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Our Vision and Mission

Vision Statement

St Andrew’s is an inclusive Christian church: 
serving, building and celebrating community together. 
Rooted in God’s love. 
Centred on Jesus Christ. 
Led by the Holy Spirit. 

The front of a church, including a lecturn, altar table, Bible, cross, candle and flowers

Our Mission

Our mission is to grow as a safe, inclusive, diverse and intergenerational Christian 
community where all are welcome, all are valued, and all are invited to encounter God’s 
love in Jesus Christ. We will pursue this mission through five connected priorities: inclusion, practical service, community-building, faith exploration and celebration. 

1. Becoming a More Inclusive Church 

  • Celebrate diversity and difference in worship, prayer, preaching, welcome, leadership and church communications.

  • Build stronger links between the different worshipping communities who meet at St Andrew’s, including shared services, social gatherings and joint mission opportunities.

  • Challenge discrimination and injustice wherever they are encountered, both within church life and in the wider community.

  • Create regular opportunities for learning, listening and reflection so that the church continues to grow in understanding and empathy. 

  • Review the accessibility of our building, language, worship, pastoral care and publicity, identifying practical changes that will help more people feel safe and included. 

  • Explore joining the Inclusive Church network and communicate clearly what this commitment would mean for St Andrew’s.

2. Serving Our Community

We will serve in practical ways and create relationships with others so that support is offered with dignity, compassion and partnership.

 

  • Continue to develop links with and support groups that already use our premises, for example, Dementia Support, and other external organisations, so that the building continues to be a place of welcome and care. 

  • Work with local organisations to provide practical support, such as a Community Pantry and the Christians Against Poverty (CAP) money course in conjunction with Basics Bank and CAP. 

  • Explore how St Andrew’s can support the work of Fledge (local Christian charity for vulnerable and homeless young people) and other local organisations whose work aligns with our inclusive Christian ethos. 

  • Offer affordable and hospitable spaces to community groups, charities and local initiatives that help people flourish. 

  • Identify emerging needs in the local community through listening conversations, local partnerships and regular review by church leaders. 

  • Encourage members of the church to volunteer, pray, give and participate in practical acts of service both in the church and in the wider community of Eastleigh. 

3. Building Community: Belonging and Connection

We will provide safe spaces where people can build connections, be themselves, be known, be valued and belong. 

 

  • Further develop the Wednesday morning cuppa and chat group as a warm, regular place of welcome and friendship, including introducing a Community Pantry. 

  • Establish a café for parents and carers of children with additional needs on Friday mornings, offering encouragement, listening and signposting to other groups or support where appropriate. 

  • Explore creating a Friday evening alcohol-free venue with Community Pantry access, soft drinks, hot drinks, snacks, games and space to socialise – including a chatty café table and quieter breakout spaces so that people can participate in ways that feel comfortable and accessible. 

  • Host regular community events such as concerts, quiz nights, shared meals, seasonal gatherings and creative activities. 

  • Pay particular attention to people who may need extra support to feel included. Listen carefully, respond to their needs, and help ensure that St Andrew’s remains a safe, welcoming and inclusive space for all.

4. Building Community: Faith Exploration and Discipleship 

We will invite others to journey with us in exploring faith, experiencing and sharing the good news of God’s love in Jesus Christ, and growing as a Spirit-filled people. 

 

  • Continue to explore ways to make our worshiping life more intergenerational. 

  • Build links between the youth discipleship and Sunday morning congregation. 

  • Offer informal explore groups, including possible breakout groups on Friday evenings, where questions about faith can be asked openly and respectfully.

  • Develop discipleship groups and membership courses that help people grow in faith through prayer, Scripture, worship and service. 

  • Provide accessible pathways for people who are new to church, returning to faith, exploring Christianity or seeking deeper commitment. 

  • Encourage testimony, storytelling and shared learning so that people can recognise God at work in everyday life. 

  • Equip church members to speak naturally about faith, hope and the love of Christ in ways that are gentle, honest and invitational. 

5. Celebrating Community

​We will be a community of joy, celebration and hope, recognising and giving thanks for God’s goodness in our shared life. 

 

  • Look intentionally for opportunities to celebrate together across ages, backgrounds and worshipping communities. 

  • Tell good news stories that encourage faith, gratitude and hope.

  • Speak words of hope into situations of anxiety, loneliness, injustice and uncertainty. 

  • Create occasions for joy through worship, meals, music, creativity, community events and seasonal celebrations. 

  • Mark milestones in the life of the church and community, giving thanks for growth, service, welcome and transformation.

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