There’s a Place for Everyone in What Comes Next
Dear BCOC family,
Over recent weeks, we have been sharing more about the next season of our church and our desire to become increasingly intentional about helping people Step In, Step Up and Step Out.
At the heart of this direction is a simple conviction:
Every person matters, every person has a place, and every follower of Jesus can grow into greater participation in His life and mission.
At our recent “Our Next Steps Together” Gathering, people were invited to ask questions and share their responses. We have also continued to listen through conversations with members, volunteers, ministry leaders and staff.
Several important themes have emerged.
People want to understand what discipleship will look like in practice. They want to know how they can find their place, how we will remain connected as a growing church family, how Clyde fits within our future, and how our commitment to mission, pastoral care, worship, children, young people and the generations will continue.
These are good and important questions.
We want to reassure you that becoming more intentional about discipleship and mission does not mean becoming less relational, less pastoral or less connected. Our desire is quite the opposite.
We want to become a church where people are increasingly known, cared for, equipped and released. We want care to be multiplied, gifts to be recognised and every person to have an opportunity to contribute to the life and mission of the body.
As we move forward, we are committed to several things.
We will keep clarifying the pathway
Step In, Step Up and Step Out must become more than words or a diagram.
We want every person to understand:
how to grow in their relationship with Jesus;
how to become meaningfully connected to the church family;
how to discover and use their gifts;
how to serve, lead and participate;
how to live missionally in everyday life.
More practical information and opportunities will be shared in the coming months.
We will strengthen connection
We have heard clearly that people value stories, family news and the opportunity to know what is happening across the life of the church.
As BCOC grows, we must continue finding meaningful ways to remain a family—not simply an organisation that runs programs.
We will be reviewing how we share news, testimonies, ministry stories and opportunities more consistently across our gatherings and communication channels.
We will provide greater clarity about leadership
There is significant interest in the future of Clyde and in how leadership, ministry circles and staff roles work together.
We will continue to communicate clearly about Clyde’s identity, leadership and future direction, as well as the ways people can pray, serve and participate.
We also remain committed to identifying, equipping and developing leaders for the future.
We will remain committed to both care and mission
Our call to be His presence in every place includes both caring for the church family and reaching beyond ourselves.
We remain committed to:
biblical teaching and worship;
pastoral care and prayer;
children, young people and families;
Life Groups and discipleship;
compassion and community engagement;
Alpha and sharing the gospel;
local and global mission.
These are not competing priorities. Together, they form part of what it means to be the body of Christ.
Could you help behind the scenes?
Our Cafe and kitchen are busy and welcoming places each week, and we’re looking for one or two people willing to wash towels and cleaning cloths once a week.
It’s a simple but meaningful way to serve, and it helps keep our common areas clean. If you’re happy to lend a hand with this practical ministry, we’d love to hear from you.
Please contact the church office at 9702 1011. Thank you for helping make our church a welcoming place for everyone.
