OUR CORE VALUES
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Jesus First, Jesus Always
We are convinced all things find their true meaning in and through Jesus Christ. Jesus shows us who God is and at the same time who we are meant to be. He has the last word and final say about who we understand ourselves to be and how we live our lives. We believe the greatest thing we can do for the world is lift Jesus up in worship and invite people into a saving relationship with him. Colossians 1:15-20; Revelation 5:12-13; Matthew 6:33
On Earth as in Heaven
Jesus’s fundamental gospel message had to do with God’s Kingdom drawing near. The Kingdom of God is not so much a location as it is a reality—the Kingdom of God is wherever things are the way God wants them to be. To follow Jesus means to devote ourselves to the advancement of God’s Kingdom here on earth by picking up our cross, following Jesus into the broken places of the world, and partnering with him in putting the pieces back together. Mark 1:15; 2 Corinthians 5:17-20; Matthew 25:40
Truth is Essential
We believe in truth as revealed in Holy Scripture. The Bible is God’s infallible Word for authority and guidance. Understanding God’s Word provides light for our lives. Psalms 119:130; 2 Timothy 3:16
Participation over Observation
Jesus invitation is not to come and see, but to come and follow. There is no neutral in the Kingdom of God. If we have said yes to Jesus then we have also been called and equipped by the Holy Spirit to play a role in what Jesus is doing by serving the church and changing the world. 1 Peter 4:10; Matthew 16:24-25; Romans 12:11
Above and Beyond
In sending the world Jesus, God spared no expense, but unloaded the resources of heaven in order to rescue a world He loves. In light of this we are committed to doing whatever it takes to reach people with the good news of the gospel. 1 Corinthians 9:22-23; Ephesians 3:20; Matthew 28:18-19; Psalm 67:1
People Matter
In Jesus, we are introduced to the God who knows us inside and out as if we were the only person on the planet. We are committed to being a church that doesn’t forget about its people. You are not just a number—you are a vital part of the story God is telling through this church. Romans 12:13; Matthew 10:29-31
Better Together
The full life of God meets us in a unique way as we move closer together in relationships. Our shared life is one of the primary ways in which we encounter God for ourselves and at the same time prove to the watching world our relationship with Jesus is for real. Acts 2:42-47; John 17:20-21
Prayer Driven
Prayer is not the least we can do but is often the most we can do. Prayer is not a formality or a simply going through the motions but there is real power in prayer to move the heart of God to accomplish/bring about things that otherwise would not happen. 1 Thessalonians 5:17; Acts 2:42; 1 John 5:14