Lansdowne Lansdowne Baptist Church Profile 2010

Transcription

1 Lansdowne Lansdowne Baptist Church Profile 2010

2 Contents Foreword 1. A History of Lansdowne Pastors 2. Understanding Our Area 3. Understanding a Church Our Size 4. Membership 2001/ Finance 6. Church Buildings 7. Our Calling 8. Our Values 9. The Way Ahead Appendices 1 What we believe 2 Ministries at LBC Map showing spread of Members 4 Map showing spread of Evangelical Churches Lansdowne Baptist Church June 2010

3 1 Foreword For months I have had real problems reading my text messages. The font is so small that I had to guess what the words were. Sometimes I made silly mistakes due to misreading the messages. However, I was fiddling with my mobile phone a few weeks ago and discovered that if I press a certain button, suddenly the font gets bigger and I can read my messages clearly. This LBC Profile, produced by the Vision Team and agreed by the Elders, is designed to do a similar job for us concerning this local church to which we belong. Things we have only guessed at become clear. Things we have misunderstood are explained. Most of all the way forward begins to open up. The results of the Team s many hours of hard work are summarised here so that we can know where we have come from, where we have come to and where we are heading. We are very grateful to them for this, and I hope that reading it will excite you as it has me. The Profile is published now so that we can all take time over the summer to get to know what it says. It gives us very important information as we get ready to make decisions in the autumn so please read it carefully and discuss it with your family and friends and in your small group. The two sections Our Calling and Our Values have been drafted by the Elders who have devoted considerable time and thought to writing them. They are foundational statements about our convictions. They have come out of the Forum that we had on 18 th March this year and another consultation meeting with leaders of the church on 17 th April. They are here in the Profile in draft form so as to allow for small changes to be made if necessary. If you have any queries about them please write to me at the church or me at office@lansdownebaptistchurch.org.uk by the 1 st of July. The Elders will present a final version of the two statements to the members for agreement later this year. We are here by the grace of God and with the Spirit of the living God, and we hear the command to go forward. And now the fog begins to clear and we can start to advance. Yours warmly in Christ, Chris

4 2 3 A history of Lansdowne Pastors Here is a very brief overview of the history of Lansdowne and its Pastors. It gives us a taste of our heritage and reminds us that we are but the temporary custodians of the good things entrusted to us which we will pass to the next generation. In 1873 a small group of people invited a Baptist minister to come to Boscombe and lead them in establishing a Baptist church in that newly developing suburb of Bournemouth. They erected two buildings, one in Lansdowne Road and a smaller building in Boscombe. The church in Boscombe was opened in March 1875 and in Lansdowne in July It continued as one church with two congregations until 1881 when they became separate churches. The pastoral care of the two churches was undertaken by H C Leonard and G P Gould until 1879 when they both moved on. Boscombe called a Rev J Harrington to be their Pastor and Lansdowne a Rev A P Gurney ( ). There followed a succession of Pastors at Lansdowne - Rev W Julyan ( ) Rev W V Robinson ( ) Rev W C Minifie ( ) Rev Alexander Corbet ( ) Rev J Howell Rees ( ) Rev A Cunningham Burley ( ) The ministry of Francis W Dixon ( ) was very fruitful. He was known for his straightforward gospel preaching and world-wide teaching ministry especially through his Bible Notes. He concluded his 29 year ministry aged 65 and served the wider Church in his later years. Harry Kilbride ( ) is remembered for his expository ministry and for being an excellent pastor. Many were added to the church during his time at Lansdowne. Michael Buss was at Lansdowne for a comparatively brief period ( ) He was an excellent communicator and raised the profile of mission in the church. Dave Burke (an Associate Pastor) served the church well between ministers. From Steve Brady was pastor. An articulate preacher, he also had excellent pastoral skills. During his time an Eldership was established in the church. He left to become the Principal of Moorlands College where he still serves. The church was without a pastor for 4 years ( ). Our present Senior Minister, Chris Kelly, was welcomed to the church in Understanding our area Publically available records have been trawled to find information about the area that we are called to serve so that we have a better understanding of our task. The Church building is situated in Central Ward the population of which is estimated to be 8,280, a rise of 325 since Features of Central Ward In 2001 Central Ward had the lowest numbers of all the 18 Bournemouth wards of 0-15 year olds but the highest number of year olds. Today it is estimated that Central Ward still has the smallest number of under 17 s but a significantly larger number of year olds and 85+. In 2001 there were 4,936 household spaces made up of 4,305 flats, 495 houses