Explore the links below to get to know all about us... what we believe and where God is calling us.
We exist to...
SAVE SOULS, GROW SAINTS and to, SERVE SUFFERING HUMANITY
The Church We See...
We strive to be a growing, contemporary Salvation Army church, sharing in dynamic Christian community and worship; reaching out to the lost and hurting of the Southern Lake Macquarie with the life changing experience of Jesus Christ. What does this mean? What is important to us? What does this look like?
The church we see is an authentic faith community, rooted in love, focused on worship and committed to growth. The church we see is an influential church, central to the life of the Southlakes community, bringing fame to the name of God (1 Chronicles 22, Psalm 135). The church we see is relevant to the people of the South Lake area. Songs, poetry, drama and sharing will inspire, give voice to our deepest prayers and feelings, and express the inexpressible response to God who loves us. The church we see holds multiple services, some small house groups, some large celebration services, some in a perhaps in a café, or in High School halls during lunch break. (1 Corinthians 9: 19-23) The church we see is led by strong, courageous people, passionate about God and passionate about the lives of people in the South Lake community (1 Timothy 3, Acts 2, 6:8). It is spirit driven leadership, ensuring all aspects of church life and ministry are fulfilling the commission God gave us to bring witness to his name in our community (Acts 1:8). Our church will grow in its ability to serve, as people commit to the cause, as people capture the vision and as people are trained and equipped to provide for the needs of our community (Acts 6:1-7). The church that we see is dynamic with programs and processes that change as the church grows, and as needs are met and new needs are discovered (Acts 6:1-7). It is not concerned with maintaining a particular tradition or culture; instead it uses what it needs from tradition and culture to achieve the purposes of Gods kingdom in this area. (Acts 15) The church we see reaches out. There is no human being that does not need God; there is no life that God cannot make more prosperous and fulfilling. The church engages those who are suffering under the oppression of the thief that comes to steal, kill and destroy, and, under the power, authority and direction of God, restore them, support them, love them, and help them to grow into people who prosper and who bless the community in the name of God. We assist them in creating, maintaining and restoring relationships, caring for themselves, caring for children, finding and training for work, and supporting them through times of suffering. We see infinite potential in each life when tied to the power of God. (Acts 6:1-7) The church we see actively introduces people to Gods passion for them; to the “more abundant life” (John 10:10). We work as God’s hands, to bring about the plans he has for all people. The church we see is full of examples of what a relationship with God can do in the life of a humble, repentant and devoted human being (Isaiah 42:6-8). The church that we see is active, spiritually, emotionally, physically and politically working for the betterment of the community of which we are a part. Through the establishment of businesses in the town to help fund construction work, restoration work, spiritual renewal, and even town revitalisation. If we are going to own this region for Christ, then we will treat it like a treasured possession, and its people as priceless. (Matthew 25: 34-40) We invite you to join us in this journey of discovering all that God has in store for His church.
The Salvation Army have 11 statements of belief that we hold to be true.
We believe that the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments were given by inspiration of God, and that they only constitute the Divine rule of Christian faith and practice.
We believe that there is only one God, who is infinitely perfect, the Creator, Preserver, and Governor of all things, and who is the only proper object of religious worship.
We believe that there are three persons in the Godhead – the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost, undivided in essence and co-equal in power and glory.
We believe that in the person of Jesus Christ the Divine and human natures are united, so that He is truly and properly God and truly and properly man.
We believe that our first parents were created in a state of innocency, but by their disobedience they lost their purity and happiness, and that in consequence of their fall all men have become sinners, totally depraved, and as such are justly exposed to the wrath of God.
We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ has by His suffering and death made an atonement for the whole world so that whosoever will may be saved.
We believe that repentance towards God, faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, and regeneration by the Holy Spirit, are necessary to salvation.
We believe that we are justified by grace through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ and that he that believeth hath the witness in himself.
We believe that continuance in a state of salvation depends upon continued obedient faith in Christ.
We believe that it is the privilege of all believers to be wholly sanctified, and that their whole spirit and soul and body may be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
We believe in the immortality of the soul; in the resurrection of the body; in the general judgment at the end of the world; in the eternal happiness of the righteous; and in the endless punishment of the wicked.
Please Download our Handbook of Doctrine, called Salvation Story and the corresponding Study Guide (Acrobat Reader required) for a more detailed exploration of our Faith.
The Officers, or senior pastors, of our Church are Phil & Rebecca Inglis. Working with them are a number of great leaders who are devoted to Christ and the Church. The Senior Leadership team is where the final responsibility for the church lies. Decisions are made and problems solved by this team. Each member focuses on an important part of our purpose for being here.
Phil & Rebecca Inglis, Pastors, Ministry Development and Coordination.
Peter Davy, Personal Growth Ministries
Roma Davy, Development and Belonging
Gwen Richards, Small Group Discipleship
Brad Dumbleton, Worship
Lorraine Fulton, Administration
Assisting these people are Band Leaders, Home Church Leaders, Personal Growth Group Facilitators and many other leaders, staff and volunteers within our church. Its fantastic to see so many people developing and utilising thier spiritual gifts in the Kingdom of God through our church!