BAC aims to be an outward looking faith community that expresses its concern for the needs of others in practical and tangible ways .In responding to Jesus’ Great Commission to go out into the world and preach the Gospel, baptizing people in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit and teaching them all that Jesus commanded; BAC sets as its four key objectives, going, sharing, including and teaching.
“Going” “go unto all the world” BAC believes that this means that we as individuals and as a community we are called to make a concerted effort to engage with the wider community both local and global and not to become insular in our outlook. In response to this imperative BAC designed and built a building that could be used by the wider community for a variety of functions. At present over 1,000 people use BACs facilities every week ranging from basketball training and competition, calisthenics and gymbaroo through to social functions such as dances and birthday parties. BAC also has an overseas outreach program in partnership with Anglicord and ABM in Samoa and PNG and supports ISA (International Support Aid) in their work in Uganda.
“Sharing” “proclaim the good news” BAC believes that this means that we should be committed to sharing the good news of Jesus Christ and to fellowship with one another. In response to this BAC is committed to having a minimum of 60% of its congregation involved in a “life group” (so named because we share a common life in Christ and through these groups are able to share our lives and faith with one another.)One of the other ways in which BAC is committed to sharing is financially and are therefore committed to the principle of proportional giving.
“Including” “baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit”. BAC believes that this mean that we have a responsibility to not only welcome people into the church but to disciple them so that they can become active participants in the mission of the church. This is done through a process we call streaming As a result BAC is committed to running formational programs such as “Alpha” and “The Bible in 24 Hours” as a way of introducing new members to the Christian faith and building relationships with other members of the congregation. BAC is committed to actively providing opportunities for people to be involved in ministry through the variety of programs that it runs and to being open to the Holy Spirit’s leading to discern what ministry God is calling us to and what gifts people possess. Life groups play an important part in this discerning process.
“teaching” “teaching them all that I have commanded you” BAC believes that Jesus is the Son of God and Saviour of the world and that the Scripture contain all that is essential for salvation. BAC believes that we should be committed to the highest possible standard of Christ focused preaching and teaching.
BAC’s key objectives are to empower, encourage and equip. BAC aims to empower people to step out in faith and to exercise leadership in ministry; to encouraging people take initiate in the exercising of their gifts; and to equip them with the necessary resources to effectively carry out their ministry.
Language is important part of this process as it not only expresses what is but defines the way in which people think and operate. For this reason BAC deliberately uses the language of “teams” rather than “committees” to express the inclusive nature of ministry within the church. In a committee structure the chair person or leader is often viewed as the coordinator, controller and even doer, whilst in a team context the leader is seen far more as a facilitator and mentor whose role is to equip and encourage other members of the team in their respective ministries. At BAC every team leader is encouraged to actively identify and mentor another person as a 2IC with the view to handing the ministry over to this person. The role of the team leader then is to monitor and be available for advice and support.