Jesus’ plain command to the disciples, at the end of Matthew’s gospel, is to go and make more disciples. Disciples are people who, when they hear about Jesus, believe in him, and learn from him, and are sent out by him.

St George’s has always responded to Jesus’ commands in scripture. Since 1930, St George’s has responded to the call to proclaim good news to the poor through the work of St George's Crypt, now in its 75th year. The Crypt is a Christian Charity whose mission is to share the good news of Christ and to give practical help and a welcome to the destitute poor of Leeds.

Today this means serving Asylum Seekers as well as people who have become homeless and those struggling with addictions, loneliness and mental heath issues. A number of projects are run in partnership with other agencies and the Crypt has the good will of the whole City and many businesses. The work is underpinned by daily prayer and the vital support of faithful Christian friends who pray, work as volunteers and give financial support. Over the last 15 years, the Crypt has modernised its structure, policies and its physical environment.

In 1989, St George’s responded to an increasing awareness of the cultural gap between the eclectic professional congregation of St George's and the residential part of the parish ‘over the bridge’ by planting a Community Church. This was a new form of church, with a high degree of participation by its members, and a mission to the people living in the communities around them.

We also responded to the need to improve our building and facilities in order to reach out and attract people. In 1990, the church was completely reordered and refurbished.

During this time, Jesus’ commission in Luke 4 ‘The spirit of the Lord is upon me because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor’ inspired these three aims for St George's Church, Community Church and Crypt:

· Renew the Church
· Share the Gospel
· Care for Society

We remain committed to this holistic vision of spiritual renewal and mission. God himself renews us as we meet for worship, bible teaching, prayer, and fellowship. He pours his Spirit upon us, equips us with his gifts, and empowers us for mission.

Vision - part 2