Our Practices
In order to truly live out our purpose, we want to equip every person who calls KingsGate home for the life-long journey of becoming a transformed disciple of Jesus.
As a church, we focus on nine spiritual practices to help us grow in intimacy with Jesus: practices that help us to be with Him, to become like Him, and to live like He lived.
We believe that Jesus invites all of us, wherever we’re at on our spiritual journey, to embrace a life of ongoing discipleship by practicing the way of life that he modelled for us. As we live this way, we are continually and increasingly transformed from the inside out.
The Bible
Living a life of faith and obedience based on the Bible.
At the heart of following Jesus is a commitment to the Bible. We believe it is God's Word and that living by faith and walking in obedience begins with reading the Bible daily, allowing God to speak to us through the Bible as He shapes our understanding and strengthens our trust in Him (Romans 10:17; 2 Timothy 3:16-17). As we take time to meditate on the Bible, we don’t just read, but it becomes a conversation with the Holy Spirit, who leads us into truth and helps us grasp what God is revealing (John 16:12-13; 2 Peter 1:20-21). And we aim to apply the Bible to our lives, because Jesus taught that true discipleship is not just hearing the Word but doing what it says (John 8:31-32; John 14:21; Matthew 5:18). This practice isn’t about perfection, it’s about a daily pursuit of knowing God, trusting Him, and allowing His written Word to shape how we live increasingly like Jesus (Hebrews 11:6).
Holy Spirit
Walking in the presence and power of the Holy Spirit.
We believe that the Christian life is meant to be lived in step with the Holy Spirit. He is God, the Third Person of the Holy Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). Jesus (the Son) promised the Spirit would dwell with us and in us (John 14:16-17), and we seek to be continually filled with the Spirit, drawing strength, guidance, and boldness from Him (Ephesians 5:18; Acts 1:8). Walking with the Spirit also means developing a genuine friendship with Him, learning to listen to His voice, respond to His leading, and honour His presence in our lives (John 16:7-15; Ephesians 4:30). As we do that, we exercise the gifts and fruit of the Holy Spirit – the Spirit produces His fruit in our character (Galatians 5:16) and empowers us with spiritual gifts to serve others and build up the church (1 Corinthians 12:7-11). Our desire is to be a people who carry the presence of God and live by His power in every part of life (John 7:37-39).
Worship
Offering our whole lives as an act of worship.
Worship is far more than just singing – it’s a way of life. We believe that offering our whole lives to God, as Romans 12:1 encourages, is our true and proper worship. This means honouring Him in every area of our lives – whether we’re at work, at home, in relationships, or in rest – as a daily expression of devotion. We also value expressing our thanksgiving and praise to God both individually and in church gatherings, lifting our voices and hearts to the Lord with sincerity and joy (Hebrews 13:15; John 4:23-24). And because God has lovingly called us into His rest, we enjoy the gift of Sabbath, setting aside time each week to be refreshed in His presence (Leviticus 23:3). Led by the Spirit who reminds us we are God’s beloved children (Romans 8:15-16), we worship not just with words, but with our whole lives.
Prayer
Developing a lifestyle of prayer.
Prayer is the heartbeat of a vibrant relationship with God. We believe that developing a lifestyle of prayer begins with regularly spending time alone with Him, cultivating intimacy through personal moments when we listen for His voice and speak to Him (Mark 1:35; Matthew 6:5–6). But prayer is also something we do together, joining with others to pray with and for one another in unity and faith (Acts 2:42; Acts 4:24; Matthew 21:13). As we grow in prayer, we’re called to intercede for spiritual protection, for people to encounter Jesus, and for God’s kingdom to break through in power and love (2 Chronicles 7:14; Ephesians 6:18-20; Colossians 4:2). Whether in personal devotion or collective gatherings, prayer is how we stay rooted in God’s presence and aligned with His purposes.
Fasting
Fasting from food to feast on God.
