Learn more about our Vision, ValueS AND BELIEFS as a Church
CORE BELIEFS:
Our core beliefs flow directly from the 66-book Protestant Christian Bible, that we attest has been Holy-Spirit inspired, and is the very Word of God Himself. The Bible encourages Christians to "hold fast" or to "cling firmly" to the teachings passed on to us from the Apostles of Jesus Christ (2 Thessalonians 2:15, Titus 1:9, 1 Timothy 4:16). The Biblical beliefs detailed below have been extracted from the Doctrinal Statement portion of our official Church Constitution:
ABOUT GOD:
The Godhead i.e. Father, Son and Holy Spirit– God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These are co-equal and are one God. (Genesis 1:26,27; 3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Corinthians 13:14.)
Jesus Christ– Jesus Christ is the Son of God and is co-equal and co-eternal with the Father. Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the only perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on the cross. He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power of sin and death. 'He ascended to heaven and will return for our resurrection and the judgement, at the end of the Age, to eternally 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; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Timothy 6:14,15; Titus 2:13.)
The Holy Spirit– The Holy Spirit is co-equal and co-eternal with the Father and the Son. He is present in the world to make people aware of their need of Jesus Christ for their salvation. He provides the Christian with the power for living, understanding spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right (2 Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-13; 14:16,17; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:12, 3:16; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 1:13; 5:18.)
ABOUT GOD's WORD:
The Scriptures– The Holy Bible, consisting of the Old Testament and the New Testament, is God’s inspired Word to us, therefore, it is without any mixture of error and shall not be added to or subtracted from. It was written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme authority in matters of truth, Christian faith and conduct (2 Peter 1:21).
ABOUT HUMANKIND:
State of Humankind– All people (created in God’s image) now live in a fallen state. This attitude of human sin is in direct disobedience to God and deserves His punishment. (Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6a; Isaiah 59:1,2 Romans 3:23.)
THE GRACIOUS WORK
OF GOD ON OUR BEHALF:
Salvation– is God’s free gift to every person, but we must accept it unreservedly for it to take effect. We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works. Good works are the fruit of our salvation, not the cause of our receiving it. (Romans 6:13; Ephesians 2:8,9; John 14:6, 1:12; Titus 3:5; Galatians 3:26; Romans 5:1.)
ABOUT ORDINANCES:
The Ordinances of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper– These two were instituted by the Lord Jesus Christ. The Bible teaches only Believer's baptism by immersion (Matthew 28:19-20; Colossians 2:12; Mark 16:15-18). Participation in the Lord’s Supper is reserved for all who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour, in obedience to His commands (1 Corinthians 11; Mark 14:22-25; Luke 22:18-20).
ABOUT JESUS' RETURN:
Christ's Return, Resurrection of the Dead, and the Final Judgement– The Bible teaches that, at the time of Jesus Christ’s return, every person will be resurrected to face Judgement before the throne of God. That judgment will result in those who are in God’s Kingdom being rewarded by sharing eternity with Jesus Christ in Heaven; but those who have rejected Jesus Christ in their earthly life being sent to punishment in Hell.
WORK OF THE SPIRIT:
The Work of the Holy Spirit in our Lives– The Bible teaches that all true Christians necessarily have the Holy Spirit indwelling their lives, for without that indwelling, it is not possible for the fruits of the Spirit to become manifest in a believer. The Bible calls Christians to not be drunk with wine, but to walk in the fullness of the Holy Spirit; in loving and joyful relationship with God in Christ, exhibiting the holiness of life in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Elected by the church members in August 2024, Barry Barnard is our current solo pastor. He is responsible for preaching, teaching, pastoral care and general oversight of our church. He serves our church in a part-time capacity and runs a property maintenance business, together with his wife Michelle, to support his family and ministry.
Education: Barry holds a Bachelor of Chemical Engineering from Wits University, Johannesburg; and has also completed a Graduate Diploma of Divinity with Ridley College, Melbourne in 2021. He is currently completing a Masters of Divinity with Morling / Malyon College; and working with the QB Team towards his full registration with Queensland Baptists.
Giftings: In addition to preaching and teaching, Barry plays keyboard and sings. He is very handy, helps with building projects and oversees the facility maintenance. Michelle has a heart for young mothers and kids. She serves by playing bass guitar and currently runs our Kid's Church Ministry.
Family / Hobbies: Barry grew up in Zimbabwe and Michelle grew up in Cape Town. They were married in 2018 and currently have two young children, Eden and Seth. They love camping, playing board games and overseas travel.
