At the Community Church we want to see Jesus at the centre of all things we do and say, after all, as Paul writes “He (Jesus) is before all things, and in him all things hold together. (Colossians 1:17) In the natural world we see that on a bicycle, all the spokes of a wheel come into the hub of the wheel and if the hub is not centered correctly then a cyclist has all kinds of problems moving forward.

As His people we are not our own but have been bought with a price (1 Corinthians 6:9-10), we live because of Him and all He has done and we live in His love and powerful life that He promises. It is no wonder that we want Jesus to be the centre of all things!…

The bible should be the plumbline not only for how we live our lives but for how the church should be established. There is a great resistance to the word of God being relevant to today’s society and yet we are reminded in numerous verses in the Bible that the only thing in this world that will last for eternity is the word of God. In the Old Testament the prophet Isaiah wrote that “the word of our God endures forever.”(Isaiah 40:8) and in the New Testament Jesus himself said “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away (Matthew 24:35) and as if we needed to be reminded, the writer to the Hebrews reminds us how powerful and dynamic the word of God is when he says… : “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12:13)

For us at The Community Church we believe that Jesus came that we might have an amazing life, life to the fullest (John 10:10) and that we should all live this life in the power of the Holy Spirit.

The apostle Paul tells us that “the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead lives in you” (Romans 8:11) This is amazing. Resurrection power lives in you and why would any of us want to settle for a life less than God has promised. Of course this life we live should be part of His Kingdom – there is no place for any of us to be “lone rangers”. Gods plan was to have a people and if we are believers then we are His church. In that church God has placed certain ministry gifts, Paul writes “first of all apostles” (1 Corinthians 12:28) to help equip the church and bring it to maturity and completeness. Paul goes on to write in Ephesians 2:20 that the church should be “built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone” If we are to see a unity of the faith and unity of the Spirit like Paul writes about in his letter to the Ephesians – it will not happen unless we see the ministry gift of apostle functioning in the local church. That is why we have a relationship with our apostle Keri Jones – who is a wise master builder – a ministry gift of Christ to the church.

When The Community church began it was in a period where praise and worship had a cord of restraint around it. Often it was viewed as an appetizer to the preaching of the word…for many, worship was trapped' with a “prayer – hymn – song – preach” sandwich of a meeting. There was little room, or freedom, for the Holy Spirit to move and rarely were the gifts of the Spirit in evidence , even in more charismatic churches. Some might say the church in current years has replaced the hymn-sandwich meeting, with more modern contemporary worship, often with a “song set”, led by a band and worship leader – but in the end, praise and worship times are “band led”, very predictable, “charismatic–lite” and where the congregation can often slip into being spectators. Most significantly, the Holy Spirit is still as limited to move as in a previous era.

All this is a far cry from gatherings of God’s people in the Old Testament where they were encouraged to…

“Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; giving thanks to him and praising his name.” (Psalm 100:40

Their gatherings together were occasions to look forward to and where there was a great sense of expectation and anticipation that God would be present. King David said: “I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord.” (Psalm 122:1) There certainly was no sense of drudgery but a thrill at the very thought of being together to worship God.

The pioneers of the Community Church wanted to encounter a freedom in worship, without the restrictions of man-made traditions. At The Community Church we see worship actually as an end in itself, not just a “warm up” for the word to be preached. We know that

“God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” [John 4:24]

We understand that raising hands, clapping, silence, kneeling even dancing, should all be acceptable expressions in our praise and worship. Our gatherings should be Spirit led and Spirit filled, times together filled with deep, heartfelt praise, worship and adoration of Jesus. There would be space for us to worship as a congregation, with body ministry and our every expectation was, and is now that, as the Apostle Paul wrote

When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up (1 Corinthians 14:26 ESV)

So , what might you expect if you join us for worship? Well any and/or all of the above! Our worship times will generally include singing, after all, even the writer to the Hebrews in chapter 2 verse 12 tells us that Jesus has “I (Jesus) will proclaim Your name to My brethren. In the midst of the congregation I (Jesus), will sing Your praise.”

Whether it is a great hymn, or chorus, or an inspired song of the moment our worship will always seek to honour Jesus and keep Him at the centre of all things

What is known as The Great Commission, was given when Jesus said “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.” This was true for the disciples then and still is our mission as believers now.

We know from God’s word that, “Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end,” (Isaiah 9:7) , so as believers we are part of an ever expanding Kingdom and this will be achieved by us sowing seeds of His life and love everywhere and realizing that we ALL have a part to play in seeing the harvest brought in. In John 4:35, Jesus said: “Don’t you say, ‘There are still four more months, and then comes the harvest’? Listen to what I’m telling you: Open your eyes and look at the fields, because they are ready for harvest.”

