PART B: REGARDING OUR COMMUNITY

The Geographic Location

City center

The People

Urban (those involved in a city center lifestyle) E.g. working poor, artistic people, political people, business people, condo dwellers, new immigrants, homeless people, people with disabilities, etc.

Hamilton's Present Strengths

The people of Hamilton are its greatest strength. We are a hard-working, friendly, welcoming, and generous city. There is a rich cultural heritage and diversity which enhances the life of our city. The city is set in a natural and unique landscape stretching from water to escarpment. We believe Hamilton shows in its history, its people, and its life, a glimpse of the destiny God has in store for it. Our commitment as God’s people is to reveal the presence of God’s Kingdom in Hamilton so that the city will be drawn ever closer into the plan and promise of God.

We see this being done by:

1. Living in a way which demonstrates the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, faithfulness, kindness and self-control).

2. Purposefully calling forth, nurturing, and releasing the gifts of the Spirit present in each Christian, to both strengthen the church and bless the city.

3. Equipping ourselves to engage every dimension of the city’s life with the presence and love of God.

Spiritual Obstacles in Hamilton

Wherever God has plans for good, the evil one who opposes God purposes to thwart and stymie such plans. There are spiritual forces at work in Hamilton that want to undo God’s intentions for the city.

We can see this to be so in:

1. A spirit of poverty which reveals itself in negative attitudes and mindsets which then destroy individual ambitions and purpose

2. A spirit of confusion and/or division which undermines mutual co-operation toward a common purpose.

Strategies for Overcoming These Obstacles

We believe God calls us to confront and overcome these spiritual obstacles in our city by:

1. Being “missional” (see "A Missional Church" and "The Missional Church Is....")

2. Investing time, people, and finances into our community to promote an attitude of generosity

3. Partnering with other churches and community organizations whenever possible to promote unity and common goals

4. Praying.