About The Way
At the heart of The Way Community lies a profound tapestry of faith, interwoven with deeply held beliefs, purposeful mandates, guiding values, and a rich, dynamic culture. We stand firm in our belief in one true God, revealed in the Trinity, and find our compass in the timeless truths of the Bible. Driven by mandates that call us to raise leaders, pursue revival, and embody Christ's love, we are a community actively shaping the world we have been called to. Our values, rooted in intimacy with God, collective ministry, and a spirit of innovation, guide our daily walk and interactions. Our culture, characterized by interdependence, empowerment, and a deep sense of family, fosters a space where creativity thrives and every individual is valued. Together, these elements form the essence of who we are – a movement committed to living out our faith with passion, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to seeing God’s Kingdom flourish in the hearts and souls of mankind
Discipling a Spirit-led community into the fullness of Christ
Our Vision
The Way is a five-fold missional community, globally engaging and equipping believers into a body thriving in the gifts and fruit of the Spirit. Rooted in the Word of God and led by the Holy Spirit, we embrace the journey of faith. We focus on activating and releasing believers to fulfil the Great Commission with a deep commitment to prayer and worship.
Our Mission
Our Beliefs
The foundation of The Way
We are deeply anchored in foundational beliefs that inspire and guide us. We affirm the existence of one true God, manifest in the Trinity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, an eternal unity of perfection, love, and truth. The Bible stands as our unwavering guide, the divinely inspired Word that shapes our understanding and actions. We recognize humanity's fall but rejoice in the redemptive power of Jesus Christ, offering salvation to all who embrace Him. The Holy Spirit is our constant helper, empowering and gifting us for a life of service and transformation. We are the living Body of Christ, the Church, called to advance God’s Kingdom on earth, unified in purpose and action. Our beliefs culminate in the blessed hope of Christ's imminent return, a promise that propels us towards a future where righteousness dwells, and where eternal destinies are fulfilled in the presence of our Lord.
THERE IS ONE TRUE GOD.
We affirm the existence of one eternal, holy, and loving God, manifest in the Trinity of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
We believe that there is only one true God, the eternal King, Creator, and Redeemer of all that is. He is perfectly holy, just, loving, and truthful. He has revealed Himself to be eternally self-existent – one being in three persons: God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He is the complete revelation of God.
THE BIBLE IS THE WORD OF GOD
The Bible is our infallible guide, the inspired and authoritative Word that shapes our faith and life.
We believe the Bible is the inspired word of God. It is infallible, authoritative, and applicable to daily life. The Bible is not the totality of revelation from God but is the measure by which all revelation should be judged. No other writing supersedes it or nullifies it, nor does any revelation from any other person.
HUMANITY'S RESPONSIBILITY FOR EVIL
Humanity's fall from grace necessitates redemption, which is made possible through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ.
We believe that humanity was created in the image of God to know and enjoy Him, yet we wilfully rejected the Lordship and glory of God for which we were intended. Because of this, sickness, death, and judgment entered the world, and now creation experiences the effects and consequences of sin. We believe that to receive forgiveness and the ‘new birth’, we must repent of our sins, believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and submit to His will for our lives.
JESUS IS THE ANSWER
Jesus Christ, God's Son, offers salvation to all through His life, death, and resurrection, calling us to follow Him.
We believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, who was conceived of the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, and is God’s Anointed One, empowered by the Holy Spirit. He was crucified for our sins, died, was buried, resurrected, and ascended into heaven, and is now alive today in the presence of God the Father and His people. He is "true God" and "true man."
We believe that God’s grace saves us through faith in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Anyone can be restored to fellowship with God through repenting, believing, and receiving and following Jesus as their Savior and Lord.
THE HOLY SPIRIT IS OUR HELPER
The Holy Spirit empowers and guides believers, providing gifts and transformation for effective living and ministry.
We believe the Holy Spirit, co-equal and co-eternal with the Father and the Son, is an essential person of the Godhead. His role on earth is multifaceted: He convicts and converts individuals, guiding them towards truth and transformation as the great Paraclete — Comforter, Counsellor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, and Standby — the Holy Spirit is integral to our life and mission.
