The purpose of this document - ‘Setting the Vision for the Eastside Centre’ – is to crystallise a vision for the development of the planned new facility at 880 New Cleveland Road, Gumdale and to establish the broad philosophy of its intended use and development.  The document will then provide the direction for the Eastside Community Church Property Development Group to enable the realisation of the facility.  ^{Download pdf version from here}

The facility must support the mission of the church:   ie To Be, Make and Equip disciples of Christ. 
The facility will support the delivery of these objectives in the following ways:-
* Being disciples – by being a visible presence for God in the local community
* Making disciples – by connecting with the community and seeking to provide a facility to meet their needs so that we can present the gospel
* Equipping disciples – by providing a facility that will support programs to grow disciples in their faith and ministry

The philosophy for the facility is that it be multi-purpose in nature and be operational seven days a week for the community at large as well as our own church family.  While the primary focus will be on supporting the church’s ministries and programs the facility will also be designed to enable flexible community use.

The range of current and projected church programs that must be supported by the facility include:–
> Sunday Worship Services
> Youth
> Children
> Creative Arts
> Men’s and Women’s ministries
> Community care services for the benefit of the local neighbourhood and church family
> Sport and recreation activities
> Mission/outreach activities
> Church administration and offices

It must not be just a place of worship, but a place where our community of faith can meet real needs in this new neighbourhood and surrounds.  To this end it is with intent that the design should be multi-purpose in nature.  This should impact every design decision.  Therefore, if a part of the facility can support only one ministry program for a small portion of the week then its value must be justified. 

The facility should be used for all the ministries of the church, and should be flexible in how it can be used.  It should be attractive and non-threatening for visitors.  The facility should also be able to be used by third parties.

The development of this facility offers an exciting opportunity for our church to realise its potential and fully utilise our collective giftings.  This document is intended to set out a broad direction for the various ministries of the church and for the Eastside Property Development Group.  Our church should use this opportunity to focus on developing strong connections with the people of this emerging local community - to develop connections that change lives.

Ultimately we acknowledge that the facility is only a tool for ministry.  The church is the family of believers, not a building.  The Eastside Centre is intended to assist our church to rise to the challenge that God has in store for us in the years to come.  This vision needs to be owned by the body of the church at Eastside Community Church.  In all that is to come we rely on God, and ask His blessing on all of the work that is done in His name.

Facility Utilisation
The following list is not comprehensive, but is designed to outline the ministries, priorities and opportunities identified by the church leadership in October 2006.  The requirements listed below are indicative and not intended as a final development brief.  That document will be developed by the Property Development Group subsequent to the approval of this statement and will itself require membership approval.  The vision statement is designed to outline a design philosophy, not prescribe every detailed requirement of the new facility.

Key requirements that the facility should be designed to provide include:
* Corporate Worship: The facility should include a large hall for worship services.  We project seating of 500 to 750 subject to further development of the design brief.  In accordance with the objectives outlined in the vision statement the hall should be adaptable for multiple uses, not only Sunday services. This space could be used for one or more services as the church grows.
* Sport and Recreational Activities: The hall should cater for a range of local community uses including indoor sports and recreational activities to be coordinated by the Church (eg basketball, indoor soccer, netball, volleyball).
* Musical and Creative Ministries: The facility should cater for a range of musical and creative ministries including large events.
* Life Development Programs: A range of programs from Community Education , Leadership Training, Financial Planning, Marriage Enrichment, Parenting Courses, Pre Marriage Counselling, Weddings, Children and Youth programs and other related activities.
* Playtime: With the increasing numbers of young families in the neighbourhood it is anticipated that there will be a growing need for a place where parents can meet together with their children in a caring and supportive environment.
* Community Care Services: Being a community minded church we realize that it is important to cater for the total person i.e. body, soul and spirit. With this in mind we would ultimately aim to develop a ‘help centre’ on site to care for the community at large including professionally trained personnel.
* Other Events: The annual Community Christmas Carols event, Youth Events, Seminars, Community Meetings, Rallies etc should be able to be run at the facility.  Events may be held inside or outside.

It is acknowledged that it may not be possible to achieve all of these outcomes in the initial stage of development.  Fulfilment of the objectives outlined may need to be achieved in stages. 

Third Party use of the Facility
The facility could be used by other community organisations.  In particular we would look to support the broader work of church and para-church organisations who are actively involved in ministry.  In general, facility usage would be acknowledged by way of donation.