What we value determines how we will expend our resources. We will budget according to our values, and prioritize according to our values. It should be noted that this value statement is not necessarily in order of importance. The importance of each value will vary according to situations and circumstances. The staff will review these values on a regular basis to insure that each one receives its proper appropriation and attention.
1. We value a commitment to relevant Bible Exposition. (Discipleship)
We believe that the Bible is God’s inspired Word, (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21), the authoritative and trustworthy rule of faith and practice for Christians. The Bible is both timeless and timely, relevant to the common needs of all people at all times and to the specific problems of contemporary living. Therefore, we are committed to equipping Christians, through the preaching and teaching of God’s Word, to follow Christ in every sphere of life. (Eph 4:12; 2 Timothy 2:15)
2. We value a commitment to prayer.
We believe that God desires his people to pray and that He hears and answers prayer. (Matthew 7:7-11; James 5:13-18 Therefore, the ministries and activities of this church will be characterized by a reliance on prayer in their conception, planning, and execution.
3. We value a commitment to lay ministry.
We believe that the primary responsibility of the pastor and teachers in the local church is to “prepare God’s people for works of service” (Eph 4:12). This will be accomplished through training opportunities and through practices which encourage lay initiation, leadership, responsibility, and authority in the various ministries of the church.
4. We value a commitment to worship.
Weekly we gather to celebrate God’s goodness, and to be exposed to the Word of God. Our worship services provide ministry to believers and an open door to visitors and non-Christians in the community (John 4:24). Therefore we will strive for excellence in worship by encouraging every member to participate for the Glory of God.
5. We value a commitment to fellowship.
We are committed to cultivating deep, abiding relationships within the body of Christ, stimulating spiritual growth. We value people’s differences and their commitment to teamwork (Romans 12:5). Therefore we exhort each member to find those with like interest and work together.
6. We value a commitment to excellence
We believe that the God of our salvation deserves the best we have to offer. The Lord himself is a God of excellence, as shown by the beauty of creation; further, He gave the best that He had, his only Son, for us (Romans 8:32). Paul exhorts servants, in whatever they do, to “work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men” Col 3:23). This will be achieved when every person is exercising his or her God-given spiritual gift to the best of his or her ability (1 Cor 12).
7. We value a commitment to growth (Evangelism)
Although numerical growth is not necessarily a sign of God’s blessing, and is not a sufficient goal in itself, we believe that God desires for us to reach as many people as possible with the life-changing message of Jesus Christ. Therefore, we will pursue methods and policies which will facilitate numerical growth, without compromising in any way our integrity or our commitment to biblical truth. In addition, we will see to grow spiritually by rooting all members in the grace and truth of our Lord Jesus Christ.
8. We value a commitment to give.
We believe God demonstrated His concept of giving when he gave his only begotten Son. The Bible says, God loves a cheerful giver (2 Cor 9:7). Therefore we will purpose in our heart to give at least 10% of our income to support God’s church.
9. We value a commitment to serve.
We believe that Jesus came to serve rather than to be served.“David served God’s purpose in his own generation (Acts 13:36). Jesus said, “He that would be great among you, let him serve”. Therefore we will seek to serve, rather than be served. We will be second, so Christ might be first.
10. We value our children and youth.
We believe that children are our future, therefore we will endeavor to reach and have appropriate ministry for this age group. (Matthew 19:14)
1. The Advancement of the Kingdom of God (Luke 4:18, 43)
2. Servants, not Stars: A Willingness to Serve (I Corinthians 4:1-2; Romans 12:4-8)
3. Radical Hospitality (Hebrews 13:2; I Peter 4:9; Romans 12:10-11)
4. The Innate Worth of Every Individual: Everybody is Somebody! (John 10:14-16; Ephesians 2:10)
5. The Absolute Authority of Scripture (Psalm 119:105; 2 Timothy 4:2; James 1:21-22)