- The Gospel. We are here to believe and share the Good News of God’s love. Our primary purpose is not to build a church but to serve the Kingdom of God. Jesus came declaring good news to the poor, the hurting and the oppressed. The good news is that Jesus brings freedom, healing, release and God’s favour. He calls us to turn away from our sins and to put our trust in Him. We want to make this known to all those we have contact with around where we meet as a church and in our everyday lives.
- Gifting and service. We want to see all members of the church using their God-given gifting and ministry. When people give their lives to Jesus, the Holy Spirit anoints them with individual gifts and ministries (ways of serving) that help them to serve Jesus and participate in the life of the church. Examples of such gifts are helping to lead worship through playing instruments or singing, serving others through providing hospitality and cooking, teaching or speaking, praying with other people and having faith for healing, being bold in telling others about Jesus, and many more. This includes children and young people who are always part of our Sunday morning worship.
- Participation. When we meet together we want everyone to feel able to share and participate. This may be through offering prayers, or readings, or sharing pictures they have received from the Holy Spirit. Teaching is sometimes introduced through short times of discussion around tables.
- Worship. Worship through singing is an expression of our love for God and in our worship God ministers to us through the Holy Spirit. We dedicate time to worship as we seek to be aware of the presence of God. Our worship is led by a number of different members of the church and aims to be musical, real and Spirit-led.
- Membership. As a local church, Cedar Tree values people from all backgrounds equally. Regular attenders are invited to become members by affirming their baptism faith, promising to serve other members and agreeing to support the elders and those given responsibility in the church.
- Prayer. We believe in the importance of prayer and fasting to underpin the life of the church and to see God move in power. We pray for the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of all believers and seek God’s provision, anointing, healing and deliverance.
- Hearing God. We do not follow a programme or align ourselves with any denominational teaching but seek to be led by the word of God in the Bible and the Holy Spirit. The church is overseen by a group of 3 elders but everyone is encouraged to hear God for themselves and to share what they sense God is saying.