Why are we here?
We live in an ever-changing world, and in response, our vision and values may need to evolve – but our purpose remains the same. It summarises the reason for our very existence. It answers the question, “Why are we here?”
When Bishop Christopher first came to the Diocese, he was impressed by the widespread understanding and acceptance of our three-fold purpose statement:
“To worship God, make new disciples and transform communities.”
Over ten years later, this foundational statement continues to encapsulate our shared purpose.
More recently, we have recognised a link between this purpose statement and a verse in the Bible:
“All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.”
2Corinthians 5:18
This verse has helped us to understand our shared purpose through the lens of reconciliation.
| All this is from God | It all begins with God. It's all grace. This is why we worship God |
| ...who reconciled us to himself through Christ | This is the good news, the Gospel, for the world. This is why we make new disciples. |
| ...and gave us the ministry of reconciliation | The good news - our reconciliation with God in Christ and the healing that it brings to our fractured relationships with each other and the earth – is to be made known and made visible by the power of the Spirit. This is why we seek to transform communities. |
Worship God - Make new disciples - Transform communities
This summary of our purpose hasn’t changed since 2004, and it's the foundation of our shared future.