The Baptism of the Holy Spirit, a gift promised by Jesus, is received after the new birth. It equips believers with power for life and service, including the bestowment of spiritual gifts as detailed in scriptures such as Luke 24:49, Acts 1:4, 1:8, and 1 Corinthians 12:1-31. This baptism is not just a one-time event but a continuous empowerment that enables believers to be dynamic witnesses of Jesus Christ, marked by both preaching the Gospel and demonstrating it through spiritual gifts.
Furthermore, the Holy Spirit is actively involved in the believer's sanctification. This process begins at regeneration and progresses until the return of Christ, as noted in I Thessalonians 5:23, 1 Corinthians 1:30, 2 Corinthians 3:18, and Philippians 3:12-14. Through His indwelling, believers are enabled to live holy lives and exhibit the fruit of the Spirit. Speaking in tongues is often the initial evidence of the Holy Spirit's baptism, but the broader goal is holiness and effective ministry, empowering us to lead lives that positively impact others.
JESUS IS COMING SOON
The imminent return of Christ offers hope and fulfilment of God's promises, urging us to live in readiness.
We believe in the resurrection of those who have fallen asleep in Christ and their translation, together with those who are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord, is the imminent and blessed hope of the church (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; Titus 2:12; 1 Corinthians 15:51-52; Romans 8:23).. We believe in the visible return of the Lord Jesus Christ from heaven, the salvation of national Israel, and the Millennial reign of Christ on earth is the Scriptural promise and the world’s hope (2 Thessalonians 1:17; Revelation 19:11-14; Romans 11:26-27; Revelation 20:1-7).
THE CHURCH IS WHAT GOD IS DOING NOW.
The Church continues Jesus' ministry on earth, advancing God's Kingdom through love, service, and unity.
We believe in the mystery of the Church that has been revealed, the Body of Christ, which consists of all those chosen before the foundation of the world to be sons and daughters of God who put their faith in Jesus Christ. He gave His Church the ordinances of baptism and communion. The Church exists to carry on the ministry of Jesus Christ and further advance the kingdom of God on the earth by occupying until He returns. We do this by undoing the enemy's works, preaching, and living the good news of God’s love, and discipling the nations – baptising and teaching them to love and obey God.
Jesus is leading and guiding his church through Ascension Ministries - Apostles and Prophets, with Evangelists, Pastors, and Teachers. for the Church's unity, maturity, and growth. God has individually equipped us to successfully achieve His purpose for our lives: to worship God, fulfil our role in the Church and serve the community in which we live
Everyone who calls themselves a believer has the privilege and responsibility to steward all that God has given them wisely and contribute to the Body of Christ, including through tithing and giving to the local church.
ETERNAL JUDGEMENT
We recognize the reality of eternal judgment, where our destiny hinges on our response to Christ's call.
We believe that heaven and hell are real places. We believe that our eternal destination of either Heaven or hell is determined by our response to the Lord Jesus Christ. There will be a final judgment in which the wicked dead will be raised and judged according to their works. Whosoever is not found written in the Book of Life, together with the devil and his angels, the beast and the false prophet, will be consigned to everlasting punishment in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death (Revelation 19:20; Revelation 20:10-15).
“We, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth wherein dwelleth righteousness.” (2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 21, 22).
Our Mandates
What we believe God is asking us to do
We are propelled by a series of guiding mandates that form the backbone of our mission and vision. We are dedicated to raising up spiritual leaders, recognizing this as a divine calling to nurture and empower the next generation in their walk with Christ. Our commitment to being an organic expression of a five-fold company of believers highlights our dedication to equipping and activating individuals in their God-given identities and purposes. We hold a strong missional focus, following Christ's directive to 'GO and make disciples,' whether in our local neighbourhoods or beyond. Pursuing revival is at the heart of our endeavours, seeking God's manifest glory on earth and creating a wellspring for spiritual awakening and renewal. As a house of prayer and worship, we are devoted to establishing a deep and continuous connection with God, believing this to be pivotal in enacting His will on earth. Lastly, demonstrating a community of love is fundamental, where we actively support, encourage, and care for one another, embodying the essence of Christ's teachings in our daily lives. These mandates not only define our purpose but also inspire us to be a transformative force in the world, driven by faith and guided by the Holy Spirit.
