Responding to now
We want to get back to what church should be about. What it was always meant to be. We do life together. No pretending allowed! We're out there, trying to share the positive difference Jesus is making in our still-mending lives. We're not one style, one place, one group. Not easily defined. We're very open but also very focused on key principles that bind us together in shared mission.
Open Country is an accessible and pressure-free place where people can experience community and the teachings of Jesus. We have a couple of trained pastors/ministers amongst us to help keep us on track and we're held accountable by respected Christian leaders.
We're inspired by these verses in the Bible.
“Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it?" Luke 15:4
*What I mean, brothers and sisters, is that the time is short. From now on those who have wives should live as if they do not; those who mourn, as if they did not; those who are happy, as if they were not; those who buy something, as if it were not theirs to keep; those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away. 1 Corinthians 7:29-31
Find out more about what we believe and our denominational affiliation here.
But practically...
how does it look?
Our get-togethers go with the flow, but typically you can expect:
food/drink/fun
a reflective walk in nature
a discussion around a principle in the Bible
ongoing connection through the week
Suitable locations therefore feature a large enough shelter (or BYO), a nature walk and a playground for the kids.
We are looking to start churches in the open country all over the place, so let's connect and make it happen together.
