House Doctor
Today was lots of fun. Someone in the church is trying to sell their house at the moment, so eight of us went round to tidy up, paint a room, swap the contents of two of the bedrooms, and generally make it more martketable. It was hard work, but very sociable.
14 Comments:
Why no e-mail contact details? Anyway, I'm interested in your church. I've been an atheist for 25 years, but am thinking of returning to Christ. I live in Uckfield. I have a few questions I'd like to ask.
What are your views, as a church, on evolution?
What about abortion?
What do you think hell is?
Good point about the email details. I'm still tinkering with the site, so I'll add it to my list of things to do. In the mean time:
office AT kingschurchuckfield DOT org DOT uk
As you have asked for our views "as a church", I'll get Robert, our pastor, to answer your questions. Either he or I will post the answers soon.
Hello Simon - well, you can tell me your personal views as well if you want :-)
I like the web site by the way - looks nice. I'm a web designer/ developer myself :-)
Glad you like the site. I wish I had more time for it. I've got a couple of others on the go, and my day job, and a family, etc. I'd be interested to see some of your sites. Have you any I can look at?
I've just seen Robert's answers, and he'll hopefully post them soon; I've shown him how to use the blogging software, but he hasn't posted anything yet.
I'll think about my answers, as I haven't got anything black and white . Hopefully they'll be similar to Robert's ;-)
>I'd be interested to see some of your sites. Have you any I can look at?
I work on an intranet, so no can do. I will be launching a web site for my employer soon though.
I see you are an asp .net man. Hoping to move that way myself soon. Are you a css/ web standards bod like me?
I meant to ask your/ Robert's views about homosexuality as well - questions, questions!
Thank you for questions: we believe that God is the one who started it all off, Genesis is not a science text book but was written to encourage people not to worship stars, trees etc but the God who made it all.
We are basically pro-life, we are also pro-support for women who find themselves torn apart by finding themselves pregnant
Hell in the Bible is separation from God, where there is darkness, pain and loneliness
I do use CSS, but not that brilliantly yet. There are so many little tricks to learn for different browser versions, and whether to use quirks mode or not. I've spent a long time at work on a project getting a three row layout working in IE and Mozilla (everyone talks about three columns), which was really interesting, but rather fiddly at the same time. As I don't do many sites, and work stuff is mainly C# back end code now, I doubt I'll ever be really good at it, but I can usually work out something suitable given enough time.
I've used CSS for the styles and layout of this site (and my others, which are worryingly similar), and put the styles in classes rather than adding a style attribute to the HTML tags, and I'm pretty sure I'm not using tables for any layout (although I used to!).
As for standards, the main page of this site has 29 failures on the w3 validator, which I may get round to sorting out. I confess that I'm not as fanatical as I should be about standards. Knowing me, I'll probably wait until somebody tells me they need them before actually doing it!
I can definitely recommend moving to ASP.NET. It's all so much easier than old ASP. At work I'm using Beta 1 of the 2005 version, which is fantastic. Master pages alone are going to make a big difference to me.
Let me know when your work site is up, I'd like to see it.
Thanks for your reply Robert.
When you say that Genesis is not a science text book, I am interpreting that as meaning that you do not hold to a Young Earth Creationist position. Am I right?
You say you are pro-life. How far do you take this? From my perspective I think that abortions will happen whether they are outlawed or not. I'm not saying they are a good thing. I don't think there is any good way of handling this situation, it's a matter of choosing a lesser evil.
I assume that if there is darkness in hell, it may not quite be the raging inferno I was taught about in my youth. There seem to be a myriad of views about what hell actually is.
What are your views on homosexuality?
Regards,
Anthony
Hi Simon.
Well, I used to use layout tables etc, but recently read this book, by Jeffrey Zeldman. Now I use css layouts all the time. Much easier, more logical. I can really recommend the book - written in humorous and entertaining style.
I'll let you know when my site is up. I am ging to be re-doing the intranet and look to use SQL server and asp .net, but that will be probably a year into the future.
Regards,
Anthony
Anthony
Thank you for your comments
What is our view on Homosexuality?
We believe that the Bible is clear in what it teaches, that the practice of homosexuality is wrong. But then again adultery, lying, racism, persecution and bigotry are also wrong!
Robert
I like your answer, Robert! Thank you for answering my questions.
Regards,
Anthony
Anthony
Glad to be of help.
Robert
I have been following the King’s Church for a while, and I believe its God’s calling that I critically review and comment on the Church’s Vision and Values as I do not have the ability to attend the upcoming training in these. I trust that this objective review and questions is treated with respect and appreciation.
