Ministries

In the CRCS there are various key areas of ministry or ways in which we serve each other and the community. The main point behind each ministry is to help each of us come to know Christ and to grow more like him. Coming to know Jesus and experiencing him comes through teaching but also through the caring of fellow Christians as we represent him to each other and the community. We as the body of Christ are to be his voice and his hands. The main areas of ministry are: teaching, small groups, youth, the diaconate and pastoral care.

Teaching

The key aspect of the teaching ministry in our church is the preaching. The point of the sermons is to understand clearly what God is saying through his Word, the Bible. Our emphasis is such that the preaching is clear, relevant, simple yet profound, in such a way that we see Jesus, are challenged and encouraged by what he has done and are drawn to him as Saviour and Lord. Another aspect of the teaching ministry is that we help each other discover our spiritual gifts and find our place in ministering in the church or community. Discipling and training is provided so each person is equipped for their part in ministry.

Small Groups

These small groups or cell groups are a vital part of our church’s ministry. It is here in these groups that we learn together, support each other, worship together and grow in love for Jesus and each other. So these groups are holistic in the sense that they involve bible study, prayer, worship, fellowship, community outreach, pastoral support and so on. They are also the way in which we run our church. Planning of church events are assigned to particular groups such as church camps or outreach in a particular suburb. The groups have an elder who supports and pastorally cares for the group and thus provides direct access to the church’s leadership team.

Youth

The purpose of the church’s youth ministry is to teach and disciple the church’s children and youth so that they come to know and accept Jesus as the Lord and Saviour for themselves. The church has a program for the children from age 4 years through to late teens and a bible study for those older. Our church sees the children as being precious to Jesus as well as the parents and takes very seriously their safety and well being as well as their faith development. To that end our church is part of the ‘Safe Church’ program. Any one wanting to serve in the youth ministry needs to go through the NSW government “Working with Children Check”.

Activities:

Creche: A creche is available in the church hall during the morning services for children from birth to three-and-a half years only. Adult members assist with the supervision on a roster basis.

Kids Church: Sunday School children, 4-11 years of age, attend the first part of the morning worship service, then leave with their teachers for Sunday School.

Catechism: teaching of the faith for young people 12-16 years of age. Young people leave the morning worship service after the sermon.

Youth Elders: these elders have responsibility to guide and resource the youth ministry.

Diaconate

The role of the deacons is to express Christ’s love through the ministry of mercy. Representing Jesus they go about their ministry with a spirit of compassion and graciousness. Their role is to facilitate the care of those in need both within the congregation and the community abroad. With the cooperation of the small groups they facilitate care for church families where there is hardship or sickness. They also encourage the congregation to give generously in times when assistance is required in the community or oversees.

Pastoral Care

The primary role of the elders of the church is to provide pastoral oversight of the congregation. At the basic level this is done through the small groups. But in addition to that, where there are those who are not in small groups, or there are those who wish to speak with an elder or the minister personally, home visits are made. The care provided may be in the form of prayer support, pastoral counselling, personal teaching and encouragement. The key point of this pastoral care is that the elder represents Jesus to that person or family, encourages them with God’s Word and prayers to God on the family’s behalf. Especially in times of hardship, grief or illness this pastoral care can bring great comfort and support.