What we practise

Bible based teaching

‘All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.’ 2 Timothy 3:16-17

We are committed to growing a Christian community that forms its life and teaching by the Bible and accepts the Bible’s authority in all matters of faith and practice. We are committed to systematic Bible teaching expressed in a way that is relevant and meaningful. We encourage daily Bible reading and participation in home Bible study groups.

Autonomy of each local church

‘Christ is the head of his body, the church. He is the source of the Body’s life ….’ Colossians 1:18 (GN)

Christ is the recognised head of our church, not any person, group or religious organisation. While recognising the value of associating and cooperating with others groups of Christians, we believe every local church should be self-governing yet interdependent with other churches and our denomination.

Community life

‘Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.’ John 13:13

We are committed to growing a Christian community that is prayerful, caring and compassionate and where every person is challenged and enabled to grow towards wholeness in every part of life.

Every member ministry
(Priesthood of every believer)

‘Christ loves us and by his death he has freed us from our sins and made us a kingdom of priests to serve God.’ Revelation 1:6-9 (GN)
‘You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God …’ 1 Peter 2:9a

The Bible teaches that every Christian is called to ‘full time’ Christian service, regardless of his or her vocation. We practise the truth that every believer is a minister by encouraging every member to find a place of service and ministry. We provide training programs to enable people to serve others.

Total giving

‘You are not your own, you were bought at a price.’
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
‘Every Sunday each of you must put aside some money, in proportion to what he has earned and save it up, so that there will be no need to collect money when I come.’
1 Corinthians 16:2 (GN)

We recognise that everything we possess belongs to the Lord. In our church we encourage members to give generously and cheerfully to the Lord’s work.

Sharing Christ with others

‘Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.’
1 Peter 3:15

It is the responsibility of every Christian to build meaningful relationships with unbelievers and to share the Good News with them and with others God brings them into contact with. We encourage personal sharing about Christ and inviting friends to church and other specially designed services and events attractive to the unchurched.

Spiritual leadership

We recognise that God sets apart leaders to care for his people. In the New Testament they were termed shepherds, pastors, elders and overseers. We recognise and support these leaders as they guard the church and equip the church for ministry.

We also recognise that God sets apart spiritual people to serve as deacons administering the day to day affairs of the church.

John 21:16-17; Acts 20:17-18, 20:28; Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-9; 1 Peter 5:1-2

Meaningful and relevant worship services

We are committed to growing a Christian community where services are provided for all ages, in styles that are culturally relevant.

Home group ministry

We are committed to the development of strong and vibrant Home Groups in order to facilitate meaningful and supportive relationship, pastoral care, the study of the Bible, prayer and evangelism.

Meaningful prayer

We desire to be a Christian community which acknowledges its dependence on God and so seek to encourage prayer in the lives of all who attend our church. In prayer we express adoration toward God, we give him thanks, we confess our sins and we make requests of him.

Mission

We are committed to sharing our resources of people, skills and money with the wider church. We encourage people to be trained and sent out to service in all parts of the world.

Our role in society

We are committed to being a Christian community that is sensitive and responsive to the needs of the world. We are committed to working for justice as well as preaching the gospel. We affirm and support our people in their creativity, work and service in society.