Core Values
Our core values are what makes us unique. They are rooted in Scripture and a picture of the Kingdom of God. It is our desire that we actually live these out, because actions speak louder than words when it comes to God’s love.
Our belief that each person has been made in the image of God, and is therefore infinitely valuable, drives our mission as a church. It is not our performance, accomplishments, bank account, or anything else that determines one’s value or worth. Therefore we believe that each person who walks through our doors is worthy of love, dignity, and respect. After all, “Whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen.” (Jn 4:20)
At the center of the Christian faith and message stands one person, Jesus. And it is Him that we turn to as our ultimate authority (Matt. 28:18). It is Jesus who shows us the way to life (Matt. 16:24-25, Jn. 14:6). It is Jesus who shows us supremely what God is like (Jn. 14:8-9, Col. 1:15). And it is Jesus who shows us what it means to truly be human (1 Cor. 15:49). We deeply believe that the Christian life is ultimately about keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus and being transformed into his likeness and image (Heb. 12:2, 2 Cor. 13:18; 4:4).
The Christian life was never meant to be lived out of our own strength. Instead, we need God’s grace and help. Jesus knew this, and promised his followers a helper to be with them, the Holy Spirit (Jn 14:15-17). We as followers of Jesus today have access to the same Spirit and rely on Him to lead us, teach us, empower us, help us pray, and help us obey God. (Rom. 8:14, 26-27, Jn. 14:26, Ezk. 36:27, 