Our name: Abide
Our Church Values
Our name: Abide.
It comes from John 15:5, where Jesus commands us to abide in Him – the true vine. This reminds us that Jesus Christ is the foundation of our life and ministry. Each letter of our name also reminds us of our five values drawn from the Scriptures below, and help us keep God’s will for our lives in view.
AAdore and Obey Christ our Lord
We believe in the Lordship of Christ.
That Jesus is Lord of heaven and earth and deserves to be Lord of our lives,
that His friends are those who do what He commands (John 15:14),
and that God has a purpose for our lives, which begins with surrender and continues in obedience.
John 17:3; Colossians 1:15–19; Philippians 2:9–11.
BBe Biblically Based
We believe that the Bible is God’s holy and inspired Word.
That it means what it says and has authority in the life of the believer,
and that disciples of Jesus cherish and grow in God’s word, endeavouring to honour it and live it out.
2 Timothy 3:16–17; John 8:31; 1 John 5:3; Luke 6:46–48; Matthew 24:35.
IIntentionally Interconnect
We believe that fellowship is an essential part of a believer’s life.
That true disciples want to be together often,
that we find true purpose and freedom as we walk in openness and accountability with other believers,
and that we aren’t designed to walk alone; we need each other and can find our gifts and calling as we commit to Christ’s body.
1 John 1:7; 1 John 3:23; 1 Corinthians 12:20;
Hebrews 10:24–25.
DDisciple Disciple-makers
We believe Jesus came to make disciples, not just converts.
That discipleship involves the lifelong activity of both learning and putting into practice the teaching of Jesus,
that we each need mentors and examples, though we all help to keep each other on track,
and that all disciples should be making disciples.
Matthew 28:19–20; Matthew 7:21.
EEmbrace the Person and Work of the Holy Spirit
We believe the Holy Spirit is God.
That the Father and Son sent the Holy Spirit to give us the life of Christ,
that we are baptised into Christ’s body through the Spirit and bound together in the Spirit,
that the Spirit inspires God’s Word to us, gives gifts to the body, and enables these gifts to be exercised.
Romans 8:14–16; John 14:16–17; John 16:13–15.