OUR VISION
Living + Growing + Serving + Proclaiming
IN CHRIST
LIVING
We recognise that we have a new life and identity in Christ; we therefore seek to live in Christ, becoming more and more the people God has created us to be.
‘So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him’
COLOSSIANS 2:4 NIV
GROWING
Christian life is about growth and transformation as we grow together to become more like Christ.
‘we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.’
EPHESIANS 4:15 NIV
SERVING
Christ led a life of service and, in doings so, led the way for us to serve. We seek to serve in Christ with the strength of his love.
‘whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
MARK 10:44-45 NIV
PROCLAIMING
We seek to proclaim the message of reconciliation, doing so in Christ so that our lives reflect the wonderful news.
‘We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. ’
2 CORINTHIANS 5:20 NIV
MISSION FOCUS GROUPS
We are on mission together. Our Mission Focus Groups take into account both the local area, and our resources as a community: how we are positioned to engage various groups/demographics and the facilities we have to offer. We welcome all who join us. In our mission, we focus on six groups. Our ministries and programs are aimed at engaging and adding value to these groups:
SCHOOL-AGED CHILDREN
FAMILIES WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
THE CHINESE COMMUNITY
MIGRANTS
YOUNG ADULTS
SENIORS
STRATEGIC ANCHORS
Strategic Anchors are there to assist the leadership with making decisions that align with our overall strategy in pursuit of our vision. We have 3 basic strategies that are used time and again in much of what we do:
INFORMATION SYSTEMS THAT SERVE RELATIONSHIPS
Providing access to information that will assist each person as they worship and serve at St Thomas'.
Clear communication.
FOCUS ON PEOPLE’S DEVELOPMENT
Whether we’re inquiring, a new Christian, or have been so for 90+years! And if we have just started serving or are in paid ministry.
We are seeking to develop each of us to: live, grow, serve, and proclaim
in Christ.
PROVIDE CARE TO THE COMMUNITY
This is both internal and external. Much of our external focused care is through the ministries of
St Tom’s Hope or programs like Mops.
Our internal care is provided via our system of pastoral care. This system promotes small groups and provides other means of care. We also seek to care practically through initiatives such as handyperson help, meals, and mentoring - to mention a few.