values that guide us
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our purpose is to live Biblically, Passionately & Relationally, pursuing the agenda of Jesus by bringing people into relationship with Him and by discipling those who know Him to live more like Him.
intimacy with God/discipleship
we value the redemptive and sanctifying work of Christ in us individually that begins at salvation and ends the moment that He calls us to be with Him. this transformation and intimacy doesn't happen accidentally, rather it comes with intentional discipleship and commitment to a life of continual spiritual growth. we acknowledge that this is the work of Christ alone, however we believe that our surrender is what enables this work to be accomplished in our lives, transforming us into the very image of Jesus.
living purposefully in the community
we value reaching out to the local community with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, acts of service, mercy, friendship, and hospitality. whether it be volunteering time or resources to those in need, lending our building to be used for public events, taking part in community activities, or serving in other ways, we desire to develop good relationships and have a positive impact in our city and in our individual neighborhoods.
being a genuine church
we value building a community where each member brings their time and abilities to contribute to the body. we believe that the church is a family, meant to be relational, not a business. we choose to resist the temptation to evaluate the value of our church based on performance, numbers, statistics, etc. we value real community, therefore we seek to be genuine and honest as we relate together as a church family. transparency as to our flaws, and approachability as to our pastors and leadership, are priorities to us, and open communication is something we deeply desire.
intentional missions/global involvement
we value Christ's call to all believers to "go into all the world and make disciples"; therefore we desire to be involved in global missions. we also value Christ's command to care for the "least of these", and believe that it is our responsibility to remain aware of global conditions and battle poverty and injustice by giving of our time, finances, and resources in order to bring relief and healing in all facets of life.
worth of every person
we value the unique, precious life of every person God has created, and believe that each person's true worth is found in Christ alone. because of this, we desire to extend respect and dignity to each person we come in contact with, loving them as God does, free of racial or other social prejudices. in a community where racial tensions, especially, are becoming more and more divisive, we are committed to looking beyond opinions on the issues of legality (including our own varied stances on this matter) and responding with love, grace, and service to everyone around us.
cultivating faithfulness and commitment
we value faithfulness – to each other, to our families, and to the work God has called us to do. as a church, we seek to cultivate an environment where commitment in our spiritual lives, our church body, our friendships, marriages, lives as parents, work, and our other relationships is a priority. we desire to be a support to each other as we stand in these commitments.
the arts/worship
God has given each person unique talents and gifts that reflect His beauty and creativity. we feel that through the expression of art, be it poetry or welding, dance or weaving, when it is recognized that we are the conduits of that creativity, and God is the source, worship happens and Jesus is exalted.
the joints concept
we believe that just as the human body has joints that are immovable and joints that are flexible, there are issues that the Bible teaches clearly, and others that are applied based on personal conviction. this is a value based on a sermon preached here in 2003 called "body joints and God". this sermon is available here. we choose to stand firm on issues clearly outlined as permissible or sinful as written in the Bible. on those that are not, we believe there is liberty for every person to seek the leading of the Holy Spirit without condemnation or judgment.
we also value the freedom to ask questions. some of our most meaningful experiences as a body have come out of asking questions such as "what is worship?" or "what does the Bible say the church community should look like?" etc. these discussions are never posed as a means to question God's sovereignty or the integrity of the scriptures. rather, they are meant to look through the layers of what human tradition has dictated, so that we can better understand God's desires for our lives.