Mawsley Church

Who we are:

§ A Multi-denominational church

God has brought together in Mawsley Christians from many different denominational backgrounds.

We respect this diversity and all people are welcome.

§ A Local ‘parish’ church

The people of Mawsley are the church’s primary concern and the church supports other churches in the UK and overseas.

We are committed to working with other churches in theimmediate area,including the Four Spires Group of churches.

§ A Fresh expression of church

We believe God has given the people of Mawsley an opportunity to build a Christian community which is central to village life and relevant to contemporary culture.

§ A Church without a building

We believe the ‘church’ is a family of God’s people. We meet at The Centre At Mawsley and in homes in the village.

What we are about: (Vision)

§ Growing faith – there is always more to learn; as we grow together we are able to understand more and make what we know part of the way we live.

§ Sharing faith – we want to share the good news of Jesus Christ with all those we meet and provide an open, accessible and relevant opportunity for those who want to know more to do so.

§ Living faith – we seek to put our faith into action every day, love one another and serve the community in which we live.

We want to be: (Values)

§ A ‘making it real’ church – we aim to make Christianity relevant to real life; applying the bible’s teaching in a practical way to C21 living.

§ A Bible based church – the Bible is the foundation on which Mawsley Church is being built; in it we learn about God, ourselves and how we should live.

§ A welcoming church – where everybody is valued; we accept people as they are and where they are, just as Jesus did. We value the contribution of all – men and women, young and old. Questions are encouraged and there is no question that cannot be asked.

§ A church where prayer is a way of life – this is fundamental to the Church; all that we do must be done in an attitude of prayer, acknowledging that God listens to our prayer and always answers (but sometimes not as we might like!).

§ A church built from small groups – Mawsley Church is built on the principles of Cell church; smaller units coming together as one larger entity. This is the primary means of discipleship and is key to our growth in two ways:

o As a means to understand, learn and discuss practical Christian living

o As a way of incorporating new people into the Church community

§ A mission-centred church – resourcing, equipping & sending out; we are part of the worldwide church and support in prayer and financially those people in Christian ministry in the UK and overseas. We aim to provide opportunities to train and support people who can be sent out in Christian ministry.

§ A united church – we are one in Christ and are brought together in Christ’s love regardless of our gender, age, Christian experience, cultural or church background. Acknowledging our diversity we are committed to each member of the church and seek to remain united in all circumstances.

§ A church where all are involved – the church is one body comprised of many parts; all are encouraged to be actively involved in the church. To enable this we seek to be a nurturing and training church.

§ A church for all ages – providing opportunities for children, young people and all ages to learn about and grow in Christian faith.

§ A financially self-sufficient church – giving is an important part of Christian discipleship and those committed to Mawsley Church are encouraged, relative to their means, to contribute financially to the church.

What we believe

Through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the world has been reconciled to God, and in Jesus Christ salvation has been offered to all people. Through him we have been called into a new relationship with God and with one another. It is a relationship inaugurated by God in Christ through the Holy Spirit, appropriated by faith, nurtured and deepened through all forms of ministry, and expressed in a confession of one faith and a common life of loving service.

(Ecumenical Notes - Churches Together in England)

We understand the mission of the Church to be:

§ to proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom

§ to teach, baptise and nurture new believers

§ to respond to human need by loving service

§ to seek to transform unjust structures of society

§ to strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the life of the earth.

(Forum of Churches Together in England 1977)

10th June 2007