Vision
Take up your cross and follow Jesus, by going ‘deep.’
As we consider the future direction of Strandtown Baptist Church, we want to propose 2 Corinthians 3:18 as our theme verse, with a renewed focus on “being transformed into the image” of Christ.
We are persuaded that our focus needs to be on the people that God wants us to be, rather than the programs, activities and events that we run.
In context, 2 Corinthians 3:18 is primarily speaking about what the Holy Spirit desires to do in us. However, the New Testament also teaches that there are a whole series of things that we need to do to open ourselves up to the influence of the Holy Spirit and keep in step with Him (Galatians 5:16).
Therefore, if we want to become more like the Lord Jesus then we need to do what he did. If we want to experience intimacy with our Heavenly Father, enjoy a deep sense of peace and purpose, reach the lost and make an impact for the Kingdom of God, we will need to form our lives around Jesus’s practices. We believe that we are all called to deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow Jesus by ‘going DEEP’. As we move forward, this is what we will be committing to in the life of our church:
D: Devoted to God’s Word
“It is written: 'Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God'”
Matthew 4:4
Bible Teaching: Commitment to have clear, relevant, in-depth Bible teaching in all ministries including Sunday morning services, Children’s ministry, Encounter, and Life Groups.
Bible Reading: Commitment to reading the Bible both personally and together. Resourcing people to read God’s word together by continually highlighting a range of resources available to all ages within our church family.
Seminars: Commitment to facilitating mid-week seminars and short courses where we focus on a particular topic which will help people to understand and obey God’s word more effectively.
E: Engaged in the Body of Christ
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms”
1 Peter 4:8-10
Service and Hospitality: Commitment of individuals to love one another, to serve together in our church ministries, and to engage in fellowship in our Life Groups.
Developing Leaders: Commitment to develop leaders and servants within the church and within our ministries, which involves identifying, recruiting, and training potential elders, ministry leaders, and life group leaders.
Staff Team: Commitment to developing and supporting the staff team, to further equip our church family for works of service.
E: Examples of Christ in the World
“In your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”
1 Peter 3:15
Evangelism: Commitment to see people won to Christ through our ministries, including Christianity Explored, Holiday Bible Club, Encounter, and other events.
Church Planting and Community Engagement: Commitment to actively consider church planting and revitalisation in East Belfast, and to serve our surrounding community.
Acts Team: Commitment to supporting ‘frontline’ mission, short-term mission trips, and long-term mission partners through the Acts team.
P: Prioritising Prayer
“Pray without ceasing”
1 Thessalonians 5:17
Personal Prayer: Commitment to grow in our prayer lives so that we may become more devoted to the Lord and more dependent on Him.
Corporate Prayer: Commitment to pray persistently in our church services, in our ministries and in Life Groups. Continue to prioritise and grow our corporate prayer meeting, and to cultivate a wider culture of prayer within the life of the church.
Small Group Prayer: Encouraging people to meet in smaller groups to pray together, deepen relationships, and keep each other accountable in their walk with Christ.