In our Parish Plan we have resolved that under the Lordship of Jesus Christ we:
Be a Bible-based parish in all that we do
We believe the Bible is God's revelation to us. It tells of his saving love through the sending of Jesus Christ into the world to die on the cross for our sins and rise again to bring us new life. We believe the whole of the Bible revolves around this central saving act of God. We want to be faithful to this revelation in all that we do as God's Church.
We are committed to using the Bible for all ministry - teaching, preaching, pastoring, as well as for individual and group study.
Develop every member ministry and help discover their spiritual gifts
We believe that it is only as we discover our spiritual gifts that we can move with confidence into the ministry God has planned for us. We would like to see every member of the Parish able to name their spiritual gift/s and be exercising them in a ministry in the Parish and in the world.
We will use various means to help people discover their spiritual gifts, eg Network. This may happen
We will keep a record of people's Spiritual Gifts and help them move into appropriate ministries that will bring fulfilment.
Build a Leadership Team that creates synergy across our parish ministries
Leadership Team will comprise at least one Co-ordinator in each of the Ministry Areas listed in the Parish Plan.
The three Parish Wardens will be part of the Leadership Team if not already in one of the Co-ordinator positions. The Parish Administrator will be a member of the Leadership Team.
The Leadership Team will meet at least four times a year with the option of extra meetings or a weekend retreat.
The role of the Co-ordinators will be one of support and encouragement to each of the ministries for which they have responsibility. It will be expected that the Co-ordinators will regularly pray for the ministries under their care and keep in contact with leaders.
The Team will operate under the leadership of the Rector assisted by Wardens and Parish Council. The Leadership Team will be given freedom to expand and develop the present Parish ministries. Any major changes of direction will be brought back to the Rector, Wardens and Parish Council for discussion and approval.
We look for a growing synergy as the Team works closely together. It is hoped that we will be able to expand the outreach of the Parish and draw many more people into ministry using their gifts.
Work for greater parish unity
This is a diverse Parish so we need to pray regularly for unity. We need to listen to one another to find the way forward together. We believe that through people finding and exercising their gifts, through the Leadership Team and through special interest groups we will develop unity in the Parish. As we study the Bible and let its teaching permeate our thinking, we will come together as God's Church and be one body under one Lord.
We especially see the following activities aiding our unity
We encourage personal support for one another across the Parish.
We will help people transition from one ministry to another as they grow in their faith.