What we are for
A community in Nottingham focused on Social Justice, that is fully inclusive of all people, following an open, progressive theology and gathering in an informal, accessible style.
In determining our values we have taken inspiration from the Oasis Church network and the four “distinctives” that underpin their churches. During our first event in October 2025 we were joined by Jo Dolby and Nathan Jones from Oasis to talk about these.
You can listen back and learn more below.
Introduction
“Why is the cat tied up in the corner?”
Nathan Jones introduces the four distinctives and talks about what drives Oasis to do what they do.
Fully Inclusive
“We believe in a God of love. A God who loves every single one of us.”
Nathan talks about the value of inclusion, particularly in relation to the LGBT+ community and touches on how Oasis apply biblical principles to situations involving real people.
Informal and Accessible gatherings
“Hospitality is not a subtle invitation to adopt the lifestyle of the host, but the gift of a chance for the guest to find their own.”
Jo Dolby talks about raiding the collection basket, super weird behaivours and how Oasis Bath looked at everything they did and asked the question “Why do we do that?”.
Social Justice
“It’s lovely that you do all these things but what about the Gospel, why aren’t you actually saving people?”
Nathan talks about why Social Justice is at the heart of salvation. Building inclusive communities where everyone gets to experience life, and life in all of its fullness.
Progressive Theology
“Theology is trying to find the least stupid thing we can say about God. ”
Jo talks about controlling traffic lights with magic, how none of us believe everything we did years ago and how being part of an evolving, changing faith is part of a biblical tradition spanning thousands of years.
“You cannot love your neighbour while supporting or accepting systems that crush, exploit, and dehumanise them.
You cannot love your neighbour while accepting less for them and their family then you do for you and your own.”
- Mika Edmonson