Alive with Christ

If someone asked you to sum yourself up in six words, then what would you say?

This was the challenge our church gave itself last weekend at our ‘Vision Day’, when after much discussion, we came up with a draft list of six values.

These describe what is special about our church, and help us plan for the future in a way that is consistent with what we cherish and value.

Here is a draft list of values for our consideration:

Firstly, we are orthodox in our doctrine, as we believe and teach God’s unchanging word in an ever-changing world.

Secondly, we are Anglican in our form, as we reflect the Reformation in the shape and substance of our common prayer.

Thirdly, we are missional in our outlook, as we recruit, train and send people and resources to proclaim the gospel locally and globally.

Fourthly, we are heritage in our style, as we gather in our historical building in a contemporary context.

Fifthly, we are intergenerational in our fellowship, as all ages and stages are nurtured together in faith and love.

Finally, we are village in our relationships, as we serve our local neighbourhood, and enjoy grace and peace in our church.

These six values, and the accompanying explanation, are still in draft form, and I’m sure we’ll keep developing and refining them as we prayerfully reflect on who we are and who we want to be, under God. 

I’d love to hear your feedback, as well as your ideas about how to grow our church in a way that is consistent with these values.

Yet above all, let us commit ourselves, in prayerful dependence on the Holy Spirit, to glorify God and love our neighbour by proclaiming the Lord Jesus Christ, calling people to repent and living lives worthy of him, as we seek to see Christ honoured as Lord and Saviour in every community.

JODIE McNEILL