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Our
Core Values
Our
vision reflects seven 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
being:
Personally
Authentic
We believe God intends us to live life honestly. Not afraid to admit
our flaws and fears, not pressured to pretend we're someone we're not.
We believe God accepts people right where they are and lovingly moves
them toward where He desires them to be. We're committed to living
authentic lives with God, with ourselves, and with each other (Matthew
5:37; Romans 15:7; Galatians 6:2; James 5:16).
Lovingly
Relational
We believe that spiritual growth happens best in caring relationships,
where people actively participate in a small community of believers
that encourages, challenges, prays, serves, and learns together. We
believe that the small (cell) group is the most effective context for
discipleship, leadership training, and evangelism. When joined
together, these cells form a church that is a purposeful, loving
community. We are committed to developing an expanding network of cell
groups, and to a church structure that keeps them at the center of our
programming, emphasis, and organization (Acts 2:42-47; Galatians 6:1-2;
Ephesians 4:1-16).
Culturally
Relevant
We believe God wants to reach people in ways that are meaningful to
them. Our style is contemporary. We're not interested in passing fads
or gimmicks, we simply 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; 1 Corinthians
9:19-23).
Unapologetically
Biblical
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).
Outreach
Oriented
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; 1
Corinthians 9:19-23).
Lay-Ministry
Mobilized
We believe God never intended church to be a spectator sport, but that
He gives vital spiritual gifts to every believer. We believe their
discovery, development, and exercise are the primary instrument of
Christ to minister to His body. We are committed to helping people
serve each other according to their spiritual gifts, strengthening each
other until all reach full maturity (Romans 12:3-8; Ephesians 4:1-16; 1
Peter 4:8-11).
Grace
Focused
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 and its 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; Ephesians 2:1-10).
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