In the light of our beliefs here are some of the values that we see as central to the life of our church. These are not intended as a criticism of those who are committed to the gospel but who do some things
differently.
1. The Gospel for All People. The Bible teaches that the news of Jesus as King applies equally to all people, regardless of culture, class, ethnicity, age, gender, moral standing or religious outlook. As the Holy Spirit enables people to embrace this news, they come under Jesus’ rule and are included in God’s family. While we are to show respect towards those of other faiths, we are also committed to making Jesus known to all who will listen, especially those who are not already being reached by gospel preaching churches. With God’s help, we will not be satisfied simply to ‘preach to the converted’.
2. The Gospel for All of Life. The gospel is not only what brings people into God’s new community, but also what enables us to live as thankful and mature citizens of this community. It is not surprising, then, that the gospel is at the heart of the Bible’s message, rather than simply being a part of it. With God’s help, we will not be distracted from meditating on the gospel, sharing it with each other and helping each other to live obediently in the light of it, for His glory.
3. The Gospel in Community. We are committed to communicating the gospel message in the context of a gospel-believing community. As we build relationships with people and share the gospel message, we want to introduce them to Christian community. We want people to experience church as a network of loving relationships rather than a meeting you attend or a place you enter. As a general rule, we will not put on evangelistic events outside the context of Christian community.
4. Church as Family. We believe that the Bible views the local church as an expression of God’s family. As such, we are committed to sharing our lives with each other, caring for and counselling each other. We expect each other to make day-to-day decisions with the church in mind and to consult others in the church when making significant decisions. With God’s help, we will not let conflict continue unresolved, nor will we allow ourselves to be separated along ethnic, cultural or generational lines.
5. Everyone Exercising Gospel Ministry. We want every Christian to see themselves as a missionary and to exercise gospel ministry in every aspect of life. We shape activities around gospel opportunities, and the gifts and passions of church members. Leadership is not about control, but setting a missional vision by modelling and teaching the gospel in order to create a culture in which everyone flourishes in ministry. We will not make distinctions between full-time and non full-time ministers.
6. City Renewal. We believe that the gospel has the power to transform a city as people come under its influence. Thus we will look to encourage local gospel-teaching churches and work to plant more churches throughout our city. We are committed to redressing injustice, pursuing reconciliation and welcoming the marginalised. We celebrate the diversity of cultures in our city whilst recognising the need for gospel renewal. We encourage each other to glorify God and serve others through the workplace, business, community projects, government and artistic endeavour. We will not make a division between spiritual and nonspiritual activities.
7. Global Concern. Recognising that God has a plan that includes every nation, we are concerned for the spread of the gospel in other areas of the world. We will support this work through encouragement, prayer, financial assistance, and sending people out as gospel messengers. We will rely on God to transform his world both through us and independently of us, for His glory alone.
8. Shaped by the Bible. We will not act on the basis of tradition, habit or pragmatism without reflecting on the Bible’s teachings. We believe that the Bible is God’s reliable, clear and sufficient word to us and that by it God exercises His rule over His people. We study the Bible with great care, looking to understand how each part fits in with the overall message. We strive to teach it accurately and clearly, and we also equip others to study it for themselves. With God’s help, we will not see Bible teaching as an end in itself, but as that which must shape our thinking and action.
9. Developing Leaders. We believe that the training of leaders in the home and church is a biblical mandate and is essential if we wish our church to grow and to plant other churches. We are therefore committed to the ongoing theological and practical training of leaders, especially men.
10. A Special Emphasis on Students. A number of us live and work in an area that is home to a large number of tertiary students. Recognising that many students are future leaders in society, we believe that exposing them to the gospel and including them in a gospel-believing community is particularly strategic for the future of our country.
Much of the above material has been adapted from The Crowded House (www.thecrowdedhouse.org).
acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save
sinners - of whom I am the worst.' 1 Timothy 1:15
'Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in
the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another
- and all the more as you see the Day approaching.'
Hebrews 10:25