and 136 others. In March 2009 the number had increased by 11.2% to 5,983 household spaces, made up of 5,359 flats (up 1,054), 492 houses (down 3) and 132 others (down 4). The average household is smaller than the national average. Over 39% of households are without a car. The character of the ward is different north and south of the Wessex way. To the north the ward is a patchwork of large detached houses and flats. To the south is the town centre with mainly shopping and commercial uses and some employment. Central ward splits almost equally into three groups: Independent older people with relatively active lifestyles - 34%. (Borough 27%) Educated, young single people living in areas of transient populations - 33%. (Borough 8%) People in social housing with uncertain employment in deprived areas - 30%. (Borough 7%) It is the most ethnically diverse of all the wards and has a significant number of Chinese. Two issues dominate the list of Critical Needs for each ward levels of crime and street cleaning. Central Ward is no exception. To this residents add affordable decent housing. The student population is increasing with around 2,000 living in close proximity to the church building. Another Hall of Residence is being built on the corner of Madeira Road. It is due to open in 2011 and will house a further 210 students. (There is need for another 1,000 student bed spaces. These may be placed anywhere in the Borough.) Conclusions 1 The population of the area is growing, mainly by the rapid increase of students 2 Flat-dwellers make up a high proportion of the population. We need strategies to reach them 3 We are a town-centre-seaside-resort church which means that we have the challenge of reaching out in three directions: [1] to the area where our building is situated [2] to the suburban areas from which our members travel to attend LBC [3] to the many holiday-makers who come to this South Coast resort 4 Depravation and wealth exists side-by-side. We are called to minister to rich and poor 5 The rhythm of life in the Lansdowne area is different to that of suburbia. There are outreach opportunities day and night all around the church building 6 There is no other evangelical church in the immediate area of Lansdowne but one or two are located within a minute walk. The majority of those who live in the Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch conurbation are within fairly easy reach of an evangelical church. However, some churches are weak. Church planting is not an obvious route to growth but supporting smaller churches may be. 7 Very few LBC members live in Central Ward where the church is placed. Most live to the east of the church within the Southbourne area. (See the map in appendix.)

5 4 5 Understanding a church our size The size of churches has a direct bearing on how they function at their best. It is important to understand this so that we set realistic expectations for our life together. Many studies have been done into the way in which churches function.* Lansdowne has its largest meeting on Sunday mornings when we number around 400. We are not a small church, nor are we large but medium size. That immediately tells us something about what to expect in the way we best function together. 1 The larger the church the more complex it becomes In a church of 30 people many needs are met informally and simply because of the intimacy of relationships. There is little diversity of culture and expectation. But in a church of 400, with its many activities and an army of workers, there is huge diversity. Everything is more complex. 2 The larger the church the more changes there are In a church of 30 people change comes very slowly or not at all. Authority is often concentrated in the hands of a few leaders, and the process of change is governed by the agreement of the entire membership. In a church our size, we can expect more change more quickly. Diverse influences will keep pressure on the resources of a healthy church to accommodate new life. 3 The larger the church the more important smaller structures and pathways to integration become In a church of 30 there is not the same need for small groups or age-related meetings. Importance is attached to everyoneknowing-everyone-else and doing everything together. But in a church of 400 the need to break down into smaller units is paramount. Care, fellowship and supportive relationships have to be organised because they will not happen for everyone automatically. 4 The larger the church the more formal communication there has to be Like living in a small village, the 30 strong church information network is usually very efficient! But being a member of Lansdowne s congregation is like living in a town. Communication has to be highly organized, repeated regularly and presented in multiple ways. 5 The larger the church the more focused its ministry has to be In a church of 30 people the enthusiasm of one stalwart member can be sufficient to run a whole programme, or the objection of one person sufficient to keep something from closing. Poor presentation can be tolerated because done by a relative or friend. In a church our size doing things well takes precedence over doing many things. Mission is what drives the larger church. 