Values & Beliefs

Values

Here are the core values of Parramatta City Church, that are based on what God is calling his Church to be both Biblically and relevant to the place and the people we  are reaching with the Gospel.

 

Jesus First

We are depending on Jesus, not religion to build His Church. We continually seek Jesus first, praying for God to guide our lives on a daily basis and for the Holy Spirit to empower us for life and community.  God’s Spirit is alive and active in our world and so we partner with Him.

 

Missional Passion

We are not bound by institution, but by the command to make disciples of all people. God’s priority is on mission and His message, so we do this intentionally and incarnationally. We are grace filled and are personally seeking and finding people. As a missional community we are seeking to love and speak the Gospel into people’s lives so they can discover forgiveness, healing and eternal life.

 

Fresh expression

We live our life in gratitude to Jesus, and His grace upon us. We worship God enthusiastically in creativity, celebration, laughter and joy. Sharing stories of God’s activity in the world, musically engaging with people and encouraging an atmosphere of freedom when we gather.

Inner transformation

We go beyond knowing information, and find heart and life change. We grow in obedience, devotion, love and good works as we encounter God’s inner work. We refrain from judging others, rather discipling, praying and helping for God’s transformation in others.

 

Relationally Connected

We see people as God sees us, with value and acceptance. We create a friendly environment for welcoming and honouring people of all backgrounds and cultures. We let go of criticism and condemnation and instead we encourage the unique contribution of all people.

 

Beliefs

Belief in Jesus 

Jesus is unique, both divine and man.  Never was there anyone like him before or after.  Jesus has eternal love and endless compassion for all people.

Jesus is God:  “In the beginning was the Word [Jesus], and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God” John 1:1-2. Jesus is eternal; Jesus has always existed. Jesus Christ is infinite.

Jesus is the Creator:  “For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth…all things were created through him and for him” Colossians 1:16.

Jesus is Saviour:  Because God loves us, Jesus came to die on a cross for everyone and rise to life three days later.

“For God so loved the world he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16.

“He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree…by his wounds you have been healed.” 1 Peter 2:24

Jesus did this by dying on the cross for people, taking the guilt, sin and shame each person deserves, and rose again to offer real life. Believe in Jesus.

 

Beliefs About You

  • Every person carries the image of God, so everyone is important, including you.  God really likes you, no matter what you have or have not done in life.
  • God is already at work in your life – in your abilities, your passions, your dreams and longings. God’s love is for the very people who think they are either not good enough or too good for God and everyone in between.
  • No amount of church attending, good works or any other religious practice makes any difference to God’s favour or blessing on your life. God is for you. You don’t have to work for or strive for this – it is now, and always will be, a free gift from God.
  • “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—  not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9
  • The love of God, as displayed in Jesus Christ, can revolutionise your world. If you take a step toward God, God will meet you there and your life will be better and brighter.
  • Your life is caught up in a much bigger story and so you are an incredible gift to your family, community and wider world.  You’re invited to discover that this love of God is not only true, but very real.