OUR VALUES

Grace

Saving grace brought us into relationship with God, sustaining grace keeps us in this relationship, and empowering grace enables us to serve and obey with joy. We value an increasing appreciation of the grace of God by applying our minds, wills and emotions to this radical truth.

And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith, and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast. (Ephesians 2:6-9)

Growth

God intends that our thoughts, words, and deeds increasingly reflect his character. We value growth through the spiritual disciplines in understanding and obeying God's expectations for holy living by putting off sinful actions and motives and putting on righteous thoughts, words, and behavior.

You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. (Ephesians 4:22-24)

Groups

God made us an interdependent people, which Scripture depicts as a body and a family. We value meeting together as a corporate community to worship and hear the Word of God. We value gathering in small groups to bear one another's burdens and help each other to grow in grace.

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another,  and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (Hebrews 10:24-25)

Gifts

The Holy Spirit gives each of us abilities to serve one another, the church at large, and the communities of this world. We value discovering these gifts and increasing in their skillful use as we take opportunities to serve others.

Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. (1 Corinthians 12:7)

You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbor as yourself." (Galatians 5:13-14)

Giving

We recognize that all our material possessions are a gift from God given to further His work and glory in the world. We value giving money to further the ministries of the church with a ten-percent tithe as a beginning standard for our generosity.

But just as you excel in everything, in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us, see that you also excel in this grace of giving.  (2 Corinthians 8:7)

Gathering

Our calling includes proclaiming the gospel to those who do not believe in the hope that they will turn from their sins and trust in Jesus for salvation. We value sharing the gospel message with skill and through love, both in our personal contacts with people and through the corporate evangelistic efforts of the church.

Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."  (Matthew 28:18-20)

Gratefulness

Every good thing we have or accomplish is an evidence of the undeserved grace of God. We value offering public and private thanks to God for his grace and mercy, and giving thanks to those who make their lives available for godly service.

Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)