Alford Community Church

About

Faith and serving. We are a growing group of people of different ages and backgrounds who are passionate about our relationship with God through his Son, Jesus Christ. This same passion provides our motivation to serve our community unconditionally, as Jesus himself demonstrated by His example. Also, we believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God and that if the principles within it are applied in our lives, we can have a huge positive impact on our own lives and the local community, not by imposing our lifestyle on others, but by providing resources and help where it is needed. The apostle James wrote (Chapter 2 verse 26) “…, so faith without deeds is dead.” (NIV)

Unconditionally inclusive. With regard to the Christian faith, we believe that no visitors or friends should be put under ANY pressure to conform - we welcome anyone regardless of their lifestyle, appearance and circumstances. We know that God created each person different and unique, each with their own skills and so we aim to encourage one and another to develop and put to good use all those skills whether it is for the benefit of the church or the local community or some far-flung corner of the world. We do not believe there is anyone with no useful skills. We believe that no one person is any more or less important than any other - we all are valuable and we all have a unique place in God’s Kingdom. As the apostle Paul said in his first letter to the Corinthians (chapter 12 verse 20), “As it is, there are many parts, but one body.” (NIV)

There is only one church. We believe that there is only one church - the Church of Christ. It is not important to us whether a person is a Roman Catholic, an Anglican, a Methodist, a Baptist, a Pentecostal etc. If they acknowledge Jesus as the Son of God and that Jesus died for them, then that is the most important thing. While the style of worship is unimportant, we do believe that a person should be comfortable in whatever part of the Church of Christ they are in. We will happily work alongside other denominations and we actively participate in and believe in Churches Together (from time to time, meeting together in the spirit of unity). We believe that what divides churches is infinitely smaller than what unites. As Psalm 133 verse 1 says “How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity!” (NIV)

Room for the individual to grow. We believe that it is important to provide an environment where church members can grow and develop in their faith. This may sometimes involve taking risks with people, but we see it as essential that everyone is encouraged to grow and develop and that can only happen by sometimes taking a risk. Teaching is something that we consider essential, growing in knowledge and experience so that faith itself can grow. To this end there are regular bible study groups and home groups available to all.

Aims and objectives. Our desire is to provide ACCess for members of our community to whatever resources and help they need to help them achieve their full God-given potential. At the same time, we want to help them feel confident, valued, and included members of the local community. Our desire to help others is irrespective of their age, gender, race, beliefs or sexuality – it is unconditional.

ACCess is the working name of Alford Community Church.

Alford Community Church is a member of the Ground Level network of churches, and is a member of the Order of St Leonard.

Alford Community Church is a company limited by guarantee and registered in England, and a registered charity.

Registered Company No: 07299919

Registered Charity Number: 1137483

Registered office: 47 West Street, Alford, Lincs. LN13 9EZ. Tel: 01507 462990