About Our Church

Firstly, we’re really glad you found us. If you haven’t attended before, we’d like to briefly let you know what we’re about and what you can expect when you visit.

We believe church is for everyone, it should be enjoyable, understandable and relevant. We want people to truly understand the value, significance and purpose of their life and to begin to experience the joy and peace that comes travelling on that journey.

Lots of people attend church here every Sunday. We meet at 10 am. Occasionally we meet on a Saturday night instead of a Sunday so we can allow our building to be used by the Blood donation service.

There is ample parking at the building, including disabled spaces at the front, with overflow parking available at the nearby school.

The Vine Church spans a range of ages and backgrounds. We believe our children are an important part of the church so there are a variety of Sunday morning children’s gangs from ages one through to primary seven.

We don’t mind how you dress, casual is fine. Our worship style is contemporary and dynamic; it’s led by a band rather than an organ. Each service lasts for about 90 minutes but we don’t lock the doors so you can leave anytime you wish. Our café serves light snacks after the service and many people stay and enjoy having lunch together.

We look forward to warmly welcoming you when you visit.

What Kind of Church Are We?

Independent

Not a member of a historic Christian denomination

Evangelical

What is an evangelical?

The following is taken from the Evangelical Alliance defintion of Evangelical:

We’re evangelical. We’re passionate: about God, about the Church and about the Bible.

We’re evangelical. We’ve decided to live our lives with Jesus – the saviour of the world and son of God – at the centre.

We’re evangelical. We humbly and lovingly believe that the best thing for our families, friends, neighbours, nation and world is that they live their lives with Jesus too.

We’re evangelical. We believe that God is with us and empowers us by His Spirit.

We’re evangelical. We love the Bible. It bears witness to God’s revelation in Jesus Christ. It invites us into the story of God and the world. It guides us in how we live our lives and has so much to say about what it is to be human and how we should do life together: with God and with each other.

We’re evangelical. So we just can’t keep quiet about it.

We’re evangelical.

For more detail on what evangelicalism means, read this paper from EA’s former head of theology.

Ed Stetzer in a CT article gives us a helpful way to understand Evangelical which he says is to follow David Bebbington’s definition with one addition:

1) the Scriptures as our ultimate authority;

2) the crucifixion as our only means for atonement of sin;

3) the importance of personal conversion;

4) activism – being a witness of Christ to our neighbors and society;

5) trusting in the empowering work of the Holy Spirit.

Historian David Bebbington also provides a helpful summary of evangelical distinctives, identifying four primary characteristics of evangelicalism.

Spirit-led

We believe through the Holy Spirit God makes His presence available to every believer. We expect God to move amongst His people in a variety of ways.

In essential beliefs — we have unity.

“There is one Body and one Spirit…there is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father of us all…” Eph. 4:4-6

In non-essential beliefs — we have liberty.

“Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters… Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls… So then each of us will give an account of himself to God… So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God.” Romans 14:1,4,12,22

In all our beliefs — we show love.

“…If I hold in my mind not only all human knowledge but also the very secrets of God, and if I have the faith that can move mountains — but have no love, I amount to nothing at all.” 1 Cor. 13:2 (Ph)

As members of the Evangelical Alliance we are in agreement with their statement of faith

About God

God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three personalities: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God.

Genesis 1:1,26,27, 3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19;

1 Peter 1:2; 2 Corinthians 13:14

About Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is co-equal with the Father. Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on a cross. He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven’s glory and will return again someday to earth to reign as King of Kings, and Lord of Lords.

Matthew 1:22, 23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5; 14:10-30;

Hebrews 4:14,15; 1 Corinthians 15:3,4; Romans 1:3,4;

Acts 1:9-11; 1 Timothy 6:14,15; Titus 2:13

About The Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is co-equal with the Father and the Son of God. He is present in the world to make men aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. He gives every believer a spiritual gift when they are saved. As Christians, we seek to live under His control daily.

2 Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-13, 14:16,17; Acts 1:8;

1 Corinthians 2:12, 3:16; Ephesians 1:13; Galatians 5:25;

Ephesians 5:18

About The Bible

The Bible is God’s Word to us. It was written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. Because it is inspired by God, it is the truth without any mixture of error.

2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20,21; 2 Timothy 1:13;

Psalm 119:105,160, 12:6; Proverbs 30:5

About Human Beings

People are made in the spiritual image of God, to be like Him in character. People are the supreme object of God’s creation. Although every person has tremendous potential for good, all of us are marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called “sin”. This attitude separates people from God and causes many problems in life.

Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6a; Romans 3:23; Isaiah 59:1, 2

About Salvation

Salvation is God’s free gift to us but we must accept it. We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God’s offer of forgiveness can anyone be saved from sin’s penalty. When we turn from our self-ruled life and turn to Jesus in faith we are saved. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his life by faith.

Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8,9; John 14:6, 1:12; Titus 3:5;

About Eternity

People were created to exist forever. We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin, or eternally with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is Hell. To be eternally in union with Him is eternal life. Heaven and Hell are real places of eternal existence.

John 3:16; John 14:17; Romans 6:23; Romans 8:17-18;

Revelation 20:15; 1 Cor. 2:7-9