Like Core Beliefs, Core Values further define what any particular church stands for. Note that these are Core Values; that is, they represent the most important of many hundreds of values that could have been chosen. At the heart of our values is the idea that ALL PEOPLE MATTER TO GOD. The following values reflect that main value, and help define the people of God we strive to be:
We value worship as a gift of love to be bestowed on an audience of One.
(Matthew 22:37-38, Luke 4:8)
We value the opportunity to commune with God through prayer.
(Matthew 6:7-13, John 17:20-21, Colossians 4:2)
We value being a church characterized by grace. In the same way that God extends His grace to us by accepting us, forgiving us and loving us in Christ, so we stand firm in our acceptance, forgiveness and love for all people.
(Romans 5:8, Romans 15:7, Ephesians 4:32, John 13:34-35)
We value Jesus’ directive to the church, as well as individual Christians, to offer people Christ.
(Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 16:15-16, Luke 24:46-49, John 20:21, Acts 1:8)
We value the truth that through faith in Christ alone we are accepted as members of Christ’s Church.
(Ephesians 1:13, 2:1-22)
We value the truth that all Christians are called by God to play a role in building up the body of Christ.
(I Corinthians 12:4-31, Ephesians 4:11-12, I Peter 4:10-11)
We value reaching out and serving people in our community.
(Matthew 25:31-46).
We value the humility that enables us to:
- accept God’s grace,
(Acts 3:19-20) - put others above ourselves,
(Philippians 2:3) - serve God and one another,
(Galatians 5:13) - and not judge others.
(Matthew 7:1-5) - We value worship that is relevant in today’s world.
(I Corinthians 9:20-22)
We value spiritual growth and believe it best fostered by being in relationship with others.
(John 13:34-35, Acts 2:42)
We value the behavior that flows from living a Christian life characterized by the fruits of the spirit.
(Galatians 5:22-23)
We value the people of God giving their best to the kingdom of God.
(I Corinthians 10:31, II Corinthians 8:1-5, Colossians 3:17)
We value leaders who lead with a servant heart.
(John 13:1-17, I Peter 5:1-3)
We value a church structure that recognizes that God calls leaders to make decisions on behalf of the body of Christ.
(Acts 15:1-35, Romans 12:8)