NDIC was established as an interdenominational church in September 2007 because of the influx of expats and internationals in Almere, one of the fastest growing cities in Europe. 

There was a need for an English language church which would be sensitive to the postmodern culture and provide a spiritual home for people from all over the world who live in Almere and the surrounding area, as well as Dutch people who prefer to worship in English.

NDIC is now home to people with or without a previous church background. This means we seek to create an environment where faith can be explored and where God can be encountered in new and creative ways. 

Since its beginning NDIC has seen steady growth, providing a place to belong for people from all walks of life.

The visual image

At NDIC we compare the Christian life with running a race. The Bible talks about this in Heb. 12-1-3: “Let us run the race set before us.”  As we run our spiritual race, we go through various stages (awareness, endurance, perspective and sacrifice), just like in a real marathon. We often refer to these stages as we seek to encourage each other towards the ultimate goal that Jesus sets before us (to finish well). For more information please read: "Understanding the Identity of our Community."

Awareness

By the prodding of the Spirit,  I become aware of who God is and who I am. I start to realize that I am not yet who God created me to be. 
I become involved in a church community, hoping to find hope and a future with God at the centre.  There’s the immediate awareness that I’ve made the greatest choice in my life.  There’s the amazing awareness that with God on your side, who can be against you?
Some of us have been on the Christian walk longer than others, but the sense of awareness is still fitting.  When we allow Him freedom, the Spirit prods the deep and hidden places in our lives.  There comes awareness that to grow into the people God created us to be, so much still has to change. 

Endurance

Once I commit to this marathon, I realize quickly that there are no quick fixes.  Things take time to heal and change.  Sanctification is a process. I learn to relinquish my own power and start to depend on God and others to help me run this marathon.This is when I commit to the process of discipleship.  Discipleship (the training of the soul) involves every part of the church.  As a new Christian I commit to a long program of training to be able to endure the schemes of the evil one (“the sin that so easily entangles…”), and to be able to become the person God created me to be. 
Endurance is something a mature Christian recognizes and strives to develop. Very simply, it’s allowing the Spirit to produce the fruit of the Spirit in our lives (Galatians 5:22).  Fruit is the evidence that our spiritual training is producing results.

Perspective

The marathon is only even remotely possible with my eyes focused on the distant finish.  When the commitment is for the rest of my life, it’s only possible by keeping my eyes fixed on Jesus, through Whom it’s all possible.  He has lived this life with all of its stresses and tribulations, and also knows the joy of finishing strong.  The saving work of Jesus is the reason I have a life worth living, the hope of eternity in relationship with Him.  Keeping Jesus at the centre of every endeavor makes life possible and even bids the possibility of “living life to the full”.

Sacrifice

Jesus paid the ultimate sacrifice.  When you grow to realize the enormity of what that means for every person that has ever lived, the awareness leaves you with a growing desire to participate in every way you can at building God’s kingdom.  You realize that everything you have is God’s.  Every breath you take, your family, your job, your talents, the opportunities each day to live life to the full – are all gifts from God. Your only response is to give it ALL back to God, and to want to share it with others.  Jesus said that when we give to those in need, we serve Him, that to follow Him is to take up your cross and follow Him. We follow him at home and abroad, because He has given us the Great Commission, (Matthew 28:18-20).

It is our dream as NDIC leadership to see every-one in our community actively living out these characteristics. To be a dynamic, growing community, everyone needs to get on board. 

If you feel unsure of what this means for you, ask the Spirit to develop the sense of awareness in your life.
If you need new energy, ask God to develop endurance for this marathon, to see the fruit of the Spirit really take root and grow.
Do you long to see Jesus more clearly in your daily challenges?  It’s as simple as allowing Philippians 2 to shape your perspective. 

We also really believe that as we become more involved as a community, and interact and do life together – we more truly reflect the image of Jesus!

The Scriptural basis for these stages is from Heb. 12: 1-3:

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.