Identity: Who we are
We are followers of Jesus drawn together from many tribes, nations, and languages.
Our common heritage is that of former slaves who have been set free by the blood of Jesus.
The symbol of the Red Door is central to our identity. It has its roots in the first Passover, and the Exodus of the Israelites from Egypt. There it served as a means of God’s grace to save his people from judgement and set them free from slavery.
The early Christians recognised Jesus as the fulfilment of this great event in Israel’s history. For them, Jesus was the ultimate, perfect, and sufficient sacrificial lamb.
Through the Middle Ages, the meaning of the Red Door developed further, as churches painted their doors red as a signal of sanctuary to the harassed and the needy.
In 19th century North America, the Underground Railroad was established as a network of secret routes and safe houses used by enslaved African Americans to escape to freedom. The doors of these safe houses were painted red, drawing on the biblical symbolism of refuge and redemption.
The history of the Red Door is important to us because we want our identity to connect with God’s work of salvation through the ages.
For us, it’s a constant reminder of the refuge, redemption, and renewal we experience as followers of Jesus.
Exodus 12:22-23
Take a cluster of hyssop, dip it in the blood that is in the basin, and brush the lintel and the two doorposts with some of the blood in the basin... When the Lord passes through to strike Egypt and sees the blood on the lintel and the two doorposts, he will pass over the door and not let the destroyer enter your houses to strike you.
John 1:29
The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”
1 Peter 1:18–19
For you know that you were redeemed from your empty way of life inherited from your ancestors, not with perishable things like silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of an unblemished and spotless lamb.
Vision: What we see
Our vision is to be a community of people helping people make all of life all about Jesus.
Our vision is what we see when we imagine our future together. It’s what we strive for, what we resource, and what we want to be known for.
A community:
We see a church that gathers people of all ages, stages and cultures. A community that forsakes both tribalism and individualism, joyfully welcoming all people.
People helping people:
We see a church where every believer is a minister. A place where building one another up is a sacred calling shared by all.
All of life:
We see a church that longs to experience God’s presence in every sphere of life. A place where 'private religion' is cast aside in favour of daily apprenticeship to Jesus.
All about Jesus:
We see a church overwhelmed with love for Jesus, our creator, redeemer, master, and friend. A place where his life, death, and resurrection are at the centre of who we are, and what we do.
Isaiah 43:5-7
Do not fear, for I am with you; I will bring your descendants from the east, and gather you from the west. I will say to the north, ‘Give them up!’ and to the south, ‘Do not hold them back!’ Bring my sons from far away, and my daughters from the ends of the earth— everyone who bears my name and is created for my glory.
Matthew 22:37-39
Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and most important command. The second is like it: Love your neighbour as yourself.
1 Thessalonians 5:9–11
For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, so whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up.
Mission: Why we exist
God is doing great things in his good world! We want to join him.
We are a place of Refuge for all who seek connection, community, and rest.
As adopted children of our Heavenly Father, we know what it’s like to be welcomed into a safe place. So we commit to being a community of Refuge for anyone in need.
Matthew 25:35-36
‘I was hungry and you gave me something to eat; I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink; I was a stranger and you took me in; I was naked and you clothed me; I was sick and you took care of me; I was in prison and you visited me.’
We share a message of Redemption with those who haven’t experienced the grace of God.
As redeemed former slaves, we know what it’s like to be forgiven and set free. So we share a message of Redemption with those who are yet to experience the grace of God.
Ephesians 1:7-8
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace that he richly poured out on us with all wisdom and understanding.
We practice a life of Renewal for the glory of God and the good of his world.
As people who are being transformed by the work of the Holy Spirit, we know that God delights to take broken things and make them beautiful. So we desire to work with Him for the Renewal of all things.
2 Corinthians 4:15-16
Indeed, everything is for your benefit so that, as grace extends through more and more people, it may cause thanksgiving to increase to the glory of God. Therefore we do not give up. Even though our outer person is being destroyed, our inner person is being renewed day by day.