Our Vision: The Church We See

Our vision – our picture of our desired future - is contained in the 43 “the church we see” statements. These are declarations of what we aspire (or don’t aspire) to, and where we see that God is specifically leading us in the years ahead.

In life you go in the direction of your vision (“what you see is what you get”), and these are our stated intentions of the type of church we want to become – the kind of church we see ourselves being.

The 43 statements were birthed out of a rhema (or “now”) word which arose out of Isaiah chapter 43:
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” (verses 18-19)

The church we see…

… is outward-orientated
… has caught God’s heart for the lost and is passionate about winning souls for Christ
… makes genuine disciples and not just converts
… is both numerically large and spiritually deep (initially, a church of 1000 disciples)
… is fully mobilised and not building-centred or simply Sunday-focused
… is not built around one superstar leader but believes that every member is a full-time Christian minister at home, at leisure and in the marketplace
… makes mission an integral part of everyday life and empowers people to integrate faith with life
… is a church of doers and not just hearers
… is thoroughly engaged with culture and is making a difference in the key spheres of influence in our society
... is a prophetic voice and an agent of reformation and change in the community and further afield
… has a burning desire to take the gospel to the unreached nations of the world
… is spiritually reproductive and operates out of multiple geographical campuses
… prepares men, women, youth and children to be effective for God in both the home and society
... supports and resources marriages and families
... believes that children and young people are the church of today, not just tomorrow
… helps members to find their destiny in Christ and trains and equips them to live purpose-driven lives now
… releases people in their God-given giftings and spiritual gifts
… facilitates every member in the upward progression of their personal spiritual journey towards maturity in Christ
… raises up leaders in all spheres to make an impact for Christ locally, nationally and internationally
… is a group of connected, inter-dependent people who are radically committed to one another and who genuinely do life together
… is valued by and considered a vital part of the local community
… will always have open doors to people from all nations, cultures, generations, lifestyles, abilities and backgrounds
… takes responsibility for the poor and the needy
… is a base of refuge and nurture for the hurting and broken
… is a centre of breakthrough, healing, restoration and pastoral care
… values excellence in all things
… is pioneering, innovative, artistic and creative
… is fun, friendly and exciting
… thinks big and takes risks
… prioritises prayer and intercession
… makes worship a lifestyle
… is willing and servant-hearted
… is united behind the cause of Christ and his kingdom
… is a giving and generous church, financially stable and operating out of biblical abundance in order to be a blessing to others
… is eternally-minded and lives in light of the reality of heaven and hell
… preserves theological truth and makes theology and doctrine inspiring and accessible
… is relevant and engaging to our 21st century generation, yet uncompromisingly holds to the timeless values and standards of Scripture
… preaches God’s Word in the power of the Holy Spirit
… is naturally supernatural and believes that miracles, signs and wonders are not the exception but the norm
… is Pentecostal in nature and experience
… is dissatisfied with the status quo and is constantly craving what the Bible says can be
… is a dynamic group of Christ-like people who are madly in love with Jesus, fervently pursuing his presence and walking in personal revival and holiness
… is pure and pleasing to God, existing to bring him the glory that he alone deserves.