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Values affect what we think and, consequently, what we do. Although we seldom consciously think about them, values create a "culture", or a "feeling" in a group or organization. The following values give our congregation its distinct mission and culture at this time.
Our nine values are:
• Pursuers of God
• The Bible • Unity • Compassion and Mercy • Equipping • Relationships • Generosity • Simplicity • Risk Taking and Mistake Making  |
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The depth of God's relationship with us is inexhaustible (Ps. 41:1; 1 Cor. 2:6ff; Phil 3:8-10). Therefore, we seek Him and wait expectantly for His presence in all that we do (John 4:34; 5:19-20).
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At our core, we are evangelical Christians and our approach to life and ministry is shaped by the counsel Scripture gives us (2 Tim. 3:16-17).
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Our brothers and sisters are not our enemies, therefore we will love who Jesus loves which is the whole church - those in our local congregation, those in The Vineyard Movement, and Christians across denominational lines (Eph. 4:3-6).
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We accept into our fellowship any person moving towards Christ in their pursuit of genuine human life. We welcome "sinners", trusting the Holy Spirit to draw anyone's heart to Him through worship, the Word, and love. God's mercy always triumphs over judgment (James 2:13; John 8:1-11).
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God calls and enables believers to express the talents, gifts, and ministries that He has set aside for them, therefore we integrate Biblical truth into everyday activities that impact our community (Eph. 4:11-13).
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Caring for people is our highest priority after submission to God, because the purpose of the cross was the redemption of men and women. To the best of our ability we will treat each person with respect, dignity, and loving patience - always seeking what is best for their life and growth (Rom. 12:9-13; 1 Cor. 13:4-9; Col. 3:12-14).
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We are stewards of God's gifts and resources (Matt. 10:8, 39; 13:45-46) which means that when God directs, we will be willing to give away what we have, to risk the security of current success in order to advance the Kingdom of God on earth in greater ways.
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We want to be "naturally supernatural", avoiding behavior that draws attention away from God and to ourselves. Simplicity affects our worship style, how we pray for the sick, minister to the poor, carry out discipleship, teach the Bible, and so on (1 Cor. 2:2-5; James 3:13; 1 Thess. 4:11-12).
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We are willing to let people make mistakes as they grow in their gifting. We know that gifting develops in an environment of trial-and-error, so we are willing to be patient with people's weaknesses and failures while they learn (John 21:15-19; Gal. 5:22-23).
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