The faith we’re built on.
Wherever you are with God, sure, searching, or just curious, you’re welcome here. This is what we hold to as a church: ancient truths, held simply, and lived out warmly in Te Awamutu.
THE HEART OF ITGood news, in plain words.
At the centre of everything is Jesus. We believe God made us for relationship with Him, that we’ve all fallen short and turned away, and that God loved us too much to leave it there. In Jesus, His life, His death on the cross, and His resurrection, God opened the way home.
That offer is for everyone, and it’s received not by being good enough, but by grace, through trusting Him. New life, a new family, and the power of the Holy Spirit to live it, that’s the gospel we gather around every week.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son.”
— John 3:16
OUR STATEMENT OF FAITHWhat we believe
These are the historic Christian convictions we teach and build our life together on.
One God, three persons.
We believe in the one true and living God who eternally exists in three persons in unity: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
The Bible.
We believe in the divine inspiration and authority of the Holy Scriptures.
Creation, sin and salvation.
We believe in the original perfection of creation, the corruption of humanity through the Fall, and the necessity of repentance and new birth by grace, through faith in Christ alone, and the eternal separation from God of those who finally remain unrepentant.
Jesus Christ.
We believe in the virgin birth, sinless life, atoning death, triumphant resurrection, ascension and continuing intercession of our Lord Jesus Christ, His second coming, and His eternal kingdom reign.
New life in Christ.
We believe in the justification and sanctification of believers through the finished work of Christ, their security as they remain in Him, and their future resurrection in an incorruptible body.
Baptism and Communion.
We believe in the sacrament of baptism by immersion, and of the Lord’s Supper.
The baptism of the Holy Spirit.
We believe in the baptism of the Holy Spirit for believers, with supernatural signs, empowering the Church for its mission in the world.
The gifts of the Spirit.
We believe in the gifts of the Holy Spirit for the building up of the Church and ministry to the world.
Leadership and the Church.
We believe in Christ’s leadership of the Church through the ministries of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers, for the unity, maturity and growth of the Church.
Generosity and stewardship.
We believe in the privilege and responsibility of wise stewardship of all that God has given, including the practice of tithing to the local church.
Marriage.
We believe marriage is ordained by God in Scripture as the exclusive union between one man and one woman, for their mutual help and comfort.
HOW WE HOLD THISClear on the essentials, gracious in everything.
We hold these truths with conviction and an open hand. You don’t have to have it all worked out to belong here. Questions are welcome. Faith grows best in a family, over time, around a table.
Come and see for yourself.
The best way to understand a church is to be in the room. Join us this Sunday, or reach out, we’d love to talk it through with you.