Marston Neighbourhood Church

Emphases and Mission Statement

Mission Statement

In prayerful dependence on God and through the power of his word and Spirit, our aim is to glorify God in building each other up in the Christian faith so that we might bring the gospel of Jesus Christ to the people of Marston and the wider world.

Our emphases

These are put in alphabetical order rather than order of importance. All of them are central to the life of Marston Neighbourhood Church.

Evangelism: We are to be outward looking, with disciple-making our priority not our own comfort. We are to show people the importance of the gospel through good works, through sharing our lives so they see the hope we have, through being united as believers, and through loving one another. Though it may take some time for unbelievers to see the importance of the gospel, our aim is to instruct people in the truth, and to proclaim Christ unashamedly and in the power of the Spirit.
Prayer: We are to be God-centred. In practice this means a strong emphasis on prayer. If we find we are not praying as a church for any particular meeting or outreach, then it is time for that meeting or outreach to stop.
Teaching: We are to be biblical. The Scriptures are to shape our lives, our witness, our prayers, and our singing in church. The Bible is to be preached, taught and discussed in a way that best applies its truth to our hearts and lives. By obeying God's word, and not just hearing it, we show that we love him.
Welcome: We are to love all people and make any who join us in public worship feel welcomed. We will include as members of Marston Neighbourhood Church all who are truly God's people, united in Christ and careful to live according to God's word.

Relations with other churches

Marston Neighbourhood Church is an independent church, governing itself and free to manage its own affairs as accountable to Christ and not under the authority of groupings of churches or governing bodies. However, churches are to associate together for mutual love, fellowship, and support wherever there is agreement on the gospel. Our intention is to be part of the Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches (FIEC) as well as to maintain close links with our sending church, Woodstock Road Baptist Church, which is also part of FIEC.