Core Values
Our Mission
Our vision and mission reflect these 12 basic, core
values - distinctive priorities that define the kind of
church we believe God wants us to be. They are central to
our identity and purpose. As a church we are committed to:
The Authority of Scripture
We believe the Bible is true;
that it is authoritative and applicable to every part of
our lives. While we are progressive in our methods, we are
conservative in theology, grounded securely to the truths
of historic, evangelical Christianity. We study, teach,
and follow scripture as our sole authority and guidebook
for life. We are committed to being thoroughly biblical
and doctrinally pure in all we do (John 17: 14-17; Ephesians
6:17; 2 Timothy 2:15, 3:14-17; Hebrews 4:12).
An Outreach Orientation
We believe the answers for all of life and eternity are
found in a restored personal relationship with God through
faith in Christ. We are committed to spreading His love
and message to those who don’t yet know it, empowering
people to express their faith confidently and naturally,
and cultivating purposeful relationships with unbelievers,
We are dedicated to expanding our outreach - both personally
and corporately - to our friends, family, community, and
world (Matthew 28:18 - 20; I Cor. 9: 19 - 23).
Unity Forged By Authenticity
We believe that God longs for His people to be united
in spirit and purpose, and that He intends us to live life
honestly. Unity is created and preserved when people are
not afraid to admit their flaws and fears, and also when
people are willing to speak the truth in love to each other
(even when it is difficult and church discipline is necessary).
We are committed to living authentic lives with God and
with each other (John 17: 20 -23; Eph. 4:15; Phil. 2:1-2;
James 5:16).
Cultural Relevancy
We believe God wants to reach people in ways that
are meaningful to them. We want to use the clearest most
effective means possible to communicate God’s message.
We are committed to presenting the truths of Christianity
in a creative and relevant manner without compromising the
gospel in any way (Acts 17:16-34; I Corinth 9:19-23).
Servanthood as a Way of Life
We believe that as followers of Christ we are called
to be servants; to live out the reality of putting others
first. Servanthood is the result of genuine humility, and
is a profound mark of the truth of God taking hold in our
hearts. We are committed to serving our God, our fellow
believers, and our community, not just as an activity but
as a mindset and a way of life (Phil 2:3-8; Matt.20:25-28;
John 13:1-17).
Dependence Demonstrated by Prayer
We believe that we are utterly
dependent on God for all that we are and all that we have,
and that individual and corporate prayer is key to both
remembering and acknowledging this vital truth It is God’s
desire that His people come to Him directly and persistently
in prayer to pour out their hearts, their hurts, their gratitude,
and their requests. We are committed to keeping prayer in
the center of our church life, in all our activities and
decisions (Luke 11: 1-13; I Thess. 5:17 -18; Eph. 6:18).
Loving Relationships in Small Groups
We believe that spiritual growth happens
best in the context of caring relationships, where people
actively participate in a small group of believers who encourage,
challenge, pray, serve, and learn together. Every person
in the church needs a shepherd, someone who knows their
unique story and is involved deeply in their lives. We are
committed to developing an expanding network of these small
groups, led by people with shepherds hearts, which, when
joined together, form a purposeful, loving community (Acts
2:42 - 47; Galatians 6: 1-2; Heb. 10: 24-25).
Team Based Ministry
We believe God never intended church to be a spectator
sport, but that He gives vital spiritual gifts to every
believer. The discovery, development, and exercise of these
gifts is the primary instrument of Christ to minister to
His body. The role of pastors and church leaders is to equip,
instruct, and encourage the believers in this process. We
are committed to helping people serve each other according
to their spiritual gifts, so that all might become mature
in Christ (Rom. 12:3-8; Eph. 4:1-16; I Peter 4:8-11).
Excellence With Integrity
We believe that the work of God demands our best;
anything less does not honor God, and conveys an inaccurate
message to the watching world. Regular evaluation and review
must be a part of all that we do, we are committed to being
good stewards of the resources of time, money, and abilities
that God has given us (Ps. 78:72; Colossians 3:17, Prov.
27:17).
A Kingdom Mindset
We believe that God has a significant,
strategic role for us as a church in the development of
His kingdom. Though we share no official organizational
ties with other churches, we want to maintain relationships
of mutual respect, love, and support with other churches
in our area. We are committed to having the maximum possible
impact for Christ, which will require a constant stretching
of our vision and the taking of risks.
A Focus on Grace
We believe the central, driving force
of the universe and in our lives is the unmerited grace
and love of God. We believe His grace alone - not our effort
or accomplishment - is responsible for producing eternal
life, freedom from sin’s control, and lasting change
in an individual’s character. We are committed to focusing
on and celebrating that grace, and fostering an environment
that reflects it in our lives and relationships (Romans
4:5; 5:20 -21; 8:31-39; Eph. 2:1-10).
Marriage and Family
We believe that marriage is God's plan
and the foundation for building families in which children
are to be raised in the nurture and teaching of the Lord.
Marriage is the union of a man and a woman in covenant commitment
for a lifetime. It is God's gift to reveal the union between
Christ and his Church and to provide for the man and the
woman the framework for intimate companionship, the channel
for sexual expression, delight in one another and the means
for the procreation of the human race. Healthy families
are crucial for the wellbeing of society and the church.
The family is the church in microcosm with the parents as
pastors, responsible to provide the teaching and training
of children entrusted to them by God.