TO RAISE UP SPIRITUAL LEADERS
God calls us to empower and mentor emerging leaders, guiding them to live and lead in Christ's image.
Aligned with the teachings of Ephesians 4, our movement embraces the divine mandate to serve as an incubator for nurturing and developing the next generation of spiritual leaders. We believe it is our God-given responsibility to identify, encourage, and cultivate leadership potential within our community. This process involves more than imparting knowledge; it's about fostering spiritual growth, character development, and practical leadership skills. Our aim is to equip these emerging leaders with doctrinal understanding and the wisdom, compassion, and courage needed to guide others on their spiritual journeys. In fulfilling this mandate, we are committed to creating an environment where potential leaders can grow, learn, and be prepared to take on roles of spiritual guidance and influence, shaping the future of our faith and community.
TO HAVE A MISSIONAL FOCUS
God charges us to actively spread the Gospel, making disciples in our neighbourhoods and across nations.
Embracing the directive of Matthew 28, we hold a fundamental commitment to a missional focus. This call to 'GO and make disciples' is not limited to a select few; it is a clear and universal mandate for every believer. We understand this mission as extending beyond the walls of our immediate community, reaching out to both our own neighbourhoods and to places abroad.
In practising this missional focus, we actively encourage and equip each community member to embody the role of a disciple-maker in their everyday lives. Whether through acts of service, sharing of faith, or simply living out the teachings of Christ in daily interactions, we believe that each individual has a unique and vital role to play in this grand mission. This commitment to 'GO' is not just about geographical movement; it's about a mindset of being missionally engaged in all aspects of life. Our collective goal is to ensure that every member feels empowered and prepared to take up this call, making discipleship a natural and integral part of their journey with God.
TO BE AN ORGANIC EXPRESSION OF A FIVE-FOLD COMPANY OF BELIEVERS
We are divinely instructed to embrace and implement the five-fold ministry, fostering a well-equipped, mature community of believers.
In response to what we discern as God's calling, we are dedicated to embodying an organic expression of a five-fold company of believers. Rooted in the belief that Christ endowed the church with fivefold gifts, our purpose is to prepare God’s people for service, ministry, and spiritual maturity. We recognise these gifts – apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers – as essential components for the growth and edification of our community.
Our commitment is to ensure that this fivefold ministry actively trains, equips, activates, and releases individuals into their God-given identities as sons and daughters of God. This approach is not just about nurturing specific roles within the church but about empowering each person to discover and embrace their unique callings, destinies, and purposes. We see this as a divine mandate entrusted to us to facilitate an environment where every believer can flourish in their individual giftings while contributing to our community's collective strength and maturity. In fulfilling this mandate, we strive to be a living testament to the rich diversity and unity that God intends for His people, each playing a vital part in the broader tapestry of His kingdom.
TO PURSUE REVIVAL
We are called to passionately seek revival, desiring God's glory to transform lives and landscapes.
We are deeply committed to revival, earnestly seeking God’s manifest glory to be poured out upon the earth. This pursuit is not just a desire but a mandate we believe God has placed upon us. Our vision is to be a wellspring of revival, a place of refreshing and renewal where the gifts of the Spirit are actively in operation.
In this endeavour, we emphasise creating a space where the diverse gifts of the Spirit can flourish, allowing for the full demonstration of our faith and God’s power. This includes witnessing salvation, deliverance, and the awe-inspiring occurrence of signs, wonders, and miracles. Our commitment to revival is not merely about experiencing extraordinary moments; it's about fostering an environment where the presence and power of God are consistently evident and transformative.
We recognise that revival is not something we can manufacture; it is a sovereign move of God. However, we believe that we can prepare the ground for such a move through prayer, worship, obedience, and openness to the Holy Spirit. Our role is to be ready, to cultivate a community that is receptive to God's work, and to engage in practices that align with this heavenly outpouring actively. This mandate to pursue revival guides us in our collective journey, shaping our actions and fuelling our passion for seeing God’s glory revealed in unprecedented ways on the earth.
