Our statements of vision and hope.

- it is our anticipation that our Church will fulfil its calling in God. Our motto describes this, our vision shows who we are, our mission expresses what we do.

Christ-centered, Spirit led, People focused

- is how we describe Stirling Family Church.

We see a church living in His Power and Presence

- is who we are, expressed as vision.

We are a church who Make a Difference everyday in every generation in the name of Jesus

- is what we do, expressed as mission.

Why do we have statements?

Commentators suggest that while Millennial’s are driven by growth, a balanced lifestyle, and security, a recent study showed that those born between 1994 and 2001 (GenZ) are driven more by purpose, passion, and impact. Some commentators suggest that Generation Z will be known as the “Purpose Generation.” In other words, statements of vision and purpose are welcomed by Gen Z.

And yet it is also true that every generation desires to leave their mark, and make an impact. Every generation determines to build with passion, with purpose - and belong to something bigger; and something shared. It should not surprise us that the Bible has a lot to say about purpose and passion and the importance of communicating vision:

Write down the vision, make it plain on the tablets, so that the reader may run with it. (Hab 2:2)

The Bible in this verse expresses the communication of vision through a picture of a person running, carrying something like a headline, or a readable statement. The genius of this picture is that the runner who passes by in the moment carries and expresses that purpose and hope so plainly that others can capture the heart and call and mandate. This is why we have statements. Our intent is that a clear vision becomes an invitation to engage and easily belong, to run together, and share in something bigger! We want our readers to run with vision!

Our hope.

One way we can consider our hope is to have words that describe who we are and how we interact. We can describe our values and culture and what matters to us both in the everyday small things, and in the larger matters of life.

Psalm 100 provides a simple 5 verse summary that expresses our hope as values, culture and interactions. If we were to describe who we are and how we live as a Church Family, we would describe Psalm 100:

Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth! Worship the Lord with gladness. Come before Him, singing with joy. Acknowledge that the Lord is God! He made us, and we are His. We are His people, the sheep of His pasture. Enter His gates with thanksgiving; go into His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him and praise His name. For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and His faithfulness continues to each generation.

Our Culture in practice. (Psalm 100)

Our culture, that is our actions, engagements, deeds and words are expressed as:

• Joy - Bring the joy of salvation to everyone we meet

• Worship - Our entire lives are a living sacrifice of worship

• Gathering - Encourage one another to worship, unity and service

• Generous - Generous in caring, sharing, giving and time

• Learning - Discipleship through practical biblical teaching and practice

• Thankfulness - Express thankfulness and humility before the Lord and to each other

• Generational - Every decision ensures the generations grow stronger

Our Identity in Jesus. (Psalm 100)

·       We are the Lords, He made us and we are His.  We are loved, and He is faithful.