Shared Vision of the Anglican Diocese of Johannesburg

STATEMENT OF THE SHARED VISION
OF THE ANGLICAN DIOCESE OF JOHANNESBURG

Main Points | Vision statement

Our intention is:

to achieve our shared vision, and
to achieve the practice of the ministry of all believers.

This means that every parishioner takes responsibility to contribute in an effective way to the life of the faith community and to be an effective Christian presence and witness in the broader community.

This requires the spiritual growth of all believers, which leads to a deepening of relationship with God, others, oneself and creation. Central to this formation is the development of gospel values in our lives. Spiritual formation involves, among other things, personal prayer, Bible study, regular communion and worship, work for justice and reconciliation, concern for people and the environment, speaking about Jesus openly as the Lord whom we know, giving financially to support the work of the church, giving personal service to the church and the community, and living holy, and sexually healthy, lives. All this involves a life-long process of growth and learning.

This formation will require visionary, servant leaders in all aspects of the church's life, whose example empowers others to live and grow as disciples and servants of Jesus Christ.

The spiritual growth and ministry of all believers is dependent on vibrant, Christian community:

In which all are welcome to belong and participate
In which the active participation of young people and children is valued and encouraged
In which worship is dynamic and includes the whole worshipping community
In which healing and reconciliation are a visible reality
In which the humanity of each member grows in relation with others
In which dynamic small groups build up the individual into community
In which the love of Christ is experienced, made visible and given to the world.

Our vision of the ministry of all believers spiritually formed in Christian community:

Requires that we respond to the HIV pandemic. Therefore, we commit ourselves to -

Substantially reducing the HIV infection rate in our communities by living holy, and sexually healthy, lives and by transforming the socio-economic conditions in which the pandemic thrives;
Providing care and support for those infected with, and affected by, HIV/ Aids.

Requires us -

To develop a growing, interdependent relationship with other dioceses in the CPSA, in Africa and in the wider Anglican Communion;
To co-operate and work closely with other Christian churches to achieve social peace and justice, to build community and to share common experiences and worship of God.

Requires that we engage prophetically and pro-actively

in social justice issues in the community;
in community projects;
in government, supporting and challenging policy and practice in the light of Christian values.

Requires that we develop and implement evangelistic programmes that:

Will equip all our members to live and express their faith within the world;
Will lead to new church plantings, especially in new developing communities.

Our prayer is that this vision has been faithfully received from God. As we have received it faithfully, may we live it faithfully, that it may be a blessing to us, and through us to our world.

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