How we operate and why we operate this way

We believe there is no single perfect administrative model for every church setting. Across the world there are many different ways people gather and organise themselves. Our aim is not to say that our way is the only right way. Our aim is simply to work toward a safe, friendly, and welcoming environment where people can grow in God together.

In larger groups, quieter people can often get left out, while those who are naturally more dominant can end up taking most of the time and attention. Church is not a popularity contest or who knows who, It is not about who can do the most activities or who has the most issues. It is about being a healthy and happy family, united by God.

The church is the body of Christ, and the body has many members. Because of that, every member matters. We want gatherings where people can actually be known, heard, encouraged, and cared for.

Our aim is to build small local gatherings, much like a house church model. These gatherings are designed to stay relational, simple, and healthy.

As a gathering grows, we seek the Lord and pray together for a man who can lead by example and care for another small gathering. In this way, the community can grow without losing its family feel.

This pattern can then be repeated. Our mission is to spread the word of God and to see people change their lives by the power of God.

Although we gather locally in smaller groups, we also believe it is important to come together as one body. For that reason, two to three times a year we plan to gather everyone together for a combined weekend of fellowship and teaching.

For these larger times together, we may hire a conference room or a hall. These gatherings are intended to have a real in-reach focus — a time to strengthen one another, openly discuss how things are going, share what God is doing in different locations, and encourage the church as a whole.

These larger times together may include fellowship, teaching, open discussion forums, and presentations from different locations, so everyone can see the growth and work taking place in God’s church.

We encourage our children to be children. They come with all sorts of personalities, energy levels, and behaviour, and they are a valued part of the life of the church.

Where possible, we encourage each gathering to include children in what we are doing if they are willing. At the same time, we also recognise that children may simply need to be themselves during gatherings.

Because of that, children are free to sit with the group, or play quietly nearby. They may read books, draw, or play with toys, much like they would at home.

We do not run a formal Sunday school in our weekly gatherings. Our hope is that as children hear prayer, conversation, singing, and discussion about God, they will naturally begin to understand and grow as they get older.

For this reason, we try to avoid distractions such as headphones or streaming devices that would separate them from what is happening around them. We want them to be present, even if they are not fully engaged yet.

During our larger combined gatherings and conferences, we do provide a creche and Sunday school environment so that both children and adults can be supported in a more structured way when needed.

We love our children and pray for them. Our desire is that as they grow, they will come to establish their own personal relationship with God.

Repentance, baptism, and receiving the Holy Spirit are not decisions made for them, but choices they come to themselves at an age where they understand and believe.

The smaller gatherings are where much of the ongoing life of the church happens. They are also part of the outward mission — spreading the word of God, baptising people, and praying with people to receive the Holy Spirit.

The format of each gathering is simple and casual, usually around a table. We talk, eat, pray, and share life together.

Then we close and continue our walk with God, looking forward to gathering again the following week.

We also encourage people, where possible and according to their own personal circumstances, to stay in contact during the week. This might look like coffee, dinner, a phone call, a prayer visit, or simply keeping in touch.

Church life is not only what happens in one meeting. It is also the way we care for and encourage one another through the week.

We operate with one central bank account for donations. We do not teach tithing as a fixed committed percentage. Instead, people are free to give what they can as a donation.

These funds are used for practical purposes such as:

• • Hiring venues for combined conferences and gatherings
• • Supporting community needs
• • Helping where practical care is required

We are committed to full transparency with this account. Our intention is to publicly share the accounting information so that people can clearly see how funds are being handled and used.

Above all, we encourage people to pray to God and to be grateful for the work He is doing, not only in our own lives, but in the lives of others also.

Our goal is not just to run meetings. Our goal is to build a healthy and happy family in God, where people can grow, be supported, and continue faithfully in the life He has given us.