Mission Statement: The Methodist Church of New Zealand Te Haahi Weteriana o Aotearoa

 

Our Church's Mission in Aotearoa New Zealand is to reflect and proclaim the transforming love of God as revealed in Jesus Christ and declared in the Scriptures.   We are empowered by the Holy Spirit to serve God in the world.   The Treaty of Waitangi is the covenant establishing our nation on the basis of a power-sharing relationship,  and will guide how we undertake mission.   In seeking to carry out our mission we will work according to these principles:

Christian community

To be a worshipping,  praying,  and growing community,  sharing and developing our faith and working through its implications in our social context.

Evangelism

To challenge people to commitment to Christ and Christ's way.

Flexibility

To be flexible,  creative,  and open to God's Spirit in a changing world and Church,   so that the Church is relevant to people's needs.   To release energy for mission rather than to absorb energy for maintenance.

Church unity

To foster networks and relationships with communities of faith having similar goals.

Inclusiveness

To operate as a Church in ways that will enable the diversity of people  (e.g. all ages,  all cultures,  male and female)  to participate fully in the whole life of the Church,  especially decision-making and worship.

Every member a minister

To encourage each person to develop his/her full potential by accepting and nurturing each other,  developing skills and providing resources,  challenging and enabling for service in the Church and community.

Cross-cultural awareness

To become aware of,  and challenged by,  each other's cultures.

Justice

To work for justice for any who are oppressed in Aotearoa New Zealand,  keeping in mind the implications of the Treaty of Waitangi.   To share resources with the poor and disadvantaged in Aotearoa New Zealand and beyond.

Peace

To be peacemakers between people and in the world.

Healing

To listen for hurt and work for healing.

Ecology

To care for creation.