6 The larger the church the more important training becomes Membership 2009 compared with 2000 Here we compare LBC Membership in 2009 with that in 2000 when the last survey was carried out. There are fewer members today but the congregation remains numerically strong. Among the many reasons that may be put forward for the decline in numbers is the fact that, in today s culture, membership of any organisation is not considered as important as it once was. Some students and others who come to work in the area for a short time have church loyalties elsewhere. Membership December 2009 Total Membership 353 Age and Gender Breakdown: Teens and 20 s: 32 9% 18 males 14 females 30 s 50 s 64 18% 23 males 41 females 50 s % 45 males 44 females % 60 males 108 females Total (41%) 207 (59%) Membership December 2000 Total Membership 455 Age and Gender Breakdown: Teens and 20 s 60 13% 26 males 34 females s % 42 males 59 females 50 s % 61 males 85 females % 48 males 100 females Total (39%) 278 (61%) Net Loss Members died in the last 10 years Over half of those currently in membership (52%) were registered as members in In a church of 30 those with gift or inclination to serve can be encouraged in the intimacy of close relationships. In a church of 400 there needs to be a throughput of people in various stages of mentoring and training because turnover is an indicator of a healthy larger church. 7 The larger the church the less democratic it is In a church of 30 people, decisions may be made by all the members in a meeting where everyone can feel easy about having their say. In a church our size that is unworkable. We depend more on those we have chosen to lead us. In fact, in the largest churches the most important thing that members do is to select their leaders. 8 The larger the church the more important it is to recognise the way it grows The church of 30 may grow quite naturally because of the warmth and attractiveness of relationships. In a church our size provision for growth has to be more self-consciously organized. People are attracted to stay by the quality of what we do and the ability we develop to impact them and care for them personally. * If you would like an copy of notes on this subject by Tim Keller please contact the church office

6 6 7 Finance Here we show how the church gathered and spent its income in 2009 We have budgeted for expenditure to exceed income by 62,000 in 2010 Approximately one third of the church s income goes to Christian work outside the church 120% 2009 Expenditure as % Total Income * 2% 2009 Income 16% 0% 100% 80% 60% 40% 25% 57% 20% 0% 53% 10% 14% 31% 2% 110% Salaries, NI etc Admin Costs Building/ Maintenance Missionary Costs Net Cost of Ministries Total Gift Aided Giving Non-Gift Aided Giving Legacies Gift Aid Reclaim Interest & Other * % values sum to greater than 100% as expenditure exceeded income in Income Gift Aided Giving 57.2% Non-Gift Aided Giving 24.7% Legacies 1.7% Gift Aid Reclaim 16.1% Interest & Other 0.2% 100.0% 2009 Expenditure by Category as % Total Income Salaries, NI etc 53% Admin Costs 10% Building/ Maintenance 14% Missionary Costs 31% Net Cost of Ministries 2% Total 110.0% 28% 2009 Expenditure 2% 25.0% 20.0% 22.2% 48% 15.0% 11.0% 10.0% 13% 9% Salaries, NI and Other Staff Costs Building/Maintenance Costs (incl. Manse) Net Cost of Ministries Admin Costs Missionary Costs (incl MOET & FI) 5.0% 0.0% 1.7% 1.6% Per Individual Year Aggregate of the Four Years 2009 Expenditure Salaries, NI and Other Staff Costs 48.6% Admin Costs 8.7% Building/Maintenance Costs (incl. Manse) 13.0% Missionary Costs (incl MOET & FI) 28.0% Net Cost of Ministries 1.8% Legacies as a % Total Income Year % % % % %

7 8 9 Church Buildings Despite the fact that no decisions have been made over what to do with the church buildings, an enormous amount of work has been done by the Buildings Team over the years. Here we set out the record of that work so that we are able to benefit from all the information that has been gathered as we approach the subject again later this year. The state of the present church buildings A professional inspection of the buildings was carried out in February The report stated that, whereas the buildings were generally in reasonable condition structurally, movement and deflection has occurred in the main church roof owing to the original worn slates on the south side being replaced with much heavier concrete tiles. Because of its age and condition, the roof of the main church needs constant monitoring. The buildings are not ideal for our purposes and do not comply with current legislation. Reception areas are small. There is no safe drop-off area or outside assembly points. Car parking is difficult. The church building is impossible to heat efficiently. Regular maintenance and repair work continues but only short-term solutions are employed because of the uncertainty surrounding the future of the buildings. The main auditorium is normally used for just three hours each week and has several significant logistical problems. The steps in the galleries are a hazard; the lift is inadequate and damp in the back wall of the gallery lifts the plaster. The entire complex is not wheelchair friendly. A record of the study of alternative sites, buildings, ideas Discussion of the buildings restarted in 2000 with a view to developing a plan to make the most of the complex and its facilities. Previous plans and options were reviewed but, with