Core Values:
Gospel Above All:
We believe that the gospel is of first importance in all of life, and our lives should be saturated with it!
(1 Corinthians 15:3-4)
Jesus:
Jesus is our life, and we should live our lives for Him and obey Him. We focus our lives on Christ in all that we do.
(Colossians 3:23)
Prayer:
Prayer is how we talk to God. We pray in all things, casting our cares upon Him, and rejoicing for all that He’s done for us! (Philippians 4:6)
Authentic Relationships:
We value relationships because we were created for them! We are real people, with real problems, in need of a real Savior, and we strive together for Him!
(1 John 4:7-10)
People Far from God:
We value reaching those who are unchurched —people far from God —and we will use every means to engage, love, and disciple them.
(Luke 19:10)
Mobilized People:
Doing the work of the ministry is what we are called to do! We strive to serve wholeheartedly and joyfully in everything we do, from the home, in the community, in the local church, to the world! We seek to equip all people to accomplish the mission of God effectively.
(1 Peter 4:10-11; Eph. 4:11-13)
Stewardship:
God desires and commands us to use our time, money, gifts, resources, and influence to steward them for the Kingdom of God and the good of others.
(Proverbs 3:9)
We believe that the gospel is of first importance in all of life, and our lives should be saturated with it!
(1 Corinthians 15:3-4)
Jesus:
Jesus is our life, and we should live our lives for Him and obey Him. We focus our lives on Christ in all that we do.
(Colossians 3:23)
Prayer:
Prayer is how we talk to God. We pray in all things, casting our cares upon Him, and rejoicing for all that He’s done for us! (Philippians 4:6)
Authentic Relationships:
We value relationships because we were created for them! We are real people, with real problems, in need of a real Savior, and we strive together for Him!
(1 John 4:7-10)
People Far from God:
We value reaching those who are unchurched —people far from God —and we will use every means to engage, love, and disciple them.
(Luke 19:10)
Mobilized People:
Doing the work of the ministry is what we are called to do! We strive to serve wholeheartedly and joyfully in everything we do, from the home, in the community, in the local church, to the world! We seek to equip all people to accomplish the mission of God effectively.
(1 Peter 4:10-11; Eph. 4:11-13)
Stewardship:
God desires and commands us to use our time, money, gifts, resources, and influence to steward them for the Kingdom of God and the good of others.
(Proverbs 3:9)
Core Values Explained
Gospel Above All
We believe that the gospel—the good news of Jesus Christ’s life, death, and resurrection—is of first importance in every part of life. As Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15:3–4, “For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures.”
What This Means
In Practice
We believe that the gospel—the good news of Jesus Christ’s life, death, and resurrection—is of first importance in every part of life. As Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15:3–4, “For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures.”
What This Means
- First Importance: The gospel is not just one truth among many; it is the central truth around which everything else revolves. Our identity, hope, and mission are grounded in it.
- Saturation: Every part of our lives—our relationships, work, ministry, decisions, and even our struggles—should be soaked with the reality of the gospel. It reminds us daily of God’s grace and calls us to live in response to that grace.
- Transforming Power: The gospel is not only the way into the Christian life; it is the ongoing source of transformation. We don’t “graduate” from the gospel—it is what continually shapes us into Christ’s likeness.
- Unity: The gospel is what unites us as believers. We may differ in personality, background, or preferences, but the gospel keeps us centered on what truly matters.
- Mission: Because the gospel is above all, sharing it with others becomes our greatest priority. We live sent lives, seeking to make Jesus known in word and deed.
In Practice
- We evaluate everything through the lens of the gospel—our worship, teaching, outreach, and even how we handle conflict.
- We strive to be a people who speak gospel truth into one another’s lives: reminding each other of grace when we fall, hope when we are discouraged, and purpose when we lose sight of God’s mission.
- We commit to advancing the gospel above personal preferences, traditions, or opinions, trusting that Christ crucified and risen is the only message that saves and sustains.
Jesus
We believe that Jesus is not just part of our lives—He is our life. As Paul reminds us, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men” (Colossians 3:23). Every action, thought, and desire should be shaped by the reality that Jesus is Lord over all.
What This Means
In Practice
We believe that Jesus is not just part of our lives—He is our life. As Paul reminds us, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men” (Colossians 3:23). Every action, thought, and desire should be shaped by the reality that Jesus is Lord over all.
