If a church is not part of a denomination, what box to put it in? How do you know what it is?
Its “statement of faith” should affirm orthodox Christian beliefs. Labels like Evangelical or Charismatic may give you a hint about its style. But why does it exist? What’s its distinctive?
What kind of community is it? What priorities does it have? What does it aim to be? What kind of people belong there?
Haydn Nelson, Senior Pastor of Riverview in Perth, has just released a manifesto addressing those questions: “I see a church …”
If you’re not familiar with Riverview, it will help you appreciate why I feel privileged to work there. If you know Riverview, you’ll find this vision inspiring.
[Update 2017-10-24: broken links to manifesto removed.]