We should all be open and available to see that there are lives around us that are open to the gospel – the good news of Jesus! If we are to see a harvest, then we have to be those who have first planted some seed!. Sometimes this will be through crusades, door knocking, social events or activities in the region we live – basically we are committed to serving and loving our community in whatever creative ways we can find ..fulfilling the scripture that we “Let our light shine before men that they may see our good deeds and praise our father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16)

We are honoured when people come to share in any aspect of church life. Whether it is a family fun day, a parent-toddler group, a family lunch, quiz night or Sunday celebration, we believe everyone should have a great welcome into our church family. From when you arrive in the car park, to the moment you leave we want every guest to know that they are loved by God and that we are delighted to have shared time together. More than that, we want all to know that there is a place and space in this church family for all people. There will be welcomers, stewards and leaders around but everyone in the church family has a part to play – we are all on the welcome team and can help to encourage and assist any visitor to our church… we hope this will be your experience when you come and if it isn’t …come and chat with one of the leaders!

What an environment to be a part of when everyone carries the same heart to “love all and serve all” We want all people in the church family to find a place of service, that will bless, encourage and build up. Whatever our age and capacity , there is something that we can do – and who knows what ministries may emerge from “waiting on tables” after all Stephen did this in Acts and became a miracle worker and the first martyr!

Maybe our words fail to capture fully what we mean but the following scriptures help to express the lives we want to live together as God’s family ... why not have a read and check out how we or you measure up?

Doing what is good.

Titus 3:14 Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order to provide for urgent needs and not live unproductive lives.

Galatians 6:9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.

Galatians 6:10 So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.

2 Thessalonians 3:13 And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good.

Helping

1 Peter 4:10-11 God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen. Romans 15:2 We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord.

Acts 20:35 And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.‘”

Romans 15:2 We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord.

Acts 20:35 And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.‘”

Other people

Philippians 2:3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

Philippians 2:4 Don’t be concerned only about your own interests, but also be concerned about the interests of others.

1 Corinthians 10:24 No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.

1 Corinthians 10:33 even as I try to please everyone in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved.

Generosity

Romans 12:13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

Proverbs 11:25 The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.

1 Timothy 6:18 Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.

Proverbs 21:26 All day long he craves and craves, but the righteous gives and does not hold back.

Hebrews 13:16 Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God

Reminder

Romans 2:8 But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger.

Love

John 13:34-35 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

1 Peter 3:8 Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude.

At the heart of the church we believe there should be community – and unity! The way we live our lives matters and can have an impact on others so we seek to honour the Lord and each other.

We are more than meeting attenders who frequent a building once a week or so , for a meeting. We are a Covenant people – who are for the Lord and each other. We believe we should protect, guard, shield, encourage, build up, care and share life together! Our lives together represent a King and His Kingdom and we should stand out from the world we live in, representing the life and love of Jesus in all we say, think and do. The following versesprovide a foundation for our lives together

1 Thessalonians 5:11

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.

Hebrews 10:25

DO not neglect to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encourage one another….

Hebrews 10:24

Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,

Romans 15:2

Let each of us please his neighbour for his good, to build him up.

1 Thessalonians 5:14

And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all.

Romans 14:19

So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.

Though the phrase ‘going the extra mile’ is in our modern vernacular, in fact it has a Biblical root and comes from a statement Jesus said to His disciples: “If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles.” (Matthew 5:41) We aim to be a church family that carry that “go the extra mile” spirit.

We don’t want to just do the bare minimum, believing that average or low expectations should be a persons aspiration level in life. On the contrary, we repeatedly find the Apostle Paul speaking to believers about how they can excel in all aspects of life…. And in the light of the following verses we are always wanting to ‘raise our game’ and stretch a little further, seeking to excel in faith and life!

Romans 12:10 Be devoted to each other with mutual affection. Excel at showing respect for each other.

1 Corinthians 12:31 always seek to excel in the greater gifts.

1 Corinthians 14:12 seek that you may excel in edifying the church.

2 Corinthians 8:7 Now as you excel in everything—faith, speech, knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love for us—excel also in this grace… see that you also excel in this grace of giving.

2 Corinthians 9:8 And God is able to make every grace overflow to you, so that in every way, always having everything you need, you may excel in every good work

1 Thessalonians 3:12 And may the Lord cause you to increase and excel and overflow in love for one another, and for all people, just as we also do for you