Our Core Values

There are three components that should describe a church’s identity: 1) its doctrinal statement, 2) its constitution, and 3) its theological vision, church covenant, or core values. The analogy of an automobile might help illustrate these components.

A Church’s doctrinal statement is its fuel source, the real power behind everything it does. But if the fuel is to be used effectively, it needs an engine, something that channels, directs, contains, and focuses its energy. We could call this a church’s constitution or by-laws, the set of documents that define the institutional organization or “vault” that will preserve, protect, and invest the deposit of the gospel (1Tim. 3:15; 6.20). But something else is needed beside high octane fuel (our doctrine) and a well-maintained vehicle (our polity), we also need a map for where we are going. This is where a church’s “core values,” “theological vision,” or “church covenant” comes in. This component gives a church a sense of direction so that we won’t just make neat and tidy doughnuts in the sand.

What follows is our church’s core values, a profile of what it means to be growing and maturing in Christ as individual disciples and as a church body. This profile involves growth and maturity in three areas: 1) communion—our responsibilities to God; 2) community—our responsibilities to our brothers and sisters in Christ; and 3) commission—our responsibilities to the world.

 Communion

The Growing Christian thrives daily on the gospel promises of forgiveness and acceptance.

The Growing Christian makes the glory of God the chief goal of all he does.

The Growing Christian daily seeks God’s presence through an attitude of prayer and the practice of prayer.

The Growing Christian appropriates the Word of God with humility, depth, and discernment.

The Growing Christian maintains the tension of experiencing and anticipating Christ’s ultimate victory over sin, suffering, and death.

Community

The Growing Christian places himself within the corporate Body of Christ as an admission that he needs accountability to achieve the goal of his salvation—the knowledge of God.

The Growing Christian is eager to be discipled and to disciple others.

The Growing Christian shows his gospel freedom with gospel graciousness to others.

The Growing Christian sees through conflict to God’s grace and glory.

The Growing Christian seeks creative ways to sacrifice his God-given talents for the church and her mission.

Commission

The Growing Christian seizes opportunities to share his Faith with a patient and gracious sense of God’s sovereignty over people’s hearts.

The Growing Christian has an on-mission focus to foster networks for gospel witness outside the church rather than relying on central church programming to do the work of gospel ministry.

The Growing Christian sanctifies his secular work for the glory of God and the good of his neighbor.