Churches come in all shapes and size. Beyond the building, though, a congregation is shaped by its people. Yet there are often as many ideas as to what the church should look like as there are individual members. How are we to forge a consensus on what the church is to be and to do? If the church does embrace common goals, how do we ensure that they are in keeping with the plan and will of Jesus Christ, who is the head of the church?

Amid the change and confusion of the Reformation, the reformers held that there were three marks, or characteristics, of the church of Jesus Christ: true preaching of God's word, rightful celebration of the sacraments, and faithful discipline within the body of Christ.

Recently, Christian Schwartz surveyed a thousand Christian congregations on five continents, across many denominations. What he found was that in congregations which were alive and growing, there were eight distinctive characteristics which were easily observable: empowering leadership, gift-oriented ministry, passionate spirituality, functional structures, inspiring worship, holistic small groups, need-oriented evangelism, and loving fellowship.

These eight characteristics, along with the three classic marks, will form the focus for a sermon series this fall. It is hoped that this will spawn constructive reflection upon our life and ministry as a congregation.

Looking forward to study and reflection, and labour and life together in Christ's service,


Your pastor,

James T. Hurd.