2011 Targets

At the Annual Vision Supper (on 29 Mar 11) we set out the following targets for the year ahead:

Target 1:

Double the percentage of members who read their Bible regularly

The Spiritual Life Survey found only 24% of St Mark's members read their Bibles at least several times a week for personal devotional time.

Target 2:

Increase the percentage of members in homegroups to 75%

Currently 65% of members are in the homegroup system - fellowship and accountability is so important to our spiritual health and growth that we long to increase this.

Target 3:

Increase the men:women ratio to 45:55

At the AVS the ratio of men to women was 40:60 (slightly better than national average) - but it's still an unhealthy imbalance that we want to address.

Target 4:

More opportunities to connect with local residents

Through litter clearing, garden projects, decorating and community parties for old and young, we want to get to know and be a blessing to our neighbours.

Target 5:

Night Pastors

By AVS next year we hope to have a dozen Night Pastors on the streets in Clapham Junction to be a Christian presence late at night and to help those in need.

Target 6:

Old School House

We long to rebuild or redevelop the old school house so it can become the centre of all our community work. By the next AVS we are aiming at having designs and planning consent!

Target 7:

Provide resources for Christians in the workplace

Many of us spend most of our 'awake hours' at work - so this year we want to provide resources for the workplace that equip and encourage us in this mission-field.

Target 8:

For the staff team to support local church leaders

We are thrilled that there are a growing number of faithful gospel churches and ministries nearby - we will support and encourage them through meeting together and sharing resources.

Target 9:

Church planting

Widely recognised as the most effective means of church growth in a city, planting involves sending out a group of 30-50 enthusiastic church members to bring new life somewhere else. In many ways the sending church 'loses' wonderful people and their financial giving - but it's good for us to give away what we have been given...

Target 10:

Global Impact

This year we aim to encourage more members to sponsor children; to send out more mission partners; and to establish a link with another church in the 3rd world.