TO BE A HOUSE OF PRAYER AND WORSHIP
Our mandate is to establish our community as a vibrant centre of prayer and worship, reflecting God’s presence and power.
Our commitment to being a house of prayer and worship is not just a part of our identity; it is a central mandate that guides our actions and intentions. In alignment with Jesus’ declaration in Matthew 21:13, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer’, we dedicate ourselves to creating a space where prayer and worship are not just activities but the very heartbeat of our community. We believe that in the act of beholding the Lord through prayer and worship, we are transformed, experiencing a continual renewal from glory to glory and strength to strength.
As the ecclesia, we understand our role to be more than just passive believers; we are called to actively legislate Kingdom mandates on earth, mirroring the divine will 'as it is in heaven.' This is achieved through our dedication to prayer and worship, guided by the Holy Spirit. We see our gathering as a strategic assembly where our collective prayers and worship have the power to bring about transformation not only within our own lives and community but also in our region and beyond.
Our pursuit of being a house of prayer and worship involves a deep commitment to seeking God’s presence, listening to His voice, and responding in obedience. In this sacred space, we aim to align our desires and actions with God's purposes, believing that through our devoted prayers and worship, we can effect real and lasting change in accordance with His will. This mandate propels us to be a beacon of hope and transformation, rooted in the power of prayer and the beauty of worship.
TO CHAMPION CREATIVE ARTS
We are commissioned to create a loving, supportive community that mirrors Christ’s love in action.
Embracing our identity as beings created in the image of God, a God who is the ultimate Creator, we recognise and celebrate the innate desire to create within each of us. Our mandate is to be champions of ministry through creative arts, fostering an environment where artistic expression is welcomed and actively cultivated. We acknowledge that creativity manifests in myriad forms, including music, writing, media, visual art, dance, and beyond.
Our community serves as a vibrant hub where creativity can flourish. We provide a space for writers, artists, music producers, songwriters, recording artists, and other creatives to come together, collaborate, and produce works that speak of God’s glory and creativity. This collective endeavour extends beyond mere artistic expression; it's a form of worship and a powerful medium for ministry.
We champion the belief that the arts are vital for communicating God’s message, offering unique and diverse perspectives that resonate across cultures and generations. By encouraging and supporting these creative pursuits, we aim to produce music, literature, and art that enrich our community and reach out to the nations. This commitment to the creative arts is more than just an appreciation for beauty and talent; it's a recognition of the arts as a dynamic and impactful form of ministry, capable of touching hearts and changing lives in ways words alone cannot.
TO DEMONSTRATE A COMMUNITY OF LOVE
We are commissioned to create a loving, supportive community that mirrors Christ’s love in action.
We are called to embody a community of love where encouragement, support, and care for one another are not just ideals but lived realities. Our vision is to cultivate a network of believers deeply connected through house churches, regular gatherings, and spontaneous fellowship. In these spaces, love is the cornerstone, guiding our interactions and relationships.
Our commitment extends beyond conventional expressions of affection. It involves creating an environment where every individual feels valued, heard, and understood. We strive to be a community where restoration is commonplace and where people are not only healed from their past hurts but are also inspired and propelled to serve the Lord with renewed vigour and passion.
In practising this mandate, we emphasize the importance of genuine relationships. These bonds are nurtured in our house churches, regular worship gatherings, and daily interactions. Through these connections, we can provide a supportive network that uplifts, corrects with love, and celebrates each other’s victories.
This community of love is not just an inward-looking sanctuary; it’s a launchpad for outward service. By fostering a strong, loving community, we equip our members to extend this love beyond our circles, impacting the broader society with the transformative power of Christ’s love. We are dedicated to being a tangible example of Jesus' love in action, a place where people are welcomed and, transformed and empowered to be agents of love and service in the world.
Our Values
What we value in our relationship together
We are guided by core values that shape our approach to faith and community. Central to our ethos is deepening our relationship with God, where love is the fundamental principle guiding our interactions and growth. We commit ourselves to continuously grow in the likeness of Christ, aided by the transformative influence of the Holy Spirit. Our actions and decisions are rooted in the teachings of Scripture, providing a solid foundation for our journey. We recognise the importance of every individual's contribution to our collective mission, embracing the shared responsibility in advancing the Kingdom of God. The role of the Five-Fold Ministry is integral in equipping our members for this journey and fostering spiritual maturity within our community. We also value innovation and responsiveness to the Holy Spirit's guidance, encouraging creative and adaptable approaches in our ministry and daily lives. In their simplicity and depth, these values guide us in living out a meaningful and authentic faith.
