CORE VALUES

We value the Word of God

Our number one guiding value is that the Bible is true and the catalyst for life-change in individuals’ lives and in the church. Therefore, any decision, question, or action to take, we first go to the Bible and then go with the Bible. (Nehemiah 8:8; John 17:17; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Hebrews 4:12; 1 Peter 1:23-25; 2 Peter 1:3-4 and 1:21). In every service, Sunday School class, and Bible study, time will be devoted to the teaching and applying of God’s Word to our lives.

We value evangelism

Lost people matter to God and therefore they matter to us. Our church programming, services and ministry models all point to sharing the message of the grace of God with individuals and families. In every service, a public invitation is given to allow people to respond to this clear message of hope and eternal promise. Every church member is challenged to daily share their faith at work, school and social settings (Luke 5:30-32; Luke 15; Matt 18:14).

We value discipleship

The Scriptures calls us to not merely lead people to Christ, but to teach them to be followers (disciples) of Christ (Matt 28:19-20). Therefore, we encourage and expect each of our members to participate in the process of discipleship in order to reach full maturity in Christ.

We value grace

Grace is what distinguishes Christianity from all other religions in the world, and is the means by which we can have a relationship with God. Therefore, grace is at the core of our teachings and practices. We endeavor not only talk about grace from the pulpit, but to live it out in our personal lives and in our treatment of others.

We value unity

The church is a fellowship, so we structure for unity. The church is a family, so we organize and manage and lead it like a family. The church is a body, so we are made up of people with differing gifts, filling different roles. And the church is a flock, so the church is cared for and led by shepherds.

We value stewardship

 We are committed to wise stewardship of all tithes and offerings given to our church. We believe God calls our ministry to be transparent and accountable, utilizing an engaged board of directors and an independent accounting firm. 

We value prayer

Prayer was fundamental for the birth of the church (Acts 1). Prayer was essential for the growth of the church (Acts 9). Therefore, prayer is indispensable for our church. We also believe prayer provides a vital connection with the Lord, illuminating his Word, and can help meet our deeper needs as we grow in dependence upon God

We value worship

We value meaningful worship, that is, worship that is in both spirit and in truth. In spirit meaning that it is inspirational that glorifies God and engages the heart, mind and emotions of the people of God. In truth meaning that it is firmly grounded in the Scriptures. (Matt 6:9-13, 22:36-38)

We value community/fellowship

We believe that God has created us with a need to connect with other people, and it is through these relationships God works to help mold us and make us more into His likeness. Loving relationships should permeate every aspect of church life. We work, not towards uniformity or unanimity, but a oneness of heart. We choose to be kind, gracious, forgiving, generous and giving other the benefit of the doubt. This takes intentionality and work; it does not just happen. (Luke 6:12-13; Acts 2:44-47)

We value family

 We believe the family is the basic building block of human civilization, That marriage is more than about happiness, but rather holiness and portraying the relationship that God longs to have with His creation. That children are a valuable, precious gift and blessing from God (Psalm 127:3). We are committed to strengthening families and marriages.

We value servanthood

We believe that God has uniquely blessed each person with a combination of talents and a spiritual gift. The church should operate as a unified community of servants stewarding their gifts and talents. The mindset and heart behind this is to have an attitude of service, to think more of others and less of ourselves. Therefore, we desire to empower and equip each person to use these gifts to serve the body of Christ, for the glory of Christ. (1 Cor 12 & 14; Rom 12; Eph 4; Ps 133:1)

We value excellence

 Excellence honors God and inspires people. God deserves our best. Mediocrity does not honor God, nor does it reflect His character. Mediocrity also invalidates everything we want to try to communicate with those around us about Christ. Therefore, we never give second best to God in our service, worship, finances or time. Through all of our ministry programming and campus facility, we strive to display excellence in all things to the glory of God. Great care is taken to ensure a wonderful, worshipful environment in every area of ministry. We believe giving our best is what honors God (Matt 5:16, 25:23)