Beginnings
In 1975 a
small group met from the Caboolture Church of Christ, to form a church
fellowship within the Bribie Island Retirement Village. Although autonomous, they chose to
become affiliated with the Churches of Christ Queensland Conference. This
connection continues today.
Over the years this fellowship has grown to
become a respected and valued part of the Churches of Christ Queensland. Having
moved into its own buildings, the focus of ministry includes not only the
Retirement Village, Aged Care and Affordable Housing, but Bribie Island, its surrounding area, and through our
missions support reaching our World with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Our Practices
The Bible. We believe that the Bible is the inspired
and revealed Word of God. It is the centre and guide for everyday living and
the basis for our ministry together. We also accept that in non-essential
aspects of our faith, there can be a variety of positions of interpretation
within the framework of Evangelical belief with its focus upon the centrality
of Christ, and in doing so, choose to
live within the occasional challenges this brings.
Congregational Unity. We
choose as a congregation of varied backgrounds to live in a spirit of mutual
respect and unconditional love. We are committed to living out God's agape love so that those around us will
see a “glimpse of Jesus”. This is a mark of our serving together and an
important starting point in our quest for discerning the will of God for our
future ministry.
Governance. The Church is based upon a
Congregational model which elects a Church Board of Deacons and Elders. At the hub of the church organisation is the committed core of Church Members. The Board reports to members’ meetings throughout the year, and
is responsible for the day to day running of the Church and its ministry
direction. Under this authority it encourages other members to exercise their gifts in ministry as part of
their discipleship.
Place of Women in
Ministry. We
acknowledge that God in His wisdom gives Gifts of the Holy Spirit to the Church
with no regard to gender. We welcome women within our congregation to discover and
exercise their gifts and walk together under the leadership of the Pastor.
Membership. Our Membership guidelines
acknowledge the journey that others from other Evangelical traditions have had
as they have come into our fellowship. For those who have been led to Christ
through our own local ministry we ask that they be baptised by immersion in
obedience to Jesus Christ. Brothers and
sisters from other evangelical traditions may be admitted through their public
confession of Faith in Jesus Christ.
We
understand that the membership relationship calls us into a place of unity and
fellowship with fellow members who serve under the authority of the elected Board of Pastor, Elders and Deacons, within the discipleship-making process. As a
leadership, we are committed to encouraging all attendees of our church to move
from the fringe, to the congregation, and as they grow in discipleship, become
part of our committed core.
Expectations of Members. It is expected that members will accept the core values of our
Church and seek to fulfil them in the spirit of servanthood. Membership is a
privilege of Grace, not a right; it requires a response of servanthood and
adaptability. (Phil 2:4,5) (Phil 4.11)
Music and Worship. We believe that Worship is a multi-media
event. It is a time when all the senses can be used to highlight our encounter
with God. Besides preaching and prayer, we believe that when used in a God-centred
and inspired way, musical instruments, singers, drama, and visual arts add an important dimension
to our worship and ministry of proclamation.
Bribie Island Church of Christ Constitution may be found here.
Our Elders are:
Roger Matthews
Geoffrey Oakes
Colleen Pacey
Our Deacons are:
Jan Driver
Irene Gerken
Val Laird