LOVE AND INTIMACY
We prioritize deepening our relationship with God and making love the foundation of our interactions and growth.
Our movement deeply values cultivating an intimate relationship with God and centring our lives around love. This principle guides us to prioritise personal connections with God, fostering a sense of closeness and understanding that permeates all aspects of our lives. We equally hold love as the foundational ethic in our interactions and decisions, advocating for a way of living that echoes the love Christ showed. This value inspires us to approach every situation with compassion, understanding, and a commitment to act in ways that reflect God's love. It's about creating a community where relationships are nurtured on these principles, leading to actions and decisions that are consistently aligned with the heart of God and the example of Christ.
GROWTH IN CHRIST AND THE SPIRIT
We focus on nurturing our identity in Christ and engaging with the transformative work of the Holy Spirit.
We place immense value on the personal and communal growth in our identity in Christ and the transformative journey with the Holy Spirit. This value shapes our community’s approach to spiritual development, emphasising continuous learning, openness to change, and active engagement with the Holy Spirit’s guidance. It inspires us to cultivate a deep, personal connection with Christ and to be attentive and responsive to the Spirit's work in our lives. This commitment to growth is not just about acquiring knowledge or adhering to practices; it's about nurturing a heart and mind that constantly seek to align more closely with Christ's example and the Spirit's leading.
GOD’S WORD IS OUR FOUNDATION
We root our actions and decisions in the teachings of Scripture, using God's Word as our ultimate guide.
We deeply value aligning our lives with the teachings and principles found in God's Word. This value acts as a guiding light in our decision-making, behaviours, and community interactions. We see the Bible not just as a historical document or a source of spiritual insight but as the absolute and definitive guide for living a life that honours God. This commitment to Scripture influences how we approach challenges, resolve conflicts, and shape our daily lives. It's about bending our wills and actions to align with the teachings of the Bible, ensuring that our choices and paths reflect its truth and wisdom. This value fosters a community deeply rooted in biblical principles, striving to live out the teachings of Christ in every aspect of our lives.
FOSTERING COLLECTIVE MINISTRY AND KINGDOM ADVANCEMENT
We emphasize the importance of each individual's active participation in advancing the Kingdom of God.
Jesus said, “The Kingdom of God does not come with observation; nor will they say, ‘See here!’ or ‘See there!’ For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you.” (Luke 17:20-21). Our movement holds dear the value of fostering collective ministry, encompassing the Priesthood of All Believers, the vibrancy of a Community of Believers, and the active engagement in Kingdom Carriers. This value is pivotal in guiding how individuals see and execute their role within our community and the larger world. We believe every member has a unique and significant part to play in the ministry, whether through leadership, service or simply living out faith in daily life.
This value encourages us to work together, support one another, and share our gifts and talents for the greater good of the community and beyond. It's about seeing the Kingdom of God not as a distant reality but as a present and active force within and around us, which we all have a responsibility to nurture and expand. We are committed to building a community where every person is empowered to contribute, where ministry is a shared journey, and where our collective efforts lead to tangible transformation in individual lives and the broader society. This value shapes a culture of collaboration, mutual support, and united purpose in advancing God's Kingdom on Earth.
EMPHASIZING THE ROLE OF THE FIVE-FOLD MINISTRY
We recognize the importance of the Five-Fold Ministry in equipping and nurturing our members for spiritual growth.
We place significant value on the role and function of the Five-Fold Ministry – apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers – as outlined in Ephesians 4. This value guides us in recognizing and nurturing these distinct ministry gifts and understanding their crucial role in equipping and maturing the body of Christ. We see these roles not as mere titles or positions but as vital functions that contribute to the health and growth of our community.
