As part of our Vision 2030 / mission planning process we have produced some statements about our purpose, values, passions and goals.
Our Purpose
Turramurra Uniting Church is a vibrant, Christ-centred, inclusive community growing in faith, connection, and service. We seek to follow Jesus in ways that are authentic, compassionate, and outward-looking—shaping a church that is both spiritually deep and practically engaged.
We are committed to seeing growth in how we be:
- Grounded in growing and meaningful discipleship
- Connected in genuine, life-giving community
- A multi-generational church where young people are valued and empowered
- A creative and innovative space for worship and mission
We believe this vision is not only possible but already unfolding—through the Spirit’s leading and our shared commitment to building a church for the 2030’s.
Our Values
1. Christ-Centred Living
We are a church grounded in the radical love, grace, and hope of Jesus. A Christ-centred life calls us not just to believe, but to embody faith. Whether in worship, community outreach, leadership decisions, or personal relationships, we continually ask: How does this reflect Jesus?
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts… and whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus.” — Colossians 3:15–17
2. Transformational Discipleship
We are committed to forming lifelong followers of Jesus who grow in faith, live with purpose, and inspire others. Discipleship is not a program but a way of life. This value fuels our focus on authentic faith conversations, engaging spiritual practices, and tangible expressions of love and justice. We envision a community where all generations are learning, questioning, growing, and living out their faith beyond Sundays.
“Go and make disciples of all nations… teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” — Matthew 28:18–20
3. Relational Community
We are a church where people feel known, loved, and deeply connected. Our relationships are more than surface-level; they are places of mutual support and shared life. This value drives our emphasis on welcoming newcomers, nurturing belonging, and growing a community that spans generations, cultures, and life experiences. We believe church is not an event but a shared life—and that relationships are the soil in which faith grows best.
“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” — John 13:35
4. Generous Impact
We exist not just for ourselves, but for others—our neighbourhood, our region, and the world. This value shapes our call to be a lighthouse church — a visible witness of justice, grace, and love in action. We embrace generosity not only with money, but with time, talents, passion and hospitality. We respond to practical needs, amplify marginalised voices, and serve alongside others with humility.
“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your God in heaven.” — Matthew 5:16
5. Empowering all Generations
We believe the church thrives when every generation is seen, heard, and supported. This value calls us to particularly create spaces where children, youth, young adults, and families feel welcomed, discipled, and called into leadership. We don’t just want programs for young people — we want a culture that prioritises their growth, listens to their voices, and shapes faith journeys together.
“One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts.” — Psalm 145:4
6. Spirit-Led Adaptability
We listen, learn, and lead with hope—even as the world changes around us. Our church is not stuck in the past. We are courageously adaptive, led by the Holy Spirit, and open to new ways of being church. This value empowers us to reimagine worship, leadership, governance, and ministry with agility and faith. It’s how we remain relevant without losing our foundation — and how we ensure that TUC is growing young, building capacity, and ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow.
“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” — Isaiah 43:19
Our Passions
We are building a church that is being shaped for the 2030s—firm in foundation, flexible in design, and always under Spirit-led construction. This is not a one-time blueprint. It is a living, evolving strategy. What we begin today lays the groundwork for the church of tomorrow: a church that listens, adapts, includes, and grows. We are not just building for ourselves — we are preparing a place where faith can flourish for generations to come.
We will build a culture and capacity that can navigate a rapidly changing world while serving an unchanging God. Our capacity will not be measured just in numbers or programs, but in our ability to grow disciples, empower leaders, embrace innovation, and remain anchored in Christ. As the world shifts around us, we will listen deeply, adapt wisely, and stay faithful to the call of Jesus—so that our church remains a light, a refuge, and a catalyst for hope into the next decade.
We will be a church grounded in transformational discipleship—where following Jesus is not just believed but lived. Our strategy calls us to move beyond information to formation, where faith grows in the soil of experience, reflection, and shared life. We will create environments where questions are welcomed, Scripture is explored, and the Spirit is encountered. Discipleship will be woven into everything we do — from worship to leadership, from children’s ministry to outreach — so that every person has the opportunity to take their next step with Jesus.
We will be a church committed to relational community — where everyone is known, valued, and loved. In a time of growing isolation and fragmentation, we will intentionally nurture spaces where deep connection and belonging can flourish. From informal conversations to small groups, from shared meals to intergenerational friendships, our church will be a place where people experience grace in real, everyday relationships. This kind of community doesn’t just feel good — it forms us in the way of Christ.