the imminent appointment of a new pastor, it was decided to put further investigations on hold. Later the following steps taken and sites investigated - Autumn 2007 New Buildings Team was formed January 2008 Discussed site values, development potential and Bournemouth District Local Plan with leading local professionals. January Investigated Coach House Place car parking site. Designated for other uses by Bournemouth Council (confirmed November 2008). February 2008 Investigated Mount Zion Baptist Chapel. Sold. April 2008 Meetings with local councillor to enlist help in our quest. April 2008 Investigated Landmark Restaurant, Exeter Road. Footprint too small. April 2008 Investigated Courts Furniture, Parkstone. Wrong area. May 2008 Contacted three main agents, registering our interest in looking for a site or a building within half mile radius of LBC. June 2008 Investigated Madeira Road car park. Sold for flats. June 2008 Investigated possible commercial joint projects involving existing site (e.g. supermarket interest). Also investigated possible sale of existing site to Bournemouth University for student accommodation. July 2008 Investigated Punshon Methodist Church, Exeter Road. Vendor and agents preferred to work with a developer. Sold July 2008 Investigated Lansdowne Road. Purchase too complicated because some residential units had year leases. July 2008 Investigated Richmond Hill URC. Not for sale. August 2008 Investigated B & Q site, Holdenhurst Road. Sold. October 2008 Major meeting with Council s Head of Planning and Transportation. Support expressed for our quest. The Council s planning policy was in a state of change. March 2009 Concentrated on LBC s minimum requirements, with redevelopment of our existing site considered the best option. It has been established that a minimum floor area of 1600 sq. metres is required, costing 1.6 million plus additional expenditure to fully equip the building estimated to be around 2 million. What main features will be needed in a new building? 1. Safe and comfortable facilities which meet the needs of the ministries of the church, are inviting to visitors and serve the community. 2. Efficient heating, insulation and ventilation. 3. Compliance with legislation. 4. Safe drop-off and outside assembly points. (No plan for our current site will solve parking problems.) 5. Multi-purpose buildings that make the best use of the space available. What are the options? 1. To maintain our existing buildings and upgrade to comply with legislation. Cost: around 335,000 over several years. 2. Partial rebuild on current site. This would entail the demolition of the Hub building, Conference Room and Youth Hall, replacing them with a building that meets future requirements, including a church auditorium. The current auditorium could potentially be used during construction and be adapted or demolished later. If demolished, space might be used for parking. If retained, the space could be divided up for church activities or sold to produce funds for the building work. Positives Rebuilding made easier because the church would not leave the site. Potential to generate income by selling off part of the site. Negatives It may cost as much or more to build on part of the site as to develop the whole site due to the confinement. It may involve re-acquiring the parking spaces owned by the Chinese restaurant next door. This will add more negotiations and costs. The most workable and attractive design may need to be compromised due to the limited footprint. There may be issues associated with selling part of the site to a third party. Such a plan may raise planning and construction issues. This option was not been taken further or costed. 3. Sell current site and build new on an alternative site. In normal times the current site might be sold to a developer for residential use. This could achieve an income that would more than pay for an alternative site, thus raising part of the funding for development. However, the current economic downturn makes this uncertain. The Buildings Team enquired about the commercial value of our site and also identified some alternative sites (see above). This option was put on hold because of the downturn. Positives This strategy could work if a renewed strong apartment market were to emerge that would make the church site attractive to developers. The right alternative site could provide car parking spaces. The recent collapse in the market has made it more likely that an alternative site could be found. Negatives The collapse in the property market makes the successful marketing of our current site uncertain. The plan is speculative until such time as sites are sold and purchased and planning consents obtained. Up-front costs for planning and contract deposits could be considerable. Firstly, church members need to discern if God has given us ongoing responsibilities where we are, or whether we should leave our present site for a new area. This option has not been taken further. 4. Demolish all our buildings and rebuild on the entire existing site. This may hold the best potential and would have the support of Bournemouth Council. It would provide maximum flexibility in the design and any spare land could be used for a small amount of parking or drop-off. Temporary accommodation would be essential during construction.