By valuing the Five-Fold Ministry, we commit to fostering an environment where these gifts can be identified, developed, and exercised effectively. This approach enables us to maintain a balanced and dynamic community, where diverse leadership helps guide, teach, and empower members in their spiritual journeys. We believe that through this model, we can achieve a more comprehensive understanding of Scripture, a deeper spiritual maturity, and a stronger, more unified body of believers. This value influences how we develop leaders, engage in ministry, and approach our collective growth as a community, ensuring that we are constantly evolving and maturing in line with God’s purpose for us.
INNOVATION AND FREE ENTERPRISE
We encourage creativity and adaptability in ministry and daily life, guided by the Holy Spirit.
Our movement values the integration of innovation and Spirit-led enterprise within our community. We believe that being guided by the Holy Spirit also involves embracing creativity, new ideas, and entrepreneurial initiatives. This value influences our approach to ministry, community engagement, and our presence in the broader marketplace.
We encourage our members to be forward-thinking and open to the Holy Spirit's leading in developing new methods, approaches, and solutions, both within our spiritual practices and in our everyday lives. This includes fostering an environment where marketplace ministry and entrepreneurial endeavours are supported and seen as vital parts of our mission.
By championing innovation and free enterprise, we aim to stay relevant and effective in a rapidly changing world, using the gifts of creativity and innovation that God has bestowed upon us. This value ensures that our community remains dynamic, adaptable, and always ready to respond to the Holy Spirit’s guidance in new and impactful ways.
BIG PEOPLE, NOT BIG CHURCH
We focus on discipleship, leadership, and character development over numerical growth, nurturing individuals in Christ's image.Our movement values the integration of innovation and Our vision transcends the pursuit of numerical growth; instead, we focus on the depth of individual transformation. We believe in investing in discipleship, leadership, and character development, nurturing each member to grow into the fullness of Christ's image. This value reflects our commitment to cultivating a community where personal spiritual growth is prioritized over expanding our numbers.
In this spirit, we dedicate ourselves to creating environments that foster deep, meaningful connections with God and one another. Through mentorship, small group interactions, and personal accountability, we aim to equip every individual with the tools and opportunities needed for their spiritual journey. Our goal is to see each person flourish in their unique calling, embodying the virtues and values of Christ in every aspect of their life. This approach ensures that our community grows stronger and more vibrant, not just in size, but in the depth and quality of our collective faith and character.
Our Culture
How the life is lived together in The Way
Our culture is a vibrant tapestry of faith, interdependence, and active participation, reflecting a deep commitment to spiritual growth and community. We embody a coach and team dynamic, emphasizing training and activation while championing a missional approach that prepares individuals for impactful works beyond our community. Central to our ethos is the belief in freedom as a responsibility, encouraging personal growth and transformation. Our leadership style is permissive yet strong, fostering an environment where creativity and individual gifts are valued and nurtured. At our core, we are a family, more than an organization, where contributions stem from desire and mutual care. This rich blend of faith, freedom, and creativity shapes our interactions, making our culture a dynamic and unique expression of our collective spiritual journey.
INTERDEPENDENCE
We thrive by supporting and uplifting one another, uniting our strengths in faith and action.
As a movement, we are anchored in interdependence, recognizing that while individual strength is important, we are stronger together. This principle underlines our shared journey of faith, emphasizing mutual support, collective celebrations, and collaborative service. By embracing the idea, "I know I can stand on my own two feet, but we are stronger together," we foster a community where individual talents contribute to our collective growth and deepen our faith. In this nurturing environment, we blend personal abilities with our communal mission, enriching both our individual paths and our shared spiritual journey.
COACH/TEAM SPIRIT WITH A WELCOMING YET FOCUSED APPROACH
We cultivate growth and activation through mentorship, embodying a coach-and-team approach in our spiritual journey.
We embrace a coach and team dynamic, emphasizing a culture of rigorous training and active spiritual development, as exemplified by the ethos of 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 – running hard to win the prize. We hold true to the belief that "God's people are not an audience to be entertained, but an army to be trained." This perspective is vital to understanding our community; we are akin to an elite team in training, deeply committed and disciplined.
