OUR PURPOSE: TO KNOW THE FATHER AND TO MAKE HIM KNOWN

A simple way of remembering our purpose and how it finds its fulfilment in the life and ministry of our church is to consider the hand. In fact, consider Christ as he hung upon the cross, arms outstretched by God's unfathomable love for us...

Now take a look at your hand and consider how it can help us remember our purpose:

THE THUMB: Knowing God

The first finger: the 1st great command of Christ

The upward-pointing thumb represents the first part of God's purpose for his children - an abiding relationship with the Father (To Know Him) and the fingers represent the second - the revalation of His character through his children (To Make Him Known).

THE INDEX FINGER: Loving one another

The second finger: the 2nd great command of Christ

The Bible is clear that the love between fellow believers would demonstrate that God was in their midst. In the same way that Christ loved his deisciples, he commanded them to love each other. "By this" he said, "shall all men know that you are my disciples, if ye have love one for another." On the night before his death, he prayed for all those who would believe in him, "That they may be one Father.. that the world may know that you have sent me." Clearly, the love of God, flowing through and between believers is a powerful witness - leaving people in no doubt as to what God is like.

THE MIDDLE FINGER: Reaching out to others

The longest finger: reaching out, sharing the invitation

Shortly before Jesus left his disciples, he gave them what is often referred to as The Great Commission. Recorded in Matthew 28:19,20, he told them "Go, make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teach them all that I have commanded you." Just as the Father desires to be known by and one with his creation, so He commands every believer to make Him known to those still far from Him.

THE RING FINGER: Growing in Christ

The ring finger: growing in grace, the bride of Christ

Believers are called to grow from infancy to maturity in Christ. Many times in Scripture the Church is described as the Bride of Christ - beautifully adorned in white for her husband. As believers grow in grace, God is revealed in their character, making Himself known through their consistent, obedient and upright life. What does a mature believer look like? Imagine Jesus had your job, your finances, your voice, your body, face, hair and eyes. If he had your family, and your health, your history, and your current circumstances. What would that be like? There you have the answer - God would reveal Himself in your life - a life like Jesus.

THE PINKY FINGER: Serving God and Man

The smallest finger: becoming least, learning to serve

Service takes on two main forms:

1. Serving in the Body of Christ - God has uniquely empassioned and equipped each and every baptised believer for ministry. As we begin to serve in our area of passion, making use of the spiritual gifts he has given us, we make a unique contribution that the Holy Spirit uses to build up and edify the Church. Every believer is called to be an active participant in the work of the Church - and accordingly we are dedicated to understanding your unique ministry shape, and fitting you to your God-given ministry. Imagine a church where the right people were serving in the right places for the right reasons! Believers serving like that are not only fruitful, but they are fulfilled!
2. Serving Others - Christ was by nature a servant. His mission to save fallen humanity is well described in Philippians 2:5-10. Just as he served, so we are called to have the same attitude of humility. Respecting others as higher than yourself, becoming less that he can become more, is a powerful witness to the nature of God and the Gospel of Jesus Christ.