Our Vision and Values
As a church community we wanted to draw together our thoughts about the kind of community we are trying to be. So we began a conversation with the whole church community chatting about various aspects of church life. The result was a set of characteristics that are both a reflection of who we are and aspirational. We recognise we have not arrived! But it does give you a flavour of our life together.
Who are we?
One expression of the Church, the body of Christ, seeking to live as God’s people wherever we live, work and go.
Characteristics of Our Community
A missional community. We exist for His glory and to spread that glory where ever we go. Having been shaped by the gospel we seek to live the gospel in the whole of our lives. Our shared life is itself mission as it exhibits the love, character and reign of God. And we seek to proclaim the gospel in word and deed, individually and together. Mission affects everything.
A community shaped by the unfolding drama described in the bible. We have a commitment to the ongoing foundational preaching of the bible constantly seeking to understand God’s story revealed in it and applying it to our daily lives. Love for, personal involvement in, and respectful discussion of the scriptures are encouraged as ways of learning, discipling, and growth.
A community celebrating relationships as the way God builds His body. This reflects the relational nature of God, and the biblical pictures of the Church. Therefore relationships remain more important than role, and personal health & wholeness are valued more highly than function. Being committed to relationships means being a community of forgiveness, mercy and love, because without these the community will not survive and neither will it reflect God’s character!
A welcoming community. We seek to reflect our welcome by God in our welcome of God, one another and visitors. We desire an open, hospitable, inclusive community that welcomes people as they are, and invites participation in ways appropriate to their own spiritual journey.
A community inviting the participation of the whole body of Christ. We have a high view of Christ’s body that values and expects active participation in decision making, initiating, provocation, encouragement, love and care.
A community enthusiastic about all age membership. Our community is committed to investing in the next generation whilst continuing to walk with those more established. We want all to feel ‘at home’ and desire a community of mothers, fathers, children and new believers.
A community passionately celebrating the varied life and work of the Spirit. We are a ‘charismatic’ community expecting the dynamic & supernatural work of the Spirit to be experienced in both spontaneity and planning. We understand the Spirit as God’s personal daily presence indwelling us and experience His work in transformation, demonstrations of power, illuminating the scriptures, guidance, and in natural and supernatural gifts.
A worshipful community. Worship is understood as the response of our whole lives to God. He is central to all we are and do. In the gathered community we bring our whole beings, our gifts and talents, our trials, our joys, our exuberance and our quiet, into the corporate act of worship as an offering, and as a vehicle through which God speaks.