8 10 11 Positives Continuity of location with LBC retaining the existing site. Most attractive in planning terms o best scope for designing the right building. o controllable and do-able. o visualisation possible at an early stage. This could help with attracting funding o could meet all the development objectives. Negatives No opportunity for third party commercial funding, unless retail units are incorporated. Significant funding needed up front. Unforeseen planning difficulties could be encountered. Estimated costs of plans and suggestions for a rebuild on site February 2004 Concept Building plans prepared and shown at a Members meeting. Based on the total footprint of the present buildings, the design envisaged multi-purpose usage over 3372 sq. mtrs. Estimated cost million. February 2008 Four storey building plan developed based on the footprint of the church and church hall only, 3425sq.mtrs. Estimated cost 3.5 million. January 2009 Three storey building plan developed which included a mezzanine floor, based on the footprint of 5, 7 and 9 Lansdowne Road only, 2100sq.mtrs. Estimated cost 2.1million. Costings were based on 1000 per square metre. All plans require a significant fund-raising effort. Timelines for a new build 6 months 6 months 6 months 18 months Design Specification Planning Application Construction Planning Build and occupy Council Plans for the Lansdowne Area In May 2007 Bournemouth Council published a report by consultants entitled Lansdowne Area Design and Development Strategy. This concluded that the area should be a great place to work but also to live, play and enjoy. It should become a positive arrival point and gateway to the heart and seafront of Bournemouth. Before this was adopted the council had moved on to consider a Master Vision Plan for the whole town centre area. This has not yet reached the consultation stage. Initial contacts with individual councillors and the planning authorities indicate that a reasonable rebuild on our present site would be looked upon favourably. A plan to build a multi-decked car park in Madeira Road has been adopted but without any time stipulation. Buildings Team Malcolm Fox Brian Hollies Ian Johnston Jill Talbot Bill Smith Chris Kelly (in attendance). Our Calling Here we summarise our calling as a church and explain what is meant by the words used. Lansdowne Baptist Church is a community of people called to - By this we mean Worship and delight in God now and eternally Proclaim Christ making disciples locally and globally until he returns 1 A Called Community We are called together by God as a gathering of redeemed people with Jesus Christ as our Lord and the Head of the Body (Eph 2:4-10, 1 Cor 12) We submit to God s ownership of the church and Christ s Lordship over it. We strive for his approval and honour him above all others 2 Worship and delight in God We are to grow in awe of the majesty and holiness of God (Heb 12:28-29) Our relationship with God comes first and determines our relationships with all others (John 13:12-17, 2 Cor 6:14-18, Phil 2:1-16) His worship is not a chore but a privilege. We expect to be animated, changed and united more fully with other believers as we worship God together (Psalm 103, 133, Acts 2:42-47, 1 Cor 10:16-17, Rev 7:9-17, 19:6-7) We hunger for a deepening relationship with God as we study His Word, worship him in spirit and in truth and obey his will (Psalm 42:1-2, John 4:23-24, John 14:15,21,23) We humble ourselves before him acknowledging our sin and the need for his forgiveness (Luke 18:9-14, 1 John 1:8-10) 3 Now and eternally Our life of intimacy with God through Jesus Christ, His Son, began with our salvation and will never end (Phil 1:6, 8-11, 1 Thess 5:23-24) We are confident that God is able to keep us from falling away and to help us to persevere in the faith until we leave this life to worship him perfectly for ever where he is (Jude 24-25) 4 Proclaim Christ making disciples The Lord Jesus Christ commissioned his Church to make disciples through the proclamation of the gospel (Matt 28:19-20) Jesus Christ is the only Saviour of the world. We spread the truth about him so that more people will believe, be saved and follow him (Acts 2:22-24, 4:12, 1 Peter 2:9) As Christ s disciples we have been given spiritual life by the Holy Spirit and we are being transformed to be like Christ so that we can serve him with the gifts he has given us (John 3:3, 2 Cor 3:18, 1 Cor 12:7-11) We recognize the responsibility of the church to encourage God s people to develop a Christian character and to prepare them to use their gifts in the service of the Lord (Eph 4:11-13) 5 Locally and Globally Located in the town-centre, Lansdowne Baptist Church attracts people from the local area and from around the world. We take the gospel out into the locality and engage in the world-wide proclamation of the good news of Jesus Christ using all available means. 6 Until he returns When the Lord Jesus Christ returns as the Judge of all, the work of making disciples will be over (Matt 25:31-46) We recognise our responsibility to make the most of every opportunity to present Christ to the world while there is still time We will give an account of the way we have used his gifts to us

9 12 13 Our Values Here we state the most important principles that underpin our life and ministry. Our Relationship with God 1. Scripture We have the highest confidence in the life-changing power of God s Word. Therefore We will make preaching and teaching the Bible a priority, and base all other ministry on it We will encourage personal study of the Bible and promote all means by which people can increase their understanding of its teaching 2. The Lord Jesus Christ The Lord Jesus Christ is God s Son and the only Saviour of the world. Therefore We will keep Him and His Gospel central to all our ministries We will make Him the centre of attention and not promote any other We will aim for excellence in all our service as an offering to Him 3. Salvation We know Christ through the new birth, which is the work of the Holy Spirit through the Word. Therefore We will make the necessity of conversion a central theme of our preaching and teaching