The word Skainos is a New Testament Greek word which gives expression to the guiding vision behind the project that is, EBM’s intention to be a gospel presence in the city.

Skainos = Tent or tabernacle (New Testament Greek)

1. By the time of the prophets in the OT it was perceived in Israel that the ideal time of their history was when they wandered in the desert and lived in tents. God also lived in a tent (tent of meeting; the tabernacle) and when he moved they moved. To live in a tent was to be able to move with God. It was to be on a permanent pilgrimage.

2. In John 1:14 when the Gospel says Jesus made his dwelling among us, the word used is a variation of Skainos. It is therefore an incarnational word. Just as the Word of God was made flesh and lived among us, so we aspire to make the Gospel ‘flesh’ in this community by ‘living’ in it; by having a visible presence in it.

3. The word Skainos is also used as a euphemism for the human body, in 2 Cor 5:1,4. It speaks of frailty and weakness. We build in this community not as an expression arrogance, pride or power but in humility, recognising our weakness.