Our 10 Core Values

These are our blueprints for operation, the standards by which we educate and the values we desire that our members hold.

Biblically Based

We believe that the Word of God is totally true, and is the primary agent for changing the lives of both the individual and the church. Its teachings are not only sufficient for the church's practice but also have the power to instruct and transform individual lives within the church. The church, while being culturally relevant, must remain doctrinally pure. The Bible therefore is the 'source book' for all that we believe and the 'instruction manual' for Christian living.

References:
Acts 20:32; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Hebrews 4:12; James 1:22-25

Christ Centred

We believe that Christ is the head of the church. As such, He demands our love, our loyalty, our allegiance and our service. He is the object of our worship, the centre of our preaching and the focus of our ministry. This is not a one-time commitment, but a daily and conscious surrender to His Lordship.

References:
Ephesians 4:15-16, 5:23; Colossians 1:18; Hebrews 12:2-3

Good stewards

We believe that everything we possess belongs to God and that the stewardship of our goods, time and talents is a scriptural imperative. Sacrificial giving results from a heart that is overflowing in appreciation to God for the many blessings that He has poured out on every believer.

References:
1 Corinthians 6:19-20, 16:2; 2 Corinthians 8:1-15

Mission-focussed

We believe that lost people matter to God regardless of race, and therefore ought to matter to His church. Evangelism is not an option but a mandate given to the church by Jesus Christ in order that lost people, both at home and abroad, may have the opportunity to hear and believe the gospel (good news) of Jesus Christ. Therefore members are to be committed to sharing their faith with those God brings across their pathway.

References:
Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16; Luke 15; 1 Peter 3:15

Obedient believers

We believe that obedience to all of Christ's commands is important, however there are two specific commands which we emphasise. Firstly, the church is to be active in baptising believers as an expression of their commitment to the Lord Jesus and his cause. We practise only believer's baptism, and that by immersion, to reflect the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. Secondly, the church actively encourages believers to remember Jesus Christ in partaking of the 'Lord's Supper' on a regular basis. This helps believers to remain focused on their Lord and is also a continual reminder of His love for them and of the cost of their salvation.

References:
Matthew 28:18-20; Colossians 2:12; Mark 14:22-25; 1 Corinthians 11:17-34

Maturing disciples

We believe that followers of the Lord Jesus should manifest integrity and authenticity of character, and yearn for continuous growth and development in order to become Christlike. It is therefore the responsibility of every believer to be involved in the process of mentoring other believers in order to bring them to full maturity in Christ.

References:
Matthew 28:18-20; Philippians 1:6, 2:1-5; Colossians 1:28

Diligent pray-ers

We believe in the power of prayer and that every believer has direct access to God. It is therefore both a privilege and responsibility for every believer to be diligent in this exercise.

References:
Matthew 6:9; Acts 2:42; Ephesians 6:18; 1 Thessalonians 5:17; 1 Timothy 2:8

A functioning body

We believe that the church should operate as a unified community of servants where every believer discovers, develops and uses their God given spiritual gifts for the upbuilding and development of the Christian community.

References:
Romans 12:6-8; Ephesians 4:7-16; 1 Peter 4:10-11; Revelation 1:6

Pastoral carers

We believe that pastoral care of believers is the responsibility of every member and that loving authentic relationships should permeate every aspect of community life.

References:
John 10:1-30, 13:34; 1 Corinthians 13:1-7; 1 Peter 5:2

Plural in leadership

We believe leadership is not vested in one person but that the church is to be led by a godly group of servant leaders who function in terms of the scriptual mandate for eldership and who are mentoring others for this role. While recognising the value of associating with other groups of Christians, we believe in the autonomy of the local church, which should be self-governing and independant of any denominational authority and hierarchy.

References:
Acts 14:23, 20:17-38; 1 Timothy 3:1-13, 5:17-20; Titus 1:5-9; 1 Peter 5:1-4