Values are the constant, core convictions of our heart that express what we long for and want to live by. They shape our life’s direction, inform our every decision, and help us to determine our priorities. Values are not simply good intentions or wishful thinking. Rather they are revealed through actual behaviors and practices over time. By expressing our core values in a clear way we get a better understanding of why we do what we do. In addition, our stated values help us to assess who we are and what we want to be. Simply, our core values explain how we desire to live out our Christian faith.
We affirm the following biblical values:
THE BIBLE IS CENTRAL IN OUR CONGREGATIONS AND IN OUR HOUSEHOLDS.
The Word of God is the focus of our worship services, the textbook for our teaching ministries, and the foundation of our daily lives. Whether we are preaching, teaching, singing, or just talking, we want to be people of the Word.
THE GOSPEL IS OUR TREASURE AND JOY.
We want the Good News of God’s grace to us in Jesus Christ to be the centerpiece of our mission. All people need the Gospel. God’s children need to hear it again and again. The Good News is God’s power, which saves us, draws us together and motivates us for service.
WE REVERE GOD'S LAW.
God’s Law cannot save us, but it is necessary for our salvation. We need to see our sin and be driven to the cross of Christ for forgiveness. We need to be reminded that we cannot earn God’s love or merit His blessings. We also need the ethical guidance which God’s Law gives. We dare not make up our own morality.
THE WORD AND SACREMENTS ARE GODS' PRECIOUS MEANS OF GRACE.
The Word teaches us, Baptism washes us, and the Lord’s Supper nourishes us. In our sacramental life together we are brought again and again to the crucified and risen Jesus Christ, who alone is the source of our salvation.
WE CHERISH THE LOVE AND FELLOWSHIP OF GOD'S PEOPLE.
We need each other. We need the spiritual gifts, which the Holy Spirit imparts to His people. We experience God’s peace as we worship and work together, forgive one another, and bear one another’s burdens.
WE LONG FOR PEOPLE TO TRUST IN JESUS CHRIST AS SAVIOR AND LORD, TO COME TO KNOW HIM IN A PERSONAL WAY.
We are called by the love of Christ to share His Gospel. Our mission is as local as our neighborhood and as universal as the whole world.
WE SEEK TO BE A PEOPLE OF PRAYER.
Whether in public worship, small groups or in our personal lives, we want prayer to be foundational. Prayer supports and propels us in our mission. We desire that prayer be as essential in our ministries as breath is to our physical life.