Overall Aims:
- Gather together locally as a manifestation of the universal church described in scripture.
- Maximise ‘Growth’ opportunities for all members at our weekly meetings.
- Foster a mature and biblical understanding of the nature and purpose of church.
- Provide public and recognizable ‘entry point’ meeting for new members and visitors.
Specific Goals:
- People come to church expecting to engage with God and his people, and go home ‘changed’ in some way.
- Church is seen as a ‘gymnasium’ which prepares us for ‘Life’ during the week.
- Provide praise and ‘diverse community’ not available in the small group.
- Provide a bible teaching focus not ordinarily available in a small group. This focus should frequently be the ‘springboard’ for deeper interaction in the home group and individually.
- Measure the ‘growth’ effectiveness of church by seeking regular feedback.
- Each newcomer is welcomed with warmth in the context of authentic relationships by ‘rostered’ welcomers and then connected to members in similar life circumstances. Newcomers receive a Welcome Pack and are asked to provide contact details for follow up.
- Develop a culture of inter-generational partnership and service across congregations, with more opportunities for shared fellowship such as ‘Dinners for 8’.
Notes:
- We currently have 4 services across the Parish, each of which is relatively small and has its own distinctives. Our 10am Avalon and 9:30am Palm Beach congregations overlap, forcing our staff to only participate in one or the other each week. This is not desirable.
However, having reviewed the structure of our current Sunday services, and having considered some alternative models, Parish Council has concluded that the parish is not ready for changes to Sunday Morning service times and locations at this time. The Parish Council will continue to monitor the effectiveness of all services in helping us “Grow Life Together With Christ”.
- We expect our Staff’s time to be focussed on the ‘growth’ and bible teaching aspects of church. Therefore we will continue to seek ways to free them up for this priority (see Acts 6:2)
- The 6pm Avalon service has an opportunity to become more focussed in providing a first step into church for teens and young adults. Further review and refinement of this service is anticipated.
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Our Vision
Focus on the main thing
Home Groups
One-to-one intentional discipling
Prayer
Church Gatherings
Promoting the Gospel
Youth and Children’s Ministry
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