Fasting is a grace-filled way we tune our hearts to God, letting go of food for a time in order to feast more fully on His presence. As a church, we encourage the development of a regular rhythm of both personal and collective fasting, following the example of God’s people throughout scripture (2 Chronicles 20:3; Ezra 8:21-23; Acts 13:2-3). In fasting, we create space to increase our hunger for God, grow in self-control, and pray with greater clarity and dependence (Joel 2:12; Matthew 6:16-17; 2 Corinthians 11:27). But this practice isn’t just about personal devotion. It also moves us toward others. As Isaiah 58 reminds us, true fasting bringsjustice, compassion, and practical care for those in need. Whether quietly in our homes or together as a church family, we fast not to earn God’s favour, but to draw near to Him with spiritual hunger, open hands, and expectant hearts (Matthew 4:1-4).
Community
Experiencing and demonstrating the love of God in Christian community.
We believe the love of God is most powerfully experienced and expressed in the context of genuine, Christ-centred community. This begins with participating meaningfully in a LifeGroup or other small group expression, where we can encourage one another, grow in faith together, and encounter the presence of Jesus together (Matthew 18:20; Acts 2:42–46). We are committed to guarding our unity, celebrating our diversity, and regularly taking time to share communion together. We walk together in grace, humility, and peace (Psalm 133; Ephesians 4:3-6; 1 John 3:11-24) and as we open our lives to one another, we also express God’s love through hospitality, sharing food together and creating space for friendships to flourish (Romans 12:9-13; 1 John 4:7-21). In all these ways, we live out Jesus’ command to love one another as He has loved us (John 13:34-35).
Serving
Serving others with our time and talents.
Jesus came not to be served, but to serve, and as His followers we’re called to do the same (Matthew 20:26–28; John 13:1–17). Serving others begins with developing a Christ-like heart to serve. As we grow in Christ, we’re invited to develop a posture of humility, compassion, and willingness to put others first. One of the key ways we live this out is by finding our place and playing our part in a Serving Team, using the unique gifts God has given us to build up the church and support one another (Romans 12:4–5; 1 Peter 4:10). But our service doesn’t stop at the church doors – we also look for opportunities to serve others in our wider communities, bringing practical help and hope in Jesus’ name (Galatians 5:13). Whether visible or behind the scenes, every act of service matters and makes a difference.
Generosity
Stewarding God’s provision to release financial generosity.
Everything we have comes from God, and we’re called to steward His provision with wisdom, gratitude, and open hands (Psalm 24:1; 1 Chronicles 29:14). That begins with managing wisely all that God provides for us, recognising that we’re entrusted with resources not just for ourselves, but for His purposes. As part of this, we begin by bringing the tithe into the storehouse of the local church, trusting God to provide as we honour Him in obedience (Leviticus 27:30; Malachi 3:10-11; 1 Corinthians 16:2). Beyond the tithe, we’re invited into joyful generosity, giving over and above to meet needs, bless others, and invest in kingdom work, confident that God is able to multiply what we give for His glory and our good (2 Corinthians 9:6–11; Philippians 4:17–19; Matthew 6:19–21). Generosity isn’t just something we do. It’s a reflection of God’s heart and a joyful part of our worship.
Witness
Being a witness of the good news of Jesus.
We believe that every follower of Jesus is called to be a witness; someone who carries and shares the good news of God’s kingdom wherever they go (Acts 1:8; Matthew 28:19). This means living as Kingdom Ambassadors, representing Jesus in all we are and all we do (Acts 10:38; Matthew 24:14). It also means looking for opportunities to invite others to experience Jesus in church gatherings and being a good neighbour to others (Luke 10:29–37). We want to always be ready to share our story and the hope we’ve found in Christ with gentleness, honesty, and love (1 Peter 3:15-16; Proverbs 11:30). Whatever our spiritual gifts, we are all called and commissioned to shine the light of Jesus to the world around us.
watch the series
Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.