What This Means
- Christ-Centered Living: Jesus is the foundation and focus of our lives. Our faith is not a Sunday activity but a daily pursuit of Christ in every sphere of life—home, work, relationships, and ministry.
- Obedience to Christ: Loving Jesus means following His commands (John 14:15). Obedience is not a burden but a joyful response to the One who gave His life for us.
- Identity in Christ: Our worth and purpose do not come from achievements, possessions, or status, but from belonging to Jesus. He is our Savior, our King, and our friend.
- Imitating Christ: We strive to live as He lived—serving, loving, forgiving, and sacrificing for others. He is our example in humility and holiness.
- Surrender to His Lordship: Jesus is not an accessory to life but the authority over life. Our decisions, priorities, and dreams are surrendered to His will.
In Practice
- We seek to honor Christ in our work, knowing that every task is an opportunity to glorify Him.
- We aim to make decisions—small and large—by asking, “Does this honor Jesus?”
- We worship Jesus as the center of our gatherings and strive to reflect Him in our personal lives.
- We pursue discipleship, growing in obedience to His Word and being transformed by His Spirit.
Prayer
We believe prayer is our lifeline to God. It is how we communicate with our heavenly Father, bringing Him our worries, our gratitude, and our worship. Paul reminds us in Philippians 4:6: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”
What This Means
In Practice
We believe prayer is our lifeline to God. It is how we communicate with our heavenly Father, bringing Him our worries, our gratitude, and our worship. Paul reminds us in Philippians 4:6: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”
What This Means
- Ongoing Conversation: Prayer is not reserved for certain times or places—it is a continual dialogue with God in every circumstance.
- Dependence on God: Through prayer, we acknowledge our need for God’s wisdom, strength, and guidance. It keeps us humble and reliant on His power, not our own.
- Casting Our Cares: We are invited to lay down our burdens before the Lord (1 Peter 5:7). Prayer is the act of surrendering worry and trusting His sovereign care.
- Gratitude and Praise: Prayer is not only about asking but also about thanking. We rejoice in God’s faithfulness, celebrate His blessings, and give Him glory for His goodness.
- Alignment with God’s Will: Prayer is not meant to bend God to our plans, but to align our hearts with His. As Jesus prayed, “Not my will, but Yours be done” (Luke 22:42).
In Practice
- We pray before, during, and after ministry, recognizing that without God’s presence and blessing, our efforts are empty.
- We build rhythms of prayer into personal devotion, family life, and church gatherings.
- We intercede for others, carrying one another’s burdens before the throne of grace.
- We celebrate answered prayers and share testimonies of God’s faithfulness to encourage the body of Christ.
Authentic Relationships:
We believe God created us for relationships—with Himself and with one another. Love is not optional; it is central to who we are as followers of Christ. As 1 John 4:7–10 teaches, “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God… In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.”
What This Means
In Practice
We believe God created us for relationships—with Himself and with one another. Love is not optional; it is central to who we are as followers of Christ. As 1 John 4:7–10 teaches, “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God… In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.”
What This Means
- Created for Community: From the beginning, God said it was not good for man to be alone (Genesis 2:18). We were made to walk through life with others, reflecting God’s relational nature.
- Authenticity over Appearance: We reject masks and pretense. We acknowledge that we are broken people with real struggles who need the grace of a real Savior. In Christ, we can be honest about our weaknesses because our hope is in His strength.
- Love as the Foundation: The gospel compels us to love as we have been loved—sacrificially, unconditionally, and truthfully. Authentic relationships flow from receiving and extending God’s love.
- Striving Together: Discipleship is not a solo journey. We encourage, challenge, and build one another up in faith as we pursue Christ side by side.
In Practice
- We foster an environment where people can be transparent without fear of judgment.
- We seek to build relationships marked by grace, forgiveness, accountability, and encouragement.
- We invest in one another’s lives beyond Sunday gatherings—sharing meals, bearing burdens, celebrating victories, and walking through hardships together.
- We pursue reconciliation when conflict arises, showing the world what Christlike love looks like in action.
People Far From God
We believe that God’s heart beats for those who are far from Him. Jesus declared His mission in Luke 19:10: “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” If this was Christ’s purpose, then it must be ours as well.
What This Means
In Practice
We believe that God’s heart beats for those who are far from Him. Jesus declared His mission in Luke 19:10: “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” If this was Christ’s purpose, then it must be ours as well.
What This Means
- God’s Mission Is Our Mission: The gospel is not just for those already inside the church. It is good news for the broken, the wandering, and the unchurched.
