Mission & Aims
Mission
There is nothing more important to us as a church than the following :
To love the Lord our God with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength.
To love other people as we love ourselves.
To go out and make disciples of Jesus.
The Gospel is primarily relational, about God’s love for us expressed in Jesus, and how He wants us in a committed loving relationship with Him and with each other.
Aims
This tells you the kind of Church that we’re aiming to be, what makes us distinct:
Family
The Bible picture of the Church as family is important to us. Close, real, and committed relationships, where we encourage, challenge and help one another to grow, as well as supporting one another practically.
John 13:34,35 ; Ephesians (all).
Jesus Focused
The Church belongs to Jesus, and we seek to acknowledge and honour Him in everything. He is the standard and He sets the standard.
Luke 9:23,24 ; John 6:29 ; 2 Corinthians 5:15.
Prayerful & Holy Spirit Dependant
Nothing of any worth can be accomplished unless initiated by, inspired by, empowered by, the Holy Spirit. Prayer reflecting this is seen as an integral part of life and all that we do.
Psalm 127:1 ; Zechariah 4:6 ; Ephesians 6:18a.
Bible Believing
In a world of deception and falsehood, we confess the Bible to be God’s word and our primary reference for all issues of life and belief. We believe there are absolutes, revealed to us in the character and words of God.
John 8:32 ; 2 Timothy 3:16,17.
Worshipping
Our lives are an expression of worship to God, and when we come together to worship, informality, creativity and a sharing of testimony, abilities and of spiritual gifts, are the marks of our worship.
Romans 12:1,2 ; 1 Corinthians 14:26.
Community & Mission
Believing in community, developing it both in and outside the Church. Demonstrating the Gospel of Jesus Christ in acts of service, as well as proclamation. God is a mission God. Acts 2:42-47 ; Matthew 28:18,19.
The Wider Perspective
Living in a responsible way that is considerate to the world’s poor and to God’s creation. Seeking ways to be a blessing beyond our locality.
Isaiah 58:6,7 ; Acts 1:8.
Welcoming and Accepting
Although teaching and living Biblically moral lives, we acknowledge fully the grace of God, and are accepting and non-judgemental of others seeking God.
Hebrews 13:1,2 ; Romans 15:7.
Relevant
Recognising the need to be flexible and culturally relevant in communicating, whilst maintaining the integrity of the Gospel. Change and growth are expectations in themselves.
Luke 5:37,38 ; 1 Corinthians 9:22,23.