and in all our evangelism We will pray earnestly for the Holy Spirit to enlighten those without Christ 4. Spiritual Growth We grow in Christ through prayer, Bible teaching and fellowship. By this our minds are renewed, our hearts moved and our wills directed. Therefore We will provide opportunities for people to explore God s Word at every age and every level of spiritual maturity We will encourage people to develop a Christian world view and apply the Word of God to every area of life We will create a culture of learning as we train leaders who will be able to disciple others so that the whole church will mature in the faith 2. We are committed to strengthening Christ-centred marriages and family life. Therefore We will support and equip parents in raising children in the ways of the Lord and encourage parents and children to worship together at home and in the church We will ensure that church activities for children and young people support the family and acknowledge that parents have the primary responsibility for raising their children We will promote extended families, embracing singles, the elderly and others who find themselves isolated from family relationships We will prepare people for marriage and support married couples in running their homes according to Christian values 3. We will encourage a global mindset by promoting relationships with evangelical churches, people, organisations and mission agencies in this area and beyond. Therefore We will maintain relationships with local evangelical churches and promote inter-church activities We will publicise the needs of missions and missionaries and support them We will counsel and encourage all who aspire to go out from the church to serve the Lord elsewhere Our Relationship with the World 1. We celebrate the intrinsic worth of all people since all are made in God s image. Therefore We will welcome all who come to the church and, as far as possible, serve them according to their needs We will provide ways to integrate newcomers quickly so that they are befriended and included in the activities of the church 2. We are committed to proclaiming the gospel in culturally relevant ways that meet the needs of Lansdowne and those areas in which members live and work. Therefore We will regularly review our evangelistic outreach in the Lansdowne area with a view to developing clear strategies to reach the people there We will become familiar with the evangelistic opportunities that our members have where they live and work, and will support and equip them for their task 3. We recognize our responsibility to be salt and light in the world. Therefore We will pray for those who rule over us locally and nationally We will seek the welfare of society and do good to everyone as we have opportunity We will be witnesses before our family, friends, neighbours and colleagues by living Christ-like lives 5. Worship We recognise the majesty of God and will glorify him as we worship Christ and experience His presence. Therefore We will regard all worshipers as participants rather than spectators We will aim to engage the minds, hearts and wills of all worshipers We will publically express our dependence on the help of the Holy Spirit as we worship together and aim to remove all obstacles to His ministry among us Our Relationship with Each Other 1. The Body 1. We delight in God s unique placing of every member in the body of the church and in their individual contribution to its life. Therefore We will promote the loving unity of the body We will encourage everyone to use their God-given gifts by equipping them and supporting them in ministry within the church and in the world We will provide pastoral care, prayer support and encouragement for all

10 14 Appendix 1 15 The Way Ahead What we believe This Profile has been prepared for Lansdowne Members. It provides information that will assist us as we make important decisions about the future ministry of the church. It is published now so that you have the summer months in which to read it and pray about its contents. The sections entitled OUR CALLING and OUR VALUES have been drafted by the Elders and are presented to you for the first time in this Profile. A considerable amount of thought and care has been expended in drafting these statements. They are set before you by the Elders as drafts but we do not expect them to change significantly before we formally agree them later this year. Once agreed, they will become the drivers for everything we do. They will determine the goals that we set for the coming years. Every aspect of the church s ministry will be reviewed in the light of those statements so that all that we do becomes clearly focussed on our agreed God-given mission and is in accord with our values. One of the early decisions that we will make concerns the location of the church. Should we continue to meet on the present Lansdowne site, or is it preferable to move to another location? This Profile has been written to help prepare us for making that decision. It contains information about the Lansdowne area. Maps indicate where members live and where other evangelical churches are located. It also provides details of the searches for alternative sites that have already taken place. Please read the information carefully so that you are well informed when you come to make that decision. Then we will need to decide what to do about the church building. If we stay at Lansdowne the options have already been carefully considered and are laid out in the section entitled CHURCH BUILDINGS. If we move to another location there will be new issues to consider and more background work will be necessary to enable us to make wise decisions. These are the most high-profile decisions that we have to make but there will be many other very important matters to consider. The Elders will take the lead in guiding us through this process and as they do, we should experience an increasing sense that the Lord is leading us and we are pulling together towards exciting goals once again. We believe in:- 1. The one true God, self-existent and eternal, consisting of three Persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. 