- Every Person Matters: No one is too far gone for God’s grace. We see people not as projects, but as image-bearers who desperately need the love and truth of Jesus.
- Love in Action: Reaching the lost requires more than words—it requires compassion, service, and relationships that reflect Christ’s love.
- Disciple-Making, Not Just Decision-Making: Our goal is not simply to see people make a profession of faith but to walk with them as disciples, teaching them to follow Jesus in every area of life (Matthew 28:19–20).
- Creative Engagement: Like Paul, we are willing to “become all things to all people” (1 Corinthians 9:22) so that by every means possible some may be saved. That means being intentional, adaptable, and courageous in our outreach.
In Practice
- We go out of our way to engage people where they are, whether in neighborhoods, workplaces, schools, or online spaces.
- We remove unnecessary barriers that keep people from hearing and experiencing the gospel.
- We build bridges of friendship and trust with those far from God, inviting them into authentic community.
- We commit to discipling new believers, walking with them as they grow in faith and obedience.
Mobilized People:
We believe that every follower of Jesus is called, gifted, and sent to serve in God’s kingdom. Ministry is not reserved for pastors and leaders—it is the responsibility and privilege of every believer. As 1 Peter 4:10–11 says, “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace… in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.” Paul echoes this in Ephesians 4:11–13, teaching that leaders are called to equip the saints for the work of ministry so that the body of Christ may be built up.
What This Means
In Practice
We believe that every follower of Jesus is called, gifted, and sent to serve in God’s kingdom. Ministry is not reserved for pastors and leaders—it is the responsibility and privilege of every believer. As 1 Peter 4:10–11 says, “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace… in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.” Paul echoes this in Ephesians 4:11–13, teaching that leaders are called to equip the saints for the work of ministry so that the body of Christ may be built up.
What This Means
- Every Member a Minister: The church is not an audience to be entertained but an army to be mobilized. Every believer has a role to play, whether in the home, the church, or the world.
- Gifts for God’s Glory: God has entrusted each of us with spiritual gifts, abilities, and opportunities. These are not for personal gain but for serving others and glorifying Christ.
- Wholehearted Service: Serving is not drudgery—it is a joyful response to God’s grace. We strive to give our best in every task, big or small, knowing that it is ultimately for the Lord.
- Equipping for Mission: Leaders exist not to do all the ministry themselves but to train and release God’s people to carry out the mission in everyday life.
- From Local to Global: Mobilization starts at home and in our neighborhoods but extends to the nations. We are called to be witnesses “in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8).
In Practice
- We help believers discover and develop their spiritual gifts so they can serve effectively.
- We encourage service in all spheres of life—at home with family, in the community with neighbors, in the church body, and on mission around the world.
- We celebrate faithful service, whether it happens on a global mission field or in the unseen daily moments of discipleship and care.
- We cultivate a culture where serving is normal, expected, and joy-filled.
Stewardship
We believe everything we have belongs to God—our time, talents, resources, money, and even our influence. We are not owners but stewards, entrusted by God to use all that He has given us for His glory and for the good of others. As Proverbs 3:9 commands, “Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce.”
What This Means
In Practice
We believe everything we have belongs to God—our time, talents, resources, money, and even our influence. We are not owners but stewards, entrusted by God to use all that He has given us for His glory and for the good of others. As Proverbs 3:9 commands, “Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce.”
What This Means
- God Owns It All: Nothing truly belongs to us. Our role is to faithfully manage what God has entrusted, whether small or great.
- Worship Through Stewardship: How we use our resources is an act of worship. Giving our best and first to God honors Him and declares our trust in His provision.
- Time and Talents Matter: Stewardship is not only about money. It includes our schedules, skills, energy, and opportunities—all of which can be leveraged for Kingdom impact.
- For the Kingdom and Others: Stewardship is outward-focused. We invest in God’s mission and serve others generously, reflecting the heart of Christ.
- Eternal Perspective: Earthly treasures fade, but eternal investments last forever. Wise stewardship stores up treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:19–21).
In Practice
- We encourage joyful, sacrificial, and consistent giving as an act of trust and obedience.
- We equip believers to manage their time wisely, making space for what matters most—loving God and loving people.
- We teach and model using spiritual gifts to serve the body of Christ and advance the gospel.
- We challenge one another to steward influence well, using our voices, positions, and platforms to point people to Jesus.
- We celebrate testimonies of faithful stewardship, reminding ourselves that even the smallest act of generosity can have eternal impact.