A introduction from our lead pastor.
We are taking time as a church to prayerfully seek God in his leading of us as His church.
Our vision is simple: Jesus and His glory! As we are captivated by him, it is timely, given the new people joining our church and ongoing changes in our area to pause and consider how we might best bring glory to God in our area.
Our current vision statement is:
Our vision is to be a diverse, ever-growing church family. The grace of Jesus unites and transforms us to worship God wholeheartedly, love each other deeply and serve our community boldly.
We also use another statement: We are ordinary people encountering the extraordinary God.
“Lord our God, wisdom and might belong to you. You have called your church to go and make disciples, and proclaim the saving grace of the Lord Jesus. We seek your blessing as we discern your will for our church.
Speak to us through your word and by your Spirit. Grant us wisdom and insight as we listen. Root and establish us in your love that overflows to others. Give us imagination for your kingdom here in Toongabbie and beyond. Unite us in purpose as we seek your will.
We ask this in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, the cornerstone of the church, your son, and our saviour.
Amen”
Our goal, timeline and journey so far
Our goal is to produce 5 focus areas for the next 5 years of TAC with 3-4 values and perhaps a renewed church statement that represents our identity and our vision.
If you were not able to attend the discernment workshops you are still able to make a contribution using this form (up until Easter).
Other resources in the journey so far
The discernment workshops paper included summaries from many observations and feedback. This included simply observing our area in new ways using the discernment walk resource.
The following listening, loving, longing framework was used in the initial preaching series that launched our period of discernment.
Resources
Lectio 365 App (based on ancient “spiritual reading” practices)
Guidance and Voice of God (in library)
Practices
1. Listening to God’s Word
2. Being present with God in quietness (rhythms that cultivate listening)
3. Listening to God in our circumstances
Has God given you a verse or a word?
4. Listening to God in His people
5. Respond to what you’ve heard in prayer
6. Respond to what you’ve heard in action
Questions
1. What is God saying to you?
2. How have you seen God at work in your life?
3. How have you seen God at work at TAC?
Looking for God’s word in action in our history.
Do these evidences/behaviours sketch out some of our values?
Resources
Missional Hospitality (book in our library)
No Greater love (book in our library)
How to speak about Jesus and not be that guy (book in our library)
Practices
Reflect on the love of God in your life
Send a message of encouragement to someone you know is in need
Get to know your literal neighbour!
Prayer walk / Cultural Exegesis (what are you noticing about our local community)
Practice missional hospitality (sharing life and food with others)
Questions
Who has God put on your heart / in front of you this week?
How have you seen the love of God at work in yours and others lives?
What makes loving others hard for you?
Who are our neighbours?
Where have we loved our neighbours well?
What would a more multi-cultural church look like for TAC?
How do you feel TAC holds in tension the dimensions of love (upward, inward, outward)?
As you think about TAC holding out the love of Christ to those around us what is on your heart?
Resources
Coming
Practices
Learn to day dream for the kingdom (join your hopes and heaven!)
Be persistent
Be expectant
Grieve disapointments with God (Psalm 13)
Wait upon the Lord (Lamentations 3:22-26)
Explore and taste-test (approve) God’s will (Rom 12:2)
Questions
What have you recently been able to test and approve of God’s will (Rom 12:2)?
What has stopped you being bold before God?
What are your hopes for TAC in the next 5 years?
What are your hopes for our community in the next 5 years?
Spiritual Gifts Questionnaire
This assessment will take approximately 20 minutes to complete. It has 5 components: Spiritual Gifts, Heart (Passions), Abilities, Personality, and Experience. Please give yourself sufficient time to complete the test.