Mission and Values

DEPENDENCE ON GOD

We realize that nothing will be accomplished without God’s power.  This means that everything we do must be preceded and governed by prayer.  The Holy Spirit must be the one who guides us rather than personalities or issues.  (Matt 6:5-14; 7:7-12)

CENTRALITY OF SCRIPTURE

We believe that the Bible is God’s revealed will for our lives and is alone authoritative and should therefore be central in everything we do. Everything we do or say must be in accordance with Scripture.   We also believer that gifted biblical teaching is the catalyst for transformation in individual’s lives and the church, and that we must encourage and equip people in their own study.  (2 Tim 3:16-17; James 1:23-25)

GOD-HONORING WORSHIP

We believe that God alone is worthy of our praise and that He desires that we worship Him in spirit and in truth (John 4:24).  Therefore, we will seek to provide worship that is God-honoring, which engages not only the mind, but also the heart in the worship of God.

COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE

We believe that whatever is done should be done to the glory of God and therefore should be done well. Excellence honors God and inspires people, thus we strive for excellence in every aspect of our ministry. (Col. 3:17, 23-24; Mal. 1:6-14; 1 Cor. 9:24-27)

Devotion to one another – Our Inward Focus
PRIORITY ON PEOPLE

More than programs or facilities, investing in people is our main goal.  Programs and facilities are only the means to our goal of ministering to people.  They must not become distractions.  We believe that the same grace that was extended to us in salvation be extended to others.  Therefore, we will provide an atmosphere of grace in all of our relationships and ministries.

EVERY MEMBER A MINISTER

God has called all Christ followers to be a full participants in the life of a local church and has uniquely gifted them for that role.  We believe that the body is strongest when every member is actively using their gifts to minister to others. (1 Cor. 12 & 14, Rom 12, Eph. 4:11-12)

MATURITY BUILDING

We believe that the primary responsibility of the leadership is to “prepare God’s people for the works of service” (Eph. 4:12).  The pursuit of full devotion to Christ and maturity is normal for every believer.  We as a church have a responsibility to provide the inspiration, information and resources necessary for maturity to occur.  The biblical pattern for a mature disciple is one who is reproducing himself in others. (2 Tim. 2:2)

AUTHENTIC COMMUNITY

We believe that effective life change happens through relationships with one another.  Therefore, we will provide avenues for authenticity, community and accountability through small groups. Love and community must permeate every aspect of our church life.  (Lk 6:12-13; Acts 2:44-47; Heb. 10:24-25)

Compassion for the lost –Our Outward Focus
OUTREACH ORIENTED

We believe that lost people matter to God, and therefore should matter to us as well.  Therefore, we as a church will equip and assist every believer in reaching out to others who need the gospel. (Luke 5:30-32; Luke 15; Matt. 18:14)

FLEXIBILITY IN FORM

(Culturally Relevant) While Scripture clearly speaks to the principles which should guide our ministry, it does not speak to the forms that ministry takes in each individual culture in each individual age.  We must hold tenaciously to the truths of Scripture while being culturally relevant in the day in which we live. (1 Cor. 9:19-23; 2 Tim 2:15; Acts 17:16-34; Gal. 1:6-9)  All healthy things grow and all growth involves change.  Therefore change must be seen as something natural and healthy. (Heb. 5:11-14; 1 Peter 2:2-3; Luke 2:52)