Our Core
Purpose & Values

The core purpose of SHV is to bring life to the city of sails. We recognise ourselves to be called by God into partnership with His mission in the world, to invite people into relationship with Him, to bring healing, justice, reconciliation, hope and all the other values of His Kingdom.

We have five core values. We call them our “High 5”, because we hold all five values highly.

Our “High 5”

  • Life-giving relationship

    with God as Father, Son and Holy Spirit

  • Guiding Word

    of the Bible

  • Committed Community

    of the people of God

  • Kingdom Focus

    across all we do

  • Relentless Progress

    being life-long learners who keep wanting to grow with God

Our purpose and values are “core” because they represent what is constant for us. We do not intend to change these. They represent our irreducible minimum.

Knowing what doesn’t change, we are able to practice innovation in everything else, seeking to respond to our culture as it develops around us.

Grasping the vision

We encourage all church members to see the following as “signs of membership”. 

We love the way in which people grow into an increasing connection with SHV, as they make it their home church. The following are 5 ways we encourage deeper connection with God and each other - they are like holding something with all 5 fingers of our hand.

G – groups - being part of church groups enables us to grow in our relationship with God and with one another beyond Sundays

R – relationships - we encourage everyone to pursue healthy relationships of integrity

A – attendance - God loves His Church as His Bride so He delights when we gather in-person regularly to offer Him our best in worship, experience His presence among us and treasure community

S – stewardship - we ask people to offer their time, talents and treasure to God’s work through the church. Please see our Giving page for more information about financial giving. God has given each of us incredible gifts. We believe that the church thrives when everyone in the family plays their part

P – prayer - we partner with God’s purposes when we pray. So we value the importance of each church member praying for the church, its members and our purpose to bring life to our city and the world