Core Values

About Us  l Vision

1. We believe Jesus is our source of life and the center of our faith. (Acts, 17:28, John 14:6)
   
   We believe Jesus is the human expression of God’s will, character and example for us.  We believe His saving work on the cross and His resurrection gave us forgiveness and the power to live transformed lives.  Jesus Christ is central to everything we do.
   
   
   
2. We believe the Bible is the inspired word of God and serves as our guide for life and ministry. (2 Tim 3:16)
   
   The Bible is our guide for our individual lives as well as corporate life.  It reveals God’s character, points to Jesus and shows what it means to be what God intended.  Though we believe the Bible doesn’t prescribe one particular way of being the church or organizing the church, we strive to order our ministries in line with the Bible.
   
   
   
3. We believe prayer is essential to the Christian life. (Ephesians 6:10-18, Philippians 4:6, Colossians 4:2, 1 Thessalonians 5:17, James 5:16)
   
   The Bible tells us prayer is necessary and effective.  God works through prayer.  When we pray, we receive God’s help and wisdom and are also reminded of our need for God.
   
   
   
4. We believe the church must be externally focused, first toward our community, then toward the world, serving people and introducing them to Jesus.  (1 Cor 12:27, Luke 19:10, Matthew 28:18-20, Luke 4:14-21, James 1:27)
   
   When Jesus founded the church, He founded it as a missionary organization.  We are called to love and care for each other, but the orientation of the church must always be that we exist to serve others.  Just as Jesus said He didn’t come to be served but to serve, the church as the body of Christ is also called to serve those outside its walls.
   
   
   
5. We believe a central function of the church is discipling believers to be like Christ. (Philippians 2:3-11, Ephesians 4:11-13)
   
   While the church must be externally focused, we must put a great amount of energy into growing people to Christ-likeness so the church can reflect the character of Jesus.  Discipleship is essential to effectively reaching our community and world.  We do this through teaching, modeling, mentoring and providing opportunities for people to serve.  The end-result of discipleship is that people will become less self-focused and more God and other focused.
   
   
   
6. We believe the church has a mandate to serve the poor.  (Isaiah 1:16-17, James 1:27, Matthew 25:31-46)
   
   Scripture is very clear that God has a particular affinity for the poor, oppressed and marginalized.  From the prophets, to Jesus Himself, God called believers everywhere to feed the hungry, clothe the naked and care for the broken as an essential part of the Gospel.
   
   
   
7. We believe that because God has given us grace, we are called to extend grace to others.  (Romans 2: 1-4, Ephesians 2:8)
   
   Jesus calls people to come as they are, but doesn’t intend for them to stay the same. Judgment and condemnation are not part of our job.  While we maintain high standards for people inside the church, we give grace to those on the outside.  Paul writes in Romans 2 that it is God’s kindness that leads people to repentance.  Jesus always led with grace and acceptance of the person who is far from God.  When people became His follower, then He had high expectations.
   
   
   
8. We believe honest, reconciled, loving community is the best environment for growth. (Acts 2:42-47, Hebrews 10:24-25
   
   We strive for this community to be a place where people can be who they are without fear of being judged.  It’s important that people don’t feel like they need to pretend to be accepted.  We are all sinners who are relying on Christ to change us.  When we’re honest about our struggles, doubts and sins, we can walk together on the journey.  Because Jesus tells us love for each other will be the greatest sign of our love for Him (John 13:35), we put the highest value on being reconciled to each other.
   
   
   
9. We believe God has given every Christian gifts and talents to be used to build His Kingdom. (Ephesians 2:10, 1 Peter 4:7-11, 2 Corinthians 5:16-20)
   
   When we become Christians, our job is not to just “be fed.”  While learning and growing are a continual part of the process of becoming like Christ, God has given each of us gifts to serve the church and build the Kingdom of God.   We don’t believe ministry reserved for the paid professionals but we see each individual as a minister.