About Us
Our Vision
Our Values
We believe that all Scripture is God-breathed [given by divine inspiration] and is profitable for instruction, for conviction [of sin], for correction [of error and restoration to obedience], for training in righteousness [learning to live in conformity to God’s will, both publicly and privately—behaving honourably with personal integrity and moral courage]; so that the man and woman of God may be complete and proficient, outfitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work. Accordingly, all Biblical teaching and preaching is diligently prepared and expounded in love for the equipping, empowerment and encouragement of the listener.
We have an invaluable and dedicated team of volunteers, who serve with a great ‘team spirit’, assisting in implementing the vision and work of the ministry.
Rhema Christian Ministries is a company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales No: 03299533. Registered office address is Rhema House, 11 Woodside Green, London SE25 5EY. Registered Charity No: 1061736.
We are members of the Evangelical Alliance UK, Croydon Churches Forum (CCF) an umbrella organisation for Christian Churches in the Borough of Croydon and Thirty One Eight (formerly known as Churches Child Protection Advisory Service) for the safeguarding of children, young people and adults.
We sponsor several children through World Vision, an international Christian Charity that works closely with communities to improve the lives of the world’s poorest children.
If you have been attending our services and/or are interested in becoming a member of this community of believers, please speak to a member of the Leadership Team or contact our Admin office on 020 8655 4155.
Who We Are
We care and We are:
People who love ‘one another’ and others:
There is a core need in most people to feel loved, valued and safe. As a church community, we endeavour to demonstrate by our actions sincere care, love, compassion, acceptance, respect and commitment to each other and the wider community. As we care for “one another” scripture commands us to be devoted to one another (Romans 12:10
), honour one another (Romans 12:10), live in harmony with one another (Romans 12:16; 1 Peter 3:8), accept one another (Romans 15:7), serve one another in love (Galatians 5:13), be kind and compassionate to one another (Ephesians 4:32), admonish one another (Colossians 3:16), encourage one another (1 Thessalonians 5:11; Hebrews 3:13), spur one another on toward love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24), offer hospitality (1 Peter 4:9), and love one another (1 Peter 1:22; 1 John 3:11; 3:23; 4:7; 4:11-12).
; James 1:23-25; Hebrews 4:12People with purpose and responsibility:
Just as Jesus was sent by His Father into the world, so he expects those whom he has saved to ‘go out’ into the world. God has given the church a great commission to proclaim the Good News, the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all nations. Therefore, we have a responsibility to reach out to our communities. We are committed to making disciples of men and women through the sharing of our faith and vision. We strive to grow and mature in our understanding of the Scriptures so that the eyes of our hearts will be enlightened, that we may know what is the hope to which God has called us, and what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints. Ephesians 1:18 Mark 16:15 18:14; Matthew 28:18-20
The opportunities for and spheres of Christian influence are inside and outside the church service. Jesus described his disciples as salt and light. Likewise, we, as salt and light, must be prepared to be an influence wherever we go and in whatever we do. Matthew 5:14-16
The Gospel of Jesus Christ and the grace of God is shared to bring man to the place of wholeness in spirit, soul and body – to a new life in Christ. Therefore, we seek to address the whole man at every level – individuals, families, etc. Because of the transforming power of God to make all things new, we choose to see people in terms of who they were created to be. We love and care for hurting people not because of pity but because of God’s love and sending His Son to die for us all . Matthew 25:40 John 3:16; 1 John 4:10
Our Vision
Our primary goal is to do God’s will. Therefore, as He builds this local body of believers, our vision is:
- to be a growing Bible teaching, God-centred church where, through effective leadership, families and individuals are encouraged and challenged to progressively grow deeper in their intimate knowledge of and love for God, inspired to live out their salvation fulfilling the will of God.
- to purchase a place of worship; open a senior citizen “chill-out zone” for social interaction; open a centre for youth engagement, activities and supplementary education support in Maths and English.
- to develop an audio and visual media ministry to promote the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Our Values
Biblical principles are central to every activity, mission or community project/engagement undertaken to fulfill our Divine purpose, both collectively and individually. Our values are rooted in the Word and prayer; lead by the Holy Spirit and equipped with His gifts we aim to act with faith, love, compassion, integrity, trust, hope, wisdom, excellence, diligence, patience, respect, humility, forgiveness, responsibility and accountability.
The Bible is also the basis for all Christian preaching, teaching, service and is the final authority for living a Christian life. 2 Timothy 3:16-17; James 1:23-25; Hebrews 4:12
What We Believe
We believe in one God, creator of heaven and earth, of all that is seen and unseen, who is perfect in all things and eternal in existence.
We believe the Bible, the Scriptures, comprising Old and New Testaments are God inspired and infallible and is the final authority in all matters of faith and conduct.
Man, although created in the image of God, fell into sin and is therefore lost. Through the Scriptures God has revealed His grace and His plan for the salvation of man.
We believe that God, the Father, revealed Himself through the Scriptures of the Old Testament as the one true Eternal, All Wise, All Powerful, All Knowing, and All Loving, Creator God.
Our Pastor
Marva Scott has been the Pastor of Rhema Christian Ministries for more than 15 years and a Christian for more than 35 years. She is the very proud mother of two grown children.
Pastor Marva has a genuine and sincere love and care for others, irrespective of age. This is very evident when you meet her. She is a woman who believes that prayer changes things and understands the importance of believers placing God at the centre of their lives, developing their personal relationship with God, understanding God and themselves in the light of His Word and Holy Spirit.
She sees her role as a calling to serve the people God has entrusted into her pastoral care. One of the guiding principles in her leadership style is taken from Galatians 6:10 “So then, as occasion and opportunity open up to us, let us do good [morally] to all people [not only being useful or profitable to them, but also doing what is for their spiritual good and advantage]. Be mindful to be a blessing, especially to those of the household of faith [those who belong to God’s family with you, the believers].” (AMPC)
Pastor Marva is a committed leader who considers it her priority to motivate and encourage all who attend Rhema to love God first and foremost and then out of that love serve the Body of Christ God with their gifts and talents. She encourages young people to love God, value themselves, think big and achieve.
It is her conviction that God is not a debtor to anyone and therefore no one can ‘out-give’ God. More than the amount you give, Pastor Marva believes that whatever the amount, it should be given with joy of heart and not begrudgingly because ‘God loves a cheerful giver’!
In her leisure time she enjoys swimming, gardening and reading.
History
Rhema Christian Ministries formerly known as Rhema Fellowship started in May 1990. The church began with a total 10 people and rapidly grew to become a church of qualitative worship, prayer and spiritual warfare rooted in sound biblical teaching. As time transpired, it became clear that the birth of Rhema was not the work of man but the work of God. It was founded on prayer (Isaiah 43:18-19), developed by prayer (Psalm 127:1) and perpetuated by prayer (Isaiah 43:5-7).
To this day, God has been faithful to His Word and we continue to exemplify the prophetic word given in 1993, an extract of which read: “…He will establish in you a new and fresh principle of His worship. It will begin where you are, it will spread through the city and nation, and touch many parts of the Body of Christ...” This principle of worship has profoundly impacted and continues to impact the lives of those who attend our services. Intertwined throughout our eventful history are visions of a bright and glorious future in God, the author and finisher of our faith.