Church Life

Church life is all about relationship with God and with others, it is never about ritual or regulation. There are several different models of church but for the sake of sound doctrine we look to the bible.

The New Testament introduces a model for the local church.

a) Matthew 6:9 " Our Father in Heaven"
b) Ephesians 3:14-15 "For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name"
c) Matthew 12:48-50 "He replied to him, who is my mother, who are my brothers? Pointing to the disciples, he said Here are my Mother and my brothers. For who ever does the will of my Father in Heaven is my brother and sister and mother."

Matthew isn’t suggesting that Jesus neglected his physical family, he explains that Jesus provided for his mother's security as he hung on the cross. Jesus was pointing out that spiritual relationships are as binding as physical ones, and he was paving the way for a new community of believers (the church) our spiritual family. The church is like an extended family never replacing or undermining the natural family but rather enhancing it as the natural and spirtual building blocks of society.

Family is the model that God ordained for the local church - it speaks of living together in harmony, sharing, order and discipline, relationships, security and value for the individual. It speaks of the privilege of working for the family, for father. It allows for love, compassion and affection between family members. Family encourages, releases and supports those the Father has called to a special task. (see the mission statement)