Our approach can be likened to a group preparing for a purposeful run. We eagerly invite everyone to join us, offering a warm and inclusive welcome yet maintaining a steadfast focus on our goal. This is not just a leisurely jog but a determined sprint towards spiritual growth and excellence. We encourage and inspire each other, but we also maintain a pace that aligns with our mission – "we are going for a run; you're welcome to join us, but our commitment to our pace means we keep moving forward." This sentiment is not about leaving anyone behind but about exhorting all to rise to the challenge, to embrace the discipline and dedication required. Being part of God's 'SAS' is about a shared journey towards spiritual excellence, where every member is motivated to keep up, train hard, and strive for the ultimate prize of our faith.
MISSIONAL – CULTIVATING A RELEASING CULTURE
We actively send and release believers to spread God's work, embodying a culture of empowerment and mission.
We embody a missional spirit, viewing ourselves as both a Dallas – a launching pad, and an Antioch – a sending hub. This dual identity reflects our deep commitment to a releasing culture, where the notion of being sent forth is ingrained in our ethos. We see our community as a dynamic space for growth and empowerment, not just a place to settle. Just as Antioch in the early Church was a centre for missionary activity, sending out apostles to spread the Gospel, we, too, embrace this role, recognizing that everyone is part of this sending process.
Our philosophy is that everyone goes. We understand that involvement in this movement is a permanent season of preparation and empowerment. This mindset fosters an environment of continual growth and readiness for mission. Our approach is encapsulated in the sentiment, "We will love running with you for however long this season lasts." It's a statement of our commitment to journey alongside each member, nurturing and equipping them for the time they are with us, all the while preparing them for their eventual sending.
This missional perspective ensures that our movement remains a vibrant, ever-evolving community, always looking outward. We celebrate each season of togetherness, knowing it contributes to the greater purpose of spreading our faith and making a lasting impact beyond our walls. Our aim is not just to gather believers but to train, empower, and release them into their calling, making a transformative impact in the world.
FREEDOM AS A RESPONSIBILITY – GALATIANS 5:13
We embrace our spiritual freedom with responsibility, fostering an environment of personal growth and accountability.
Our culture is deeply rooted in the concept that freedom is not just a gift, but a responsibility, as emphasized in Galatians 5:13. We understand that spiritual freedom brings with it the duty to actively engage in our faith and community. This ethos is about challenging apathy and inspiring each other towards fervent love and meaningful transformation. Our environment is not just a place of comfort; it's a space for dynamic growth and active participation in the journey of faith.
We are committed to fostering a culture where transformation is not only a possibility but an expectation. This involves a balance of embracing both divine intervention and personal responsibility. We believe in the power of deliverance and healing, acknowledging that these are critical steps on the path of spiritual progress. However, we also emphasize the importance of 'walking it out' – actively living and embodying the changes we experience. This journey is mirrored in the principles found in Colossians 3, where we are encouraged to embrace a transformed way of living. This process is about shedding old patterns and adopting a life that reflects our spiritual evolution and commitment.
Our approach encourages individuals to not only seek miraculous changes but also to diligently work towards sustaining and nurturing these changes in their everyday lives. It's a journey that requires persistence, discipline, and a willingness to grow, aligning our actions and choices with our renewed understanding and faith. In our community, freedom is thus seen as a journey of continuous transformation, where each step taken is both a personal triumph and a collective advancement towards a more profound, more authentic expression of our faith.
PERMISSIVE LEADERSHIP AND EMPOWERMENT
Our leadership empowers individual gifts and callings, fostering an environment where everyone can flourish.
We adopt a permissive leadership style, firmly believing in the principle of not bottlenecking creativity and ministry. This approach provides ample freedom for our community members to pursue their individual callings and gifts. We consciously avoid a control culture, understanding the importance of trust and autonomy in fostering a healthy, vibrant community.
Central to this ethos is the recognition that we are, for the most part, working with spiritually mature and capable individuals. Our leadership does not seek to micromanage or overly direct. Instead, we encourage and expect our members to take initiative, step out in faith, and actively engage in their areas of calling. This environment of empowerment is key to our culture; it's about giving space and support for individuals to explore, develop, and exercise their gifts and ministries.