2. God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Creator of all things. 3. Our Lord Jesus Christ; His essential Deity and His real and perfect Manhood; His incarnation and virgin birth; the authority of all His teaching and the infallibility of all His utterances; the all-sufficiency of His atoning sacrifice upon the cross, whereby in shedding His precious blood He made an offering once and for all our sins; His bodily resurrection and ascension into heaven; His present intercession and His future personal return. 4. The Holy Spirit, the necessity of His work in the conviction and regeneration of individuals, leading them to trust in the atoning work of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to accept Him as their own personal Saviour; His work of sanctification in the life of the believer whom He indwells, and His direction of the worship, ministry and administration of the Church. 5. The sinful state of humanity in consequence of the Fall; its lost condition and guilt before God through transgression; the justification which is offered through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, and the regeneration imparted by the Holy Spirit to all who believe. 6. The resurrection of the body and the final judgment of all; the everlasting happiness of the saved and the everlasting punishment of the lost. 7. The Divine and full inspiration of the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments as originally given, not only containing but being in themselves the Word of God and therefore authoritative as the supreme and sufficient rule of faith and practice. Some Dates for Your Diary 1 17 th June at 7.30pm Prayer Meeting led by the Vision Team 2 8 th July 7.30pm Forum: For LBC Members only. Profile Q and A. Come prepared to ask questions. Questionnaire Feedback 3 15 th July 7.30pm Members Meeting

11 16 Appendix 2 Appendix 2 17 Ministries at LBC 2010 An overview of the ministries at LBC including regular meetings at the church held by other groups 1 Pastoral Care Led by the Senior Minister, Chris Kelly. Lead Co-ordinators Bob & Jane Cooper. The aim is to provide one-to-one love, care and support to those who are struggling or going through difficult times for whatever reason. Care is appropriate to the need and is kept confidential if required. Support comes from various sources including the Pastor, Elders, Small Groups or Peer Groups. 2 Christian Development Small Groups Contact person Mike Reynolds Over 230 people belong to one of 20 Small Groups which meet to share their experiences of God, pray, study and apply the Bible and encourage mission. They meet at various times and in many different places throughout the area. In-House Training Learn 2 Lead led by Colin Paris It aims to train and equip people for Christian service through 4 study tracks in a two-year course covering a Bible Overview, Christian Doctrine, Leadership (1), Leadership (2) and practical subjects. A new course is scheduled to begin in September 2010 to which other local evangelical churches will be invited. Book Group Led by Christine Ruffle It aims to encourage Christian women to read and discuss selected Christian books. The group of started just over a year ago and meets 4 5 times a year. Mum s Group Led by Joanna Trigg The group of meets weekly in term time for mutual support and friendship. It aims to give encouragement to mums through Bible study, prayer and outreach. A crèche is provided. 4 Men in the Hub Led by Dave Smith and Jack Checketts It aims to encourage and challenge men of all ages to live spiritual lives and to be involved in Christian service men of all ages meet for breakfast at regular intervals throughout the year. 3 Youth Work Led by Keith Jewell, Minister for Families & Children Groups have been restructured and renamed in the last 18 months and will be reviewed again shortly. Toddler Creche Led by Ann Bush/Ann Grisdale It aims to provide a safe and fun environment for young children from walking to 4 years, to play and learn about God during the Sunday morning service. Hi5 Led by Suzanne Thomas It aims to present the Lord Jesus Christ to children in years 2-5. It meets on Fridays during term time for activities and games and an epilogue. Currently 24 attend, a quarter of whom are unchurched. Sunday School Led by Keith Jewell It aims to enable children from reception to year 5 to learn from the Bible so that they will be led to Jesus. Held on Sunday mornings during the service, there are currently 40 children present. Sonseekers Led by Mark Fenwick It aims to build strong relationships with children in years 6-8 and to share Christ with them through Friday activities (during term time) and Sunday Morning Bible Studies. 34 are registered with an average of 25 attending, 4 of whom are unchurched. Ignition Led by Andy Perrins It aims to share Christ with young people in years 9 11, encouraging those who are believers to be strong and confident in their faith. They meet on Friday evenings for activities during term time, Sunday evenings for worship and teaching and Monday evenings for Bible Study. 26 are registered and an average of 14 attend, 3 of whom are unchurched. Axis Led by Phil & Ann Bush Meets on Sundays after the evening service and is a group for those aged 16 to mid 20 s. It aims to encourage faith, growth and friendship by providing a varied programme which includes monthly Talkback sessions, discussing topical issues and holding occasional social events. Impact Led by Clare Stringer and Lou Varney It aims to provide fellowship and Bible study and encourages its members in their Christian service. This mixed group in their 20 s and 30 s meets once a month. Media Ministry and Web Site Led by Stewart King and David Heys It aims to build people up in their faith by making God s Word preached at Lansdowne accessible to all, either live via the Internet or via recorded audio and video. Many people use these facilities from all over the world. Student Ministry Led by Miles and Kat Tradewell and Louise Perrins It aims to encourage students in their faith by supporting them physically and spiritually, helping them feel at home in the church.