Firstly what is a Vision
If we think of the being a member of the King’s Church as the first step in a journey towards a more Christian future, it is important to have a clear idea of our destination. The vision should be used to measure where the Church wants to be in the future.
A vision is a broad idealistic statement regarding social, environmental and economic future, which focuses on core values and long term goals of the King’s Church. The visioning process is about encouraging long-term thinking of its members. It is a summary of the goals of the Kings Church strategy and indicates the outcomes it seeks in becoming a Christian.
This shared vision of our Christian future should be used to frame all our discussions on how to identify the issues, which issues to prioritise, how to measure these priority issues and how to implement the action plan. The King’s Church vision should focus us on the goals we need to set and the changes we want to make to create a future that is different from the ‘business as usual’ situation.
Vision
A Life Worth Living
Jesus was filled with compassion when he looked upon the crowds of people who flocked to Him. Jesus came into the world to set people free from every kind of oppression. He came to bring life. Life which is rich and full and throbbing with .... life!
Above all, Jesus came to bring people into a living relationship with God the Father. He did this by providing forgiveness of sins through His death on the cross for all who put their trust in Him. But Jesus did not remain dead. He came back to life and was taken up into heaven where He is alive right now. Jesus longs that people everywhere should discover the joy of knowing God and living for Him.
How does this relate to the King’s Church and the Uckfield community? Surely the vision should reflect the Kings Church and the vision of Jesus Christ. What did he wish us to achieve? Should we start with ourselves, and our families…before the church? What is God’s plan for us as a Church? Do we really know? I agree with a life worth living, but is this a Vision or a value? If it’s a vision, then how that will be achieved?
Build the Church; reach the lost
It is our vision, in the King's Church, to impact the Uckfield area with the good news of Jesus Christ. God called us more than ten years ago to build a lively, dynamic Church in Uckfield that would affect the whole area. We have a twofold priority as a Church: to build the Church as a loving community and to reach the lost with the message of Jesus.
We aim to build our church so that it has a heart beat of faith, and that love extends to those in need or are lost. God is all around us, he guides us to do his work. Our vision drives us to deliver a vibrant and lively church that is true inclusive.
People on fire (Why use the word fire? Can be seen as positive or negative word) Investing in our own people and our Church community. For people on the out
Our greatest resource in achieving this goal is people. People who will lay down their lives for the gospel. People who will die to their personal goals and ambitions and take up the challenge of working together to see the Uckfield area won for Christ. People who have been touched by the fire of God and are burning with a passion to see His purpose fulfilled.
Our church recognises that our biggest asset is our dynamic congregation and our surrounding community. Our people recognise the importance of the Gospel, and will offer all their internal power to help the Church to extend God’s call.
Town and villages Supporting our surrounding Community
God has called us not only to Uckfield, but also to the surrounding villages including Buxted, Framfield, Isfield, Maresfield and Newick. Our aim is to establish Community Groups in each village and to plant out strong, lively Churches as God directs us.
The whole body of Christ Developing our Christian Faith through our extended family.
We will not achieve our vision alone, but in partnership with others in the body of Christ. Through our involvement with Newfrontiers, a growing family of Churches across the world, we receive encouragement, training and apostolic leadership to equip us for the task. We also have growing relationships with other evangelical Churches in the Uckfield area and we are confident that this will lead to more co-operation in the work of the gospel. Does this include the acknowledgement of other faiths?
Go into all the world
Jesus commissioned His followers to go throughout the world proclaiming the gospel message. The King's Church, Uckfield is involved in the work of the gospel across the world through prayer, financial giving and the sending of gifted people. This is done in partnership with Newfrontiers, which has a ministry to plant new Churches and strengthen existing Churches throughout the UK and in nine other nations. We also support an aid project run by Churches in Romania and have friendship links with other Churches around the world.
I note that the Chruch’s Vision’s have failed to acknowledge God creation (Our environment). What is the Church’s vision towards the Environment? Looking at our local, Regional and global issues. This can include poverty, climate change, fair trade, supporting local economy, protecting local landscapes. Our public transport issues, local educational facilities. Etc. If the church is to connect and address today’s needs, you need a vision that captures those issues.
Values
God's pattern for Church life is given in the New Testament. The King's Church, Uckfield holds a number of values which we believe are important for us to build a Church which is faithful to the Bible and relevant to people today.
I acknowledge Values are very personal attributes. My Christian values are based on
 Being honest
 Don't kill
 Don’t swear or be rude to others
 Look after the vulnerable
 Be positive about others and yourself
 Respect your mother and father and older generation
 Enjoy life to the full
 Nothing in excess
 Be true to God 
 Treat others as you would like to be treated 
 Be true to yourself
 Protect your family
 Try your best at all times
 Look after your health.
