T. McConnell in his book The Gift of Time claims that time is understood differently in different cultural contexts. He argues that when we enter to another culture we have to readjust our understanding of time. He writes, "Whenever two different world or time views meet, there is need for an adjustment, a re-education on the part of all involved, in order for each to understand the thought patterns of the others." This view point is line with late Rev Dr Sione 'Amanaki Havea's interpretation of Pacific Time in his article entitled "Coconut Theology" in South Pacific Theology. He writes, "Many people when they are late talk about Fijian time or Tongan time, but the best suggestion is to call it the Coconut time, for it does not matter whether one is early or late. The important thing is that the task is done and the mission fulfilled." (p.14) While time is interpreted differently in different contexts, our role is to ensure that we take appropriate actions to meet the need of the time, and the change that occurs. Like a surfer who knows which wave to surf, we need to know the signs of the times and respond effectively. If we do not operate in ways that suit the needs of the time, we will fail our mission.
Our Presidential Team addressed the 2014 Methodist Conference with their theme, 'A time to sow and a time to grow.' They claimed that in order for the Methodist Church to grow, its people need to know the type of gospel and message to proclaim to meet the need of this generation. They reflected on the 200 years of Christianity established in New Zealand when the gospel was first proclaimed by Reverend Samuel Marsden at Oihi in the Bay of Island, on Christmas Day 1814. Since that day the gospel has been sown and has grown in many different parts of Aotearoa. Missionaries used different ways and tactics to meet the needs of that time and context. Surely, the method that they used is no longer relevant in our era and generation. The church today has to reshape its ministry to meet the needs of this time and the context of this generation.
The closing of Broad Bay Methodist church was a challenge for this Parish. This closing provides an opportunity for our Parish and the whole Connexion to rethink our ministry in relation to time and context. If as a church we do not understand the needs of the time and practice of ministry appropriate for our context, we will certainly fail. Like a surfer who knows which wave to surf, we should be a church which knows how to operate its ministry in a changing time. Jesus valued the importance of time when he compared time to the cycle of nature. While he was teaching about the end of the age he used the cycle of nature to illustrate the nearness of that time. He says, "Let the fig tree teach you a lesson. When its branches become green and tender and it starts putting out leaves, you know that summer is near. In the same way, when you see all these things, you will know that the time is near, ready to begin" (GNB, Matthew 24:32-33) I believe if this Parish is to enhance its life and ministry, we have to be flexible. We need to be opened minded and responsive to the needs of our time, and shape our ministry to fit our modern day context.
Siosifa Pole