Our vision
A few years ago, the leaders of the congregation embarked on a process to think biblically and strategically about who we are and why we exist as a congregation. Two key features became clear: our vision is to resource Christians and to reach out to our community and city with the gospel. These aims are captured in the strapline:
Knowing Jesus and making Jesus known
Our mission
To see this become a reality, the eldership examined what this vision means for the leadership, the congregation, the community and city.
The eldership
The elders set the culture of the congregation. Rarely will a congregation advance beyond the spirituality and leadership shown by its leaders. As an eldership, we commit to be an open, accessible and approachable leadership who will be known for our care for the congregation individually and collectively. Sensing our own need of prayer and having already implemented a system of prayer triplets or quads in the eldership, we will encourage each follower of Jesus to be involved in a small group where prayer is included.
The congregation
On the radar of the eldership are ways of encouraging our individual, family and congregational devotional life. Paul wanted to ‘know Christ better’ (Philippians 3:10). So do we. Whether through sourcing devotional aids or sharing helpful resources, we want to help you know Jesus better.
Family worship helps, guidance for parenting at different ages, and linking the teaching in church youth ministry with what is taught at home, are all key components to how we intend to encourage families.
Being together to worship, pray, care and learn is commanded (Hebrews 10:25) and crucial for our growth. We want to ensure our congregational worship is God-focused, Holy Spirit-led and Christ-exalting. This involves personal preparation and prayerful expectation.
One aspiration we have is to connect everyone (where possible) with a weekday Community Group as a place to learn, a place to care and a place to share the gospel locally.
Our community & city
Over 15,000 people living in the eastern part of the city have no connection to a church. With proposed developments at Stratton and Ashton, that figure will increase significantly. Reaching our community, city and beyond is part of the reason for our existence.
One of the best ways of reaching new people is to plant new churches. We will actively look for God-given opportunities to plant churches within unreached communities, including the new developments on the east side of Inverness. In January 2023, we launched our first plant, Tornagrain Community Church. In 2025, it became a fully-fledged congregation in its own right. What comes next?
Alongside planting churches, we want to equip our members to have answers to the questions people are asking today about life, faith, truth and hope.
We will also introduce regular guest services and events to invite new people along.
What can you do?
Everything, from developing existing relationships and contacts from the regular weekly ministries to engaging users of the buildings and planting new churches, must be grounded in prayerful dependence on God. Please join us as we pray for the lost.
Need to get in touch?
The church office is open Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm. To help manage the office workflow, we would appreciate that any visits outwith these hours are made by prior appointment. Thank you!
Email office@smithtonchurch.com or call 01463 793191.