Consultation - Shaping our future together

In Spring 2009, we have set aside some time in which to talk to and hear back from all members of Oxford Community Church concerning several matters that are important for our life together. These have each been discussed by the church leadership team for some time, but we want to talk with the whole church before any decisions are taken. These matters will be discussed and prayed about during our normal small group gatherings, but of course you can talk to any of the church leaders directly at any point.

We had a church family meeting to discuss these matters in February, and have had another meeting since then to continue the consultation, on Thursday 2nd April.

We trust that through this process God will not only bring us greater clarity on these issues but will also knit us closer together as a whole church as we hear God together. It is so important that we all get involved, because the decisions that ultimately are taken will have implications for us all and for how God will use us to bring change to the world. There will undoubtedly be some cost for all of us in obeying God’s call, in terms of time, energy and money. So, please play your part in shaping our future, by prayerfully considering the questions laid out in this document.

Main document - 'Shaping our future together'

Second Document - 'The Next Stage'

Further information

To help you to engage further, here is a list of other things you might like to get hold of:

1. 
   Relevant prophetic words (click here)


2. 
   DVD on Christian education (available to all community groups via the church office: oxford@occ.org.uk, 01865 297420)


3. 
   Area churches' booklet on education (Sep 09) (click here)


4. 
   January 2009 community group notes (click here)


5. 
   Book recommendation on clusters: 'Breakout' by Mark Stibbe, telling the story of growth at St Andrews Chorleywood through 'mid-sized communities' (click here to buy it)


6. 
   Book recommendation on clusters: 'Clusters' by Mike Breen and Bob Hopkins, more detailed analysis of place of groups numbering 30-50 in church life, drawing on experience at St Thomas Crooks in Sheffield (click here to buy it)


7. 
   Book recommendation on Christian education: 'The love of God in the classroom' by Sylvia Baker and David Freeman, telling to story of many Christian schools in the UK (click here to buy it)