We will prioritise growing young — cultivating a church where young people and families feel welcomed, supported, and empowered. We will invest in leadership development across generations, listen to emerging voices, and shape spaces where faith can be shared, discovered, and lived out together. We will intentionally create spaces where faith is both inherited and discovered afresh.
We will shine as a lighthouse church. Our strategy calls us to be more than a gathering place but also a beacon in our region. As a lighthouse, we will look beyond ourselves for opportunities to collaborate, share and serve. We will continue to amplify the voices of the marginalised and be known for our faith expressed through tangible love.
We will be a church that is sustainable—faithful with resources and kind to its people. We recognise the increasing pressures on time, energy, and finances in our world. Our strategy is to shape a church that is creative, efficient, and wise — able to do ministry that matters without exhausting those who serve. This means building teams that share the load, funding ministry through realistic and generous giving, and regularly evaluating our efforts to ensure they are life-giving, not life-draining. Sustainability is not just about surviving—it’s about thriving with enough capacity, joy, and freedom to serve Christ well into the future.
Our Goals
Increase average total worship attendance by 10% per year
A core goal of our church is to grow … and for our church to be fruitful and sustainable into the 2030’s we believe that an ambiguous goal of 10% per year numerical growth is needed. This goal should shape the way we approach our welcome, integration, and communication. In terms of our main 9am worship, we are creating vibrant, welcoming worship spaces that draw people back and draw new people in. Taking EVOLVE to the next level will require numerical growth. In terms of new worship innovations – such as the Sunday Funday – they should also have the goal of 10% growth per year. This goal aims that by early 2030’s that we have doubled the numerical size of those connected in worship at TUC from now.
By the end of 2028 have at least 12 small groups, or discipleship communities established, resourced and running across TUC
These would include traditional bible study groups; life groups; or informal gatherings where life and faith are shared and encouraged that meet at least monthly. To have 120+ people involved in these groups by 2027. “From rows to circles — faith grows best when we grow together.”
We will Grow Young…
As a church we strive to be a congregation who is growing young. In its simplest terms – we aim that the average age of people connected to our church to be less than the year before. But a growing young culture is also about unlocking keychain leadership so we aim to have 25% of leadership teams including under-35s, and sustained intergenerational mentoring. Growing Young involves prioritising young people and families across the church so we aim to review and revive a discipleship pathway from children to young adults for children and families to engage and grow together.
Create a Follow-Up Culture from Outreach to Ongoing Connection
Establish a “What’s next” pathway/culture within the community connection events and groups which links people to an additional TUC experience. To creatively discern what an appropriate and helpful “next step might be” and through contacts and follow-up get contacts to an additional TUC event, group or experience. 50+ people connected in 2026; 100+ people in 2027 and 200+ people by 2028. “Every event or outreach group is a front door. Let’s open it wide.”
Be visibly engaged in justice, advocacy and mission each year
With at least three church-wide initiatives (e.g. climate justice, First Peoples reconciliation, overseas missionary support), plus space for individual passion projects. “Our faith finds feet in public life.”
Equip 30 new volunteer leaders by 2028
10 new volunteers per year across worship, youth, hospitality, pastoral care, outreach, tech, and more—with clear pathways for training, mentoring, and celebration. “Every disciple can be a leader. Every leader helps others grow.”
To have the right people in the right paid ministry roles we aim to have 100+ hours per week of paid ministry, administrative and support work
We understand that effective ministry in today’s context requires intentional investment in both ministry and administrative staff. Our goal is to sustain at least 100 hours per week of paid staff time — ensuring our teams are equipped, supported, and empowered without over-relying on volunteer labour. We aim that this figure will grow as our church grows
Strategically leverage our property resources to best resource our next decade
We will undertake a thorough property review to ensure our facilities best serve the ministry and mission needs of the next decade. At the same time, we will explore creative opportunities to maximise the use and return of our property resources — so that our buildings and land are not just maintained, but actively resourcing the mission and growth of TUC into the 2030s.
To grow sustainable financial giving to support a thriving, creative church
We aim to build a church that is both financially sustainable and kind to its people. Our goal is to grow regular giving to at least $350,000 per year by 2028 which will allow us to maintain 100+ hours per week of paid ministry, administrative, and support staffing and continue to be innovative and creative in our ministry and mission.
Regularly review and refresh our worship and discipleship models
Conduct formal evaluation every two years to test alignment with the core experience framework (connection, transformation, discipleship). “We will not drift—we will discern.”