At HeartEdge we believe that the congregation exists not only for its members but for the wider world,  echoing the famous quote of Archbishop William Temple that “The Church is the only organisation that does not exist for itself, but for those who live outside of it.” This  way of living demonstrates  God’s presence through acts of service, justice, and reconciliation. In this sense, the congregation becomes a tangible sign of God’s future, embodying hope and transformation in a fragmented world.

This is profound vision of a Church congregation being a community of people deeply committed to one another and to God’s mission in the world. Each congregation is not merely a gathering of people for worship or a passive audience for religious teaching but a living body that embodies the values of the Kingdom of God. It is a place where individuals are invited to move beyond personal interests toward shared life, focusing on mutual care, hospitality, and witness.

So the congregation’s role is to model God’s love by building authentic relationships that reflect God’s , forgiveness, and vulnerability. This contrasts starkly with the consumer-driven culture, where individuals seek personal fulfilment or validation. Instead, the congregation should cultivate a sense of belonging that transcends transactional interactions and competition, fostering a space where people live out their faith together.

This way of being church will mean recognising and receiving the gifts of many people who have too often been ignored. Such as the talents of the disabled person or what the asylum seeker brings to a congregation from their own culture or what the person with dementia or their carer longs to give and say. We believe the church will be renewed when we receive such God given gifts as these.