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.
