For several years now, we’ve been praying, thinking and dreaming about how best to use our facilities to serve God’s purposes for us as a church, and as a resource for the town.
We are currently faced with several challenges with our facilities, namely overcrowding at our 11:00 service, lack of room space for children & youth work/community, significant repairs needed on different aspects of the building.
But more than that, we sense that God wants to build on the great work that is already carried out within the life of the church, but to enable us to have an even greater impact, to fulfil our vision of being a resourcing, equipping and sending church (our ‘Antioch’ vision).
To help us move forward in that goal, a small team of people representative of different areas of the church have been carrying out initial consultations, discussions.
The values that will have been underpinning our work are the following:
- Capacity 4 Growth: however we move forward, the option will need to give us the capacity to grow in the areas God has planned for us.
- Flexibility: as a church we are involved in several significant ministries, and our service to the town covers a breadth of areas. Our buildings need to reflect that flexibility, particularly as we invest in the next generation.
- Stewardship of creation: we see the care for God’s world as a call to mission, and a responsibility for God’s people. Environmental considerations will therefore not just be token gestures, but central to the new building.
- Accessibility: again, we do not want to just ‘comply’ with current regulations, but ensure that our facilities are open to all who want to come and encounter God through his people.
Following the initial discussions, we have worked with a team of architects - Allen Associates – to carry out a feasibility on what could be done here on the building. Several options have been put forward, which are currently considering.
The next step is to liaise with the local community as to what they feel the biggest needs are in the community, and possible partnerships. In the meantime, we are refining our vision to clarify what our facilities requirements will be over the next 10 years. So, for now, watch this space, as we continue our journey with God, and pray for His guidance.
Download this weeks
newsletter