 Don't commit adultery
 Live within your means
 Appreciate what you have
 Never be violent
 Protect the environment
 Protect and nurture children
 Take responsibility for your own actions
 Don't steal
Based on these values I will now evaluate the Values of the Kings Church
The Power of the Spirit
Ever since the day of Pentecost, Jesus has been pouring out the Holy Spirit on his people. We need to be continually filled with the Holy Spirit so that we can be effective and productive as Christians. We need the power of the Spirit so that we can boldly proclaim the good news of Jesus. (Acts 1:4-8; Acts 2:1-13; Acts 2:33; Ephesians 5:18-20)
Is this actually a Value? Could be reflected as “Be true to God?â€
The Word of God
The Bible is the inspired word of God. It is the final authority for what we believe and do, both as individual Christians and as a Church. We need the power of the Holy Spirit both to understand the Bible and for it to affect the way we live. As a Church we are committed to regular teaching of the Bible in the power of the Holy Spirit. (2 Timothy 3:16-17; Hebrews 4:12-13; 1 Corinthians 2:12-14)
Repetitive from above as a value? Be true to God? Could be combined?
The Grace of God
God's grace is His undeserved love which He lavishes on those who have faith in Jesus. If we are in Christ, God deals with us in love and mercy and not with anger and sternness. As we grasp the truth of God's grace, we are set free from guilt and are able to serve God with much energy and great joy. (Romans 3:21-26; Romans 4:4-8; Ephesians 2:1-10)
Can be interpretated as Treat others as you would like to be treated in the eyes of the Lord. Also enjoy life to the full.
Worship to God
As Christians we are filled with joy and thanksgiving because of what Jesus has done for us. Worship filters into every part of our life. As a Church we give high priority to worship, which is a joyful expression of praise to God and which makes use of all the creative abilities He has given us. (Psalm 100; Psalm 150; Ephesians 1:3; Ephesians 5:19-20) Be True to God?
A Loving Community
The Bible refers to the Church as the Body of Christ and God's plan is that we should be closely joined together. In the Church we express God's love by caring for one another spiritually, practically and financially. Each member belongs to all the others; we are accountable to one another for how we live and work out our faith in Christ. ( 1 Corinthians 12:12-13:13; Romans 12:4-8; Galatians 6:1-2)
Good – but what about the extended community….Accountable is a good word to use. Are we really accountable to each other or God alone? We should also be transparent about our goals, and our objectives.
Reaching the Lost
Jesus came into the world to seek and to save the lost. He calls us to continue His mission by proclaiming the gospel throughout the world. As a Church, we make it a priority to tell people about Jesus. We encourage this at two levels - individually as we each speak to the people around us, and together, through organised events and activities. (Luke 19:10; Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8; Acts 8:1-4)
I interpret this as “Look after the vulnerableâ€
Every Member Ministry
God gives every Christian spiritual gifts so that we can all be involved in building one another up and reaching out to a lost world. Are we living in a lost world? Like a human body, the body of Christ cannot function properly if some members are missing or are not working properly. Each one has a part to play. The task of Church leaders is to motivate, train and equip each member to fulfil their place in the body. (Ephesians 4:11-16; 1 Corinthians 12:1-31; Romans 12:4-8) Have you ever mapped out the congregation and the roles everyone plays, and carried out gap analysis. That would be something that would give you great insight, and wisdom to the needs of the Church.
Leadership
Leaders who are called and gifted by God are vital for the health and growth of the Church. The King's Church, Uckfield is led by a team of elders who direct the Church and care for the people. They are helped by group leaders and others with responsibility for different aspects of Church life. In addition to local leaders, God has given apostolic leaders who have the vision and ability to bring Churches together in a common cause. The King's Church, Uckfield receives apostolic oversight from Terry Virgo and the team he leads, through our involvement in New Frontiers International. (Acts 20:13-38; 1 Timothy 3:1-7; Ephesians 4:11-13; 1 Corinthians 3:10)
Thank you so much for your comments, in our Vision and Values booklet (I think you are quoting from an older edition)we go into greater detail and give people a chance to ask questions,
You will know that we are are fairtrade (having been asked by the town council to help organise their recent fairtrade day)and that a number of our folks were involved in cleaning up the Uck and litter picking around the town.
We are constantly seeking to make our faith real and practical.
We would see ourselves as a people on a journey, seeking to glorify and honour God in every area of our lives, both, corporate and communal.
I will certainly prayerfully consider the things that you have said
Robert
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