Who’s this for?

When I think of the type of church that I’d like to belong to and the type of people this church will serve best, I have a very clear view of who that will be.

Co- Church is not going to be for everyone and that’s okay. It doesn’t need to be because that’s the beauty of the wider body known as the Church. The breadth of the church is such that there is a place for everyone; it’s just that not everyone will find their place with Co-.

Please don’t take this in the wrong way, this sentiment is not one of exclusion or exclusivity. We have no desire whatsoever to be exclusive but we do have a desire to stay true to who we are and what we’re about and that will resonate with some and it won’t with others and again, that’s okay.

So who is this for?

Co- Church is for the “Dreamer”. It will be a community that aspires to something greater. It will be a church for people who dream of a better future, a brighter day and who hold dear to the somewhat naive view that we can actually make the world a better place. That with God nothing is impossible.

Co- Church is for the “Lover”. Not purely in its romantic form but in it’s desire to see people as God sees people. That people and relationship are what’s most valuable in life and no matter what you look like, where you are from or what your cultural upbringing is, you are valuable. A place where people are the true treasure and most worthy of love. A love stemming from the source of love himself, God our Father, and permeating the hearts of even the most hardened of humanity to bring about a deep sense of acceptance.

Co- Church is for the “Outlier”. Those who feel like they don’t quite fit the mould and those yearning for a community that allows them to fully express their uniqueness. We will be a people that celebrates the wonder of God’s created and seeks to unearth the gift that is in all of us. That might mean things get a little messy from time to time. It’ll also mean that we aren’t polished all of the time and that we’re comfortable with being a work in progress. There’s grace, and we’re going to make mistakes, and that’s okay.

Co- Church is for the “Collaborator”. Those who recognise and esteem the power of togetherness. We are better together. That as much as we’re wanting to unearth and reveal individual beauty, we know that we are designed for that beauty to be displayed within community. That an individual flourishing takes place because of community and for community. Each individual part is important but it’s only as a part of something bigger that each part finds true significance. We don’t want to journey alone. This is for people willing to lay down their agenda to take up a greater agenda, with others and for others.

Co- Church is for the “Creator”. Those who believe they are alive to create something that will outlast them. Those who want to put their hand and their heart to producing work that is God glorifying and culture shifting. We want to push the boundary’s of what’s possible and we want to build something that will stand the test of time. We want to be creators of healthy family, thriving businesses, innovative learning environments, dynamic teams and breathtaking art. We are all created with the ability to create.

Co- Church is for the “Giver”. It’s about a posture of generosity. We want to be givers and not takers. We want to extend and not withhold. If it is within our power and means a to do so, we want to do good. We will be a community who lives in remembrance of the goodness of God, that he has given us so much and that as we freely receive we freely give. Give forgiveness, give encouragement, give faith, give a smile and a warm embrace and yes, give of the blessing in our life to be a blessing to those around us.

Co- Church is for the “Apprentice”. Those who seek to walk life at a sacred pace in the pursuit of closeness to Christ. That the way of Jesus is the way to real and meaningful life. In a society that is always in a rush we want to take precious time to be present, receptive and to seek Jesus. The teachable ones, the learners, the ones who simplify to strengthen. We are urgent about the purposes of God but desire to live with a restful soul.

So, if anything of the above resonates with you, Co- Church could be your community. If nothing resonates, it’s all good. I genuinely believe there is a community of faith for you and we will celebrate that.

This isn’t about who’s better, who’s right or wrong and this definitely isn’t about competition. This is about belonging. This is about who we are partnering our lives with. This is about you and I choosing to be proactive in reaching out to connect.

Love and be loved.

Bevan