We understand that with such freedom comes responsibility, and we trust our community to embrace this balance. Our leaders are facilitators rather than controllers, aiming to inspire and guide rather than restrict. This approach is rooted in a belief that when people are given the freedom to explore their God-given talents and passions, they flourish not only in their personal spiritual journeys but also contribute significantly to the vitality and diversity of the entire community.
In this atmosphere of permissive leadership, we witness the emergence of a dynamic, innovative, and active movement where each member feels valued, trusted, and motivated to pursue their calling. It’s a culture where taking a chance and 'having a go' is not just accepted but encouraged and celebrated, as it aligns with our broader mission of fostering a community of active, empowered, and spiritually engaged believers.
EMBRACING HOUSE CHURCHES
Our practice revolves around house churches, intimate spaces where we connect, grow, and live out our faith together.
In the lifeblood of our movement, house churches stand as a pivotal expression of our community’s ethos and practice. Central to our cultural identity, these intimate gatherings are not just a feature of our collective life but a requirement for engagement with the Way. House churches represent the very essence of our approach to faith and fellowship, embodying a model of church that is deeply personal, relational, and reflective of the early Christian community.
In these smaller, home-based settings, we experience the vibrancy of shared life. These gatherings allow for deeper connections, more personalized spiritual growth, and an environment where every voice can be heard and valued. Here, worship, prayer, and the study of Scripture occur in a setting that encourages open dialogue, mutual support, and authentic community. It's a place where believers can come as they are, find belonging, and grow in their faith journey, surrounded by a close-knit family of fellow believers.
House churches are more than just a pragmatic approach to gathering; they are a deliberate choice that speaks to our values of intimacy, interdependence, and grassroots ministry. They provide a fertile ground for discipleship, leadership development, and the exercise of spiritual gifts in a way that larger gatherings may not facilitate as easily. This model aligns seamlessly with our culture of empowerment and personal responsibility in spiritual growth and ministry.
By making house churches a core component of our movement, we ensure that our faith practice is accessible, sustainable, and deeply connected to the daily lives of our members. In these sacred spaces, we not only meet with God and each other but also prepare to step out into our wider communities and the world, embodying the love, teachings, and mission of Christ.
FAMILY-ORIENTED CULTURE
We nurture a family-like atmosphere where every contribution is valued and stems from heartfelt relational commitment.
Our culture is deeply rooted in the essence of being a family rather than just an organization. In this familial atmosphere, members are naturally inclined to contribute and support one another, not out of obligation but out of genuine desire and love. This dynamic fosters a sense of belonging and shared responsibility, where tasks and roles are embraced as acts of love and care rather than mere duties.
In our community, relationships and mutual support take precedence over task-oriented structures. This approach can sometimes appear 'loose' or misinterpreted as a lack of leadership to those unfamiliar with our culture. However, akin to a well-functioning family, there is strong, albeit subtle, leadership at play. Our leaders act more as guides and nurturers, fostering an environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute and decisions are often made collaboratively.
We value helping each other succeed, celebrating victories together, and providing comfort and support during challenging times. This sense of family extends beyond our immediate community, often one of the first things visitors notice and appreciate about us. The emphasis on doing community well is not just an internal principle but a testimony to those we welcome into our space.
Our family-oriented culture is one of its most defining characteristics. It's a place where relationships are cherished, everyone has a role to play, and collective well-being is a shared priority. This emphasis on nurturing a loving, supportive, and inclusive community sets us apart and makes us not just a place to worship but a home to many.
FOLLOWING THE CLOUD
We remain attuned to the Holy Spirit's guidance, always ready to adapt and follow His leadership in our mission and life.
In our journey as a movement, "Following the Cloud" captures our commitment to dynamic spiritual responsiveness, mirroring the Israelites' reliance on God's guidance through the cloud in the wilderness. This cultural cornerstone emphasizes our collective attunement to the Holy Spirit's direction, ready to adapt and evolve as He leads. We embrace change not as a challenge but as an opportunity to deepen our faith and expand our mission. Our path is not static; it is a vibrant journey marked by continuous learning, growth, and a willingness to venture into the unknown, trusting in the Holy Spirit's guidance. This ethos ensures that we remain flexible, open to new possibilities, and aligned with God's unfolding purpose for our community and the world.