12 18 19 Appendix 2 Appendix 2 4 Evangelism 6 Students Special Events Led by Peter & Gaynor Brown and Katie Lockett This group is responsible for planning and developing special evangelistic events in partnership with other ministries/groups in the church. Bournemouth University Christian Union Students from Bournemouth University meet each Wednesday during term time for worship, teaching and training. Alternate Fridays they run a very late night drop in café in The Hub offering tea, toast, and spiritual help to student revellers from local nightclubs. Time Out Led by Graham & Brenda Lawrence A monthly afternoon meeting for those who have time on their hands during the day. It has a varied programme of talks, activities and outings to which people are encouraged to invite their friends and neighbours. A gospel message always concludes the afternoon. Hub Coffee Bar Led by Steven & Karen Stanton and Rob & Margaret Averill It aims to Show the unconditional love of Christ to international students so that disciples will be made in all nations. It meets on Friday evenings for coffee, conversation and a closing gospel presentation. There are occasional special events attend. Jelly Tots Led by Rachel Harley It aims to reach unchurched families each week during term time through a parent/carer toddler group meeting. Of the 40 families represented, 35 come from outside the church, 17 have English as their second language and 10 live within 1 mile of the church. Hub Visa/Bible Courses Led by Steven Stanton It aims to Show the unconditional love of Christ to international students so that disciples will be made in all nations. Visa is designed for internationals whose first language is not English. Meetings are held on Tuesday evenings during term time. Desserts and drink are followed by an evangelistic presentation and then group discussion attend. Spare Ribs Led by Elaine Arthur For ladies of all ages, it aims to evangelise friends and acquaintances. Social events (4 a year) are sometimes rounded off with an evangelistic application attend. 7 International Mission Exploring Christianity Led by Gaynor Brown It aims to introduce (or reintroduce) people to the Christian faith. A meal is followed by going into groups to consider and discuss the life and claims of Jesus Christ. On average 20 people attend plus leaders. In the last 5 years people have come to faith in Christ, been baptised, come into membership and have become involved in church work. Avonbourne School C.U. Led by Gaynor Brown & Louise Perrins It aims to present the Christian faith in the school, to help Christian girls grow strong in faith and to share the gospel. The Mission Council is chaired by Mike Bamforth It acts as the main gateway between the 9 long-term and 4 short-term mission personnel supported by the church and the congregation. It promotes missionary interests throughout the church, including the monthly World Mission Prayer Meeting. It provides pastoral care for missionaries and help for those seeking direction in mission matters. In addition to the ministries listed here individuals in the church serve the Lord in a great variety of more private ministries including prayer, providing hospitality, facilitating communication, practical care of the buildings and support for Sunday services and in pursuing evangelistic outreach. Our office staff provide invaluable support to all the activities of the church. Michael Ots A former Lansdowne Minister for Evangelism, Michael Ots continues to play an active part in the life of the church and is supported by the church and its members in his evangelistic activities in university missions in the UK and in Europe. 5 Evangelistic Caring Ministries Care Homes Ministry Led by Richard & Mavis Wheeler It aims to present the gospel message simply and to support elderly believers. Monthly services are held in 16 different homes. More homes could be served but there are insufficient resources at present. St Ann s Ministry Led by Judith Berry It aims to get alongside, to listen and to share faith in Christ with patients, some of whom are believers. Gospel messages are presented simply and clearly in the weekly services. In Touch Ministry Led by Muriel Blackman It aims to listen and to share Christ with the less fortunate members of society. Meals are provided twice weekly and practical help is offered.

13 20 Appendix 3 Map showing spread of Members Appendix 4 Map showing spread of Evangelical Churches