Lifegate Community Church

...a life changing church

Vision 2008

Lifegate Church is a healthy and growing Church that is changing people's lives. We have seen consistent growth over the past 4 years and I will believe this will continue in 2008.

The vision for this year is Build Strong . Change Lives.

Build Strong

To build strong we are emphasising Lifegroups and mentoring.

Lifegroups

The vision for Lifegroups to become the heart beat of Lifegate Church. These groups will have four main purposes:

• Empowering - It is in these groups that people will be empowered to fulfil their calling in God, by understanding and applying Scripture, praying for our Church and the community, recognising gifting in others, and moving in the gifts and power of the Holy Spirit.
• Supporting - It is in these groups that people will be cared for and supported; a place where needs can be met.
• Reaching Out - These groups become a place to invite friends with the purpose of introducing them to Jesus, and serving the community as a Lifegroup.
• Multiplication - The fourth purpose of these groups is to multiply. As lifegroups grow in numbers, and leaders are trained, these groups will then reproduce themselves.

Mentoring

The vision is for mentoring to be wide spread across Lifegate. The plan is for mentoring to being with the staff, then with the ministry leaders and so on, flowing to the rest of the Church.

Change Lives

To change lives we are emphasising the need for personal evangelism.

This does not mean more events or meetings, but rather freeing up the Church to meet with their friends and neighbours, for a barbeque, or cup of coffee, to build relationships and share Jesus with them. To empower the Church to do this, we will be studying the first 3 verses of Hebrews 1 and then the rest of the Book of Acts, looking at the principles for evangelism.

As well as the things above, there are two new kids programs beginning; K2 Kids at Padstow and Xcess 4 Kidz at Wattle Grove. We are beginning the process of teaching Scripture in High Schools, and creating a youth drop-in centre. The young adults are considering running events in Milperra University and a street outreach program and we are researching ways in which we can serve the community.

Other goals include doubling the number of Lifegroups by multiplication, increasing to two morning services at Padstow, increasing the attendance at Wattle Grove by 10 families, beginning the process of planting the Riverwood congregation, having the renovations paid off and a substantial increase in the weekly offerings.

I am very excited about what God is going to do in 2008. Our task is to do what He calls us to and He will do the rest.

Be blessed Church, it is great to be serving Him with you.

Nathan Green