Heathmont Presbyterian Church is part of the Presbyterian Church of Victoria (https://pcv.org.au). We are a reformed and evangelical church who are also committed to supporting cross-cultural mission and the persecuted church. We use six phrases that describe what Heathmont Presbyterian Church is and what we are aiming to be –
God Focussed
God is the creator of heaven and earth (Genesis 1). The Bible reveals to us there is only one being of God and that he exists in three co-equal and co-eternal persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit; we call this the Trinity. It is a wonderful thing to know and be known by the one true God, for God is gracious and merciful, loving and always just. He is our refuge and strength. He is the God of all comfort (2 Cor 1:3). We aim for our minds to be centred on God and to bring him glory and honour in all we do, think and say. We look to God to guide all our ways because we know he can be trusted.
‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.’
Isaiah 55:8-9
Christ Centred
Jesus Christ is our only Saviour; he loves us and cares about us (1 Peter 5:7). Christ has compassion for all who are suffering and struggling in life (Matthew 9:35-38). All who seek him will find his arms wide open; he is always ready to pour out his love and forgiveness and give us peace (Matthew 11:28-30). We want to know Christ fully and live our lives for him. He is the head of the church and it is our hope to reflect Christ in all that we do and say as we love and care for others.
‘Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your soul.
For my yoke is easy and my burden is light’.Matthew 11:28-30
Spirit Enabled
The Holy Spirit is given to us to teach us, comfort us and help us. He bears witness to Jesus Christ (John 15:26), convicts us of our sin and draws us into God’s word. The Holy Spirit works in and through us, as we seek to become mature followers of Jesus Christ.
‘But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.’
John 14:26-27a
Biblically Faithful
We believe that the Bible is the true word of God, our guide for life and faith (2 Timothy 3:16-17). In the Bible God reveals himself and his plan of redemption. The Bible provides us with wisdom for living, comfort during suffering, strength to endure trials, as well as spiritual truth and eternal hope. As we hold tight to God’s word and submit to his teaching, we hope to glorify him in all we do.
‘The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever’
Isaiah 40:8
‘Your Word is a lamp to my feet, a light on my path’
Psalm 119:105
Family Oriented
We view our church as a family and believe we are all brothers and sisters in Christ. We value our relationships and aim to encourage, support and build one another up (1 Thessalonians 5:11) as we mature in faith and love for God. We are committed to growing a strong community of people who “do life” together. We want to, “Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15). We want to support those struggling through difficult times.
‘And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the day drawing near.’
Hebrews 10:24-25
Community Engaged
We seek to be a welcoming and loving church. We are eager to engage actively in our community and are always exploring new ways to do so. We long to share God’s truth and love with those around us and provide a safe place for people to come and ask questions and explore faith.
‘Whoever comes to me I will never cast out’.
Jesus, in John 6:37