Vision, Mission and Values
Our Mission
Meadow View Baptist Church exists to INTRODUCE people to Christ, to INTEGRATE them into His church, to INVOLVE everyone in His mission, to INSPIRE His worship, and to INITIATE fellowship with His people.
- INTRODUCE people to Christ is EVANGELISM
- INTEGRATE them into His church is DISCIPLESHIP
- INVOLVE everyone in His mission is MINISTRY
- INSPIRE His worship is WORSHIP
- INITIATE fellowship with His people is FELLOWSHIP
Our Values
Our Values are our guiding principles – the distinctives that are important to us as we carry out our purpose
- We Value the clear teaching and application of Scripture.
The Bible is God’s inspired and inerrant Word. It is both timeless and timely, relevant to the needs of all people at all times. Therefore, we are committed to equipping Christians through the preaching and teaching of the Word of God, to follow Christ in every aspect of life. We will strive to be “doers of the Word and not hearers only.” (Js. 1:22)
- We Value Prayer
The Christian life is a spiritual battle. The weapons of our warfare as described in 2 Cor. 10:4 are not carnal but mighty through God. Therefore we will support our ministries and members through personal and corporate prayer.
- We Value the Gospel
Our main task in this world is to carry the clear and simple message of the Gospel to people who are lost and on their way to an eternity in Hell. Therefore, we will apply our resources both financial and personal to this endeavour, and actively engage in being a witness both corporately and individually.
- We Value People
Every individual is a unique creation of God and eternally valuable to Him. We will love each person with whom we come in contact. We will accept people where they are in their spiritual journey, but love them enough to challenge them to become everything God wants them to be.
- We Value Family
The family was instituted by God even before the church. We will encourage and support the building of strong families through teaching. We will also respect their need for time together by not overburdening the church calendar.
- We Value Community
The early church was a community of believers that Lived in Fellowship every day. (Acts 2:41-47) They met the needs of one another physically, spiritually and emotionally. In following their example, we are committed to growing a strong network of small groups that are caring communities within the body.
- We Value Relevance
In today’s rapidly changing world, forms and methods must be continually evaluated, and altered as necessary to fit new conditions. Colossians 4:5 tells us to “walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time.” Therefore, we will seek to be culturally relevant (make sense to those outside) whilst remaining doctrinally pure. We are more concerned with effectiveness in ministry than adherence to tradition.
- We Value Excellence
The God of our salvation deserves the best we have to offer. When ministry is carried out to the best of our ability it brings God glory and inspires people. Therefore, in our ministries and our activities, we will do our best with the time, resources and people available to us. We will limit ourselves to only doing as much as can be done well, based on stated ministry objectives.
- We Value Lay Ministry
The primary responsibility of the pastors in the local church is to equip the people for service. Therefore, the ministry of the church will be placed as much as possible in the hands of the people.
- We Value Purpose Driven Decisions
It is important that we use our resources wisely and focus our energies effectively. Therefore, every activity and decision will be derived from God’s biblical purposes.
- We Value Youth and Children
Our youth and children are not only the church of tomorrow but are a vital and integral part of the body today. We believe that God has given them gifts and abilities to be used inside and outside the church. Therefore, we will encourage youth and children by giving them ample opportunities for service and adequate training for ministry.
Our Vision
To IMPACT and INFLUENCE the Northern suburbs of Melbourne for Christ through taking a personal INTEREST in the INDIVIDUALS living there.
- We envision a place where the people of our area find acceptance, hope, truth, and love; a place where people are welcomed as they are, yet helped to become what God intends for them to be.
- We envision a church with a positive reputation in our surrounding community; a church that reaches out in loving relevant ways, bringing others into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
- We envision a diverse group of believers and seekers who gather together in services of celebration and worship where people can learn the timeless truth about God and His Word in a way that is meaningful to their lives.
- We envision a church that understands God’s love for all peoples and reaches beyond our local community to take the message of His love to the world; a church with a clear awareness of its role in God’s redemptive plan for the world.
- We envision being a church that is committed to fulfilling its Biblical purpose by God’s grace, in God’s strength, and for God’s glory.