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January seems like a good time to think about the 'big picture'. So here are a few thoughts on what The Bay Church is all about.

Our vision has always been to see God build a church here that will reflect and serve the diverse area we are in for generations to come.

We emphasise 'church' because the local church is God's way of bringing in his kingdom, and also because, in our individualistic age, the whole idea of belonging to a church is under pressure.

We say it is 'God' who must 'build' because establishing a church is a miracle that only God himself can do. We plant, and we water, but it is God alone who gives the increase.

We say it must 'reflect' the diversity around us because Jesus does not belong to any one class or economic category or ethnic group, but to us all. Jesus speaks every language and relates to every culture.

We say the church must 'serve' the community around us because Christ himself came to serve. The greatest thing we can do in the service of others is to share the gospel. But we know we are without credibility if that is all we are willing to share. The incarnation of the Son of God is our model in this.

We say it is 'for generations to come' because we know this is not the work of a moment. Our job is to lay a solid foundation and prepare another generation to take on the task. This is not to exclude the possibility that God can do great things suddenly. It is simply to recognise that we have a responsibility to think and plan long term.