Vision and Values
“I have set an Acorn, which when it becomes an Oak, God alone knows what will be the fruit thereof”
So reads a quote in embossed letters, where the old church car park lay. For over 300 years people have worshipped Christ at St A’s – but not only that, God has used the church to plant many acorns who have gone on to produce further fruit for His kingdom. We sense that God is doing a new thing among us; but we can also see that in this season ahead God will produce and grow many more acorns who he will use as part of his bigger purposes. In seeking to be led by God, we have discerned our mission, values and vision to be as follows:
Our Mission – what we’re called to
To be a vibrant community of Jesus-followers
bearing God’s light in the city and beyond.
Our Values – who are we
1. Jesus-Centred: Loved by God our Father, Rooted in Christ, and Led by the Spirit and by scripture in all we do.
2. Discipleship-Focused: Equipping every person to follow Jesus faithfully every day and in every area of life.
3. Community-Shaped: A loving, joyful, life-giving place where people belong, supporting and serving one another in love.
4. Hospitality-Minded: Welcoming and accepting each person, helping them to find a true home in the city.
5. Outward-Looking: Compassionate and courageous, with a heart for those in need—locally-engaged and globally-minded.
Vision – how we see the future…
We see a church that is prayerful – seeking to listen to God, to rest in Him, and be open to His guidance, so that through us, He would ‘build a holy place where stories of grace are told’.
We see a church that has open doors - using our space as an oasis in a busy city, and welcoming people with the welcome of God.
We see a church that grows disciples and develops leaders — where each person finds space to grow in God and to serve him in their daily lives; where leaders are nurtured; and people are equipped for ministry and mission.
We see an intergenerational church, where children and young people find a home - a community where generations walk together in faith, learning from one another, worshipping side by side, and sharing life as one family in Christ.
We see a church where people discover the love of God, and where the arts and creativity become a means of helping people start the journey and grow in their faith.
We see a church that seeks to work with others, building healthy and mutual partnerships, and so making a difference to people and to the city in ways greater than we could do by ourselves.
We see a diverse church that is an expression of the intercultural kingdom that we will enjoy in heaven, and where people of different nations and cultures belong and can share in the life of the church.
We see a church that is united around Jesus – different ages, stages, backgrounds, places and ideas - but seeking to boldly follow Christ, learning from one another, and disagreeing well.