Type Of Church
Our church is associated with a network of churches known as the Christian Community Churches of Australia (see www.cccaust.org.au). CCCAust is a network of evangelical churches working together to support and strengthen each other for the benefit of local communities across Australia. It has its historical roots in a movement known to many as ‘open’ Christian Brethren.
Christian Community Churches Of Australia
CCCAust NSW Churches have the following distinctives in common:
1. Christ-Centred We believe that Christ's person and work are at the heart of all we do. We exist for Jesus and because of him.
2. Biblical We believe that the Bible is our final authority in all matters of church, life and faith.
3. Missional We take seriously the call to make disciples of all nations and believe that the church is the primary means by which Christ's name is made known in the world.
4. Spirit-Led We believe that the church is wholly dependant on the Holy Spirit and that all believers are gifted and empowered by Him to serve for God's glory.
5. United We are independent churches that partner with one another side by side.
6. Autonomous We value the autonomy of independent local churches.
7. Committed to Team Leadership We are committed to our churches being led by a plurality of biblically qualified elders.
8. Committed to the Equality of Men & Women We believe that men and women are created equal and are both empowered to lead and serve the church with different roles.
Our Historical Roots
The ‘open’ Christian Brethren movement commenced in the 1830s as a group of Christians desired to reaffirm a biblically based understanding of church practice and worship as opposed to the formalism and sectarianism which was rife in many of the mainstream churches. In particular, theses churches sought to emphasise the unity of the church, offering fellowship to all people who take the name of Christ as their Lord. Secondly, these churches also emphasised the priesthood of all believers, encouraging all attendees of the church to be actively involved by using their God-given spiritual gifts, with far less dependency on the clergy to conduct all ministry.ord, remains the Head of His church and this local church in particular.
We continue to emphasise these values, and to focus strongly on the centrality of the Bible as one’s true guide for life. The need to be involved with global evangelism remains highly significant, and the importance of celebrating communion remains an important part of the weekly gathering of the church. As a church we are fully independent and autonomous from the control of any outside organisation and recognise that Jesus, as Lord, remains the Head of His church and this local church in particular.
NOTE: We of course have no connection with the Exclusive Brethren sect. This group was indeed part of the same movement as ours originally, but they went their own way in the mid-19th century, and then took on their sect-like characteristics in the 1960s.