United Parish Values: Deepening, Shaping, Reaching, Partnering With God's Love.pdf

Welcome to the United Parish of Christ Church, Ballynure and St John’s, Ballyclare. We are a community church with God at the centre, seeking to share his love to everyone, regardless of age or stage in life's spiritual journey. Our values are important, as they bring us closer to what we believe is on God's heart for us today. These values determine the ministries we serve through, and remind us of how to use our resources for His glory.

The cross of Jesus must be at the centre of all we are as a Church family. It demonstrates God's love towards all humanity, and provides people with an everlasting hope. We believe there must be a high value of importance placed on God's Word, and encourage people to explore ways in which His Word can 'soak' into daily lives through personal devotion, bible studies, and small group discussion.

We desire to provide care for the pastoral needs of those who consider themselves part of the church family, and those within the wider community who need to know how much God loves them. We recognise the importance of prayer, and demonstrating the power of the Holy Spirit through restoration & healing.

Possible ministries in which this can be demonstrated include:

1. Prayer Ministry Teams in both churches
2. Developing our Pastoral Visiting Teams
3. Additional staffing to support the Rector in pastoral care
4. Monthly Healing Services in both churches
5. Intercessory Prayer Requests throughout the week
6. Bereavement counselling (post funeral)

We desire for a longing in our church family, that as we meet together in worship, we may seek to grow more deeply through the power of the Holy Spirit. We desire a deeper understanding of God's Word through discipleship, prayer, and service, to prevent today's culture or society from shaping our behaviour and values.

Possible ministries in which this can be demonstrated include:

1. Licensed lay people leading Sunday Worship
2. Review of existing House Groups
3. Developing our worship music
4. Focused thematical teaching
5. Development of new small groups

We desire to have a deeper relationship with God, and to grow more deeply through the power of the Holy Spirit.