‘Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labour in vain.’ Psalm 127:1

We have recently adopted a five-year plan to further develop the spiritual and numerical growth of All Saints and St Richard’s Crowborough. It’s based around the image of a house with different rooms focussing on the different purposes of church life found in the Bible.

We believe that the Lord God is in the business of building his church, his household of faith, which is made up of all sorts of people who have come to know his loving grace and friendship through a personal faith in the crucified and risen Jesus.

You’ll notice the House is built on the Foundation.

The Foundation – All we do and believe as a church is built on the solid foundation of the Bible. Through faith in Jesus we are ‘members of God’s household built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets.’ Ephesians 2:19-21.
 
There are six rooms…

Multiplication: This is concerned with strengthening existing and establishing new congregations and churches for Jesus. We are concerned as part of this room to raise up a new generation of teachers and leaders who can resource this.
‘…and the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others’. 2 Timothy 2:2.
This room is headed up by the Revd Rob Dillingham.
 
Membership: This room is all about belonging to Jesus’ family; being welcomed and cared for.
‘So in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.’ Romans 12:5.
This room is headed up the Revd Steve Rees and Charlotte Grimwade, our Pastoral Co-ordinator.
 
Ministry: This room is all about people using their God-given gifts to serve his people and the community.
‘Each of you should use whatever gifts you have received to serve others.’ 1 Peter 4:10.
This room is headed up by Adrian Bailey, our Director of Ministry.
 
Magnification: We want to magnify and praise Jesus our Saviour. We do that by loving God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, in all of life. We express this loving devotion together in our services.
‘I urge you …in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice … this is your true and proper worship.’ Romans 12:1-2.
This room is headed up by Cathy Allen, our Director of Music.
 
Mobilisation: We want to be mobilised so that new people become Christians – in Crowborough and around the world. We need to share the good news of God’s forgiveness, grace and salvation through Jesus.
‘Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.’ 1 Peter 3:15.

Maturity: We want to keep growing in our love and knowledge of Jesus so that we mature in faith.
‘But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.’ 2 Peter 3:18. This room, focussing on our small groups and corporate prayer life.
 
For more details of our aims and plans for each of the rooms please pick up a House Vision leaflet at the back of church and get involved!

House Vision and its image is based on a ‘purpose-driven’ approach to church life from the Revd Chris Green from St James Muswell Hill.