What is the Purpose of the Church?

Jesus gave His followers what is known as “The Great Commission”:

"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you ..” - Matthew 28:19-20

To carry out the Great Commission we aim:

1. To be a community of praise and family life

2. To equip and release every one in the church for ministry

3. To ensure that every person in our community and in the surrounding areas have heard of the Good News of Jesus Christ.

4. To grow Spiritually and numerically so that we can have a major influence for the Kingdom of God in our communities.

5. To give away what we have, to be a resource to the wider church family in the area and around the world.

As part of these aims we have facilities for the disabled:
Access, toilet, audio induction loop, large print notice and song sheets and BSL signing.

Responsibilities of belonging

To protect the unity of the church
By acting in love towards other Christians
By refusing to gossip
By working with the leaders

To share in the responsibility of the church
By praying for it’s growth
By inviting others to attend
By warmly welcoming visitors
By befriending new Christians

To serve in the ministry of the church
By discovering your gifts and talents
By being equipped to serve by the leaders
By developing a servant heart

To support the testimony of the church
By faithfully attending fellowship meetings as far as is possible.
By living a Godly life
By regular giving

See also Heb 10:25, Phil 1:27, 1 Cor 16:2, Lev 27:30

Benefits of Belonging

It identifies the person as a genuine believer (Eph 2:19, Rom 12:5)

It provides a spiritual family to support and encourage you in your walk with Christ (Gal 6:1-2, Heb 10:24-25)

It gives you a place to discover and use your spiritual gifts in ministry (1 Cor 12:4-27)

It places you under the spiritual protection of Godly leaders who are themselves in fellowship with other Christian leaders. (Heb 13:7, Acts 20:28,29)

It gives you the accountability that you need in order to grow and mature in Christ (Eph 5:21)

It gives you a voice in corporate decisions within the fellowship (Acts 15:22)

In addition, you will become involved in the following:

Worship – helps you focus on God and brings you into His presence. Worship prepares you spiritually and emotionally for the week ahead.

Fellowship – helps you face life’s problems and grasp God’s opportunities, by providing the support and encouragement of other Christians.

Discipleship – helps you strengthen your faith by learning the truth of God’s word and applying it to your life style.

Ministry – helps you find and develop your spiritual gifts and natural talents and use them in serving others.

Evangelism – helps you fulfil your mission of reaching your friends and family for Christ.

See 1 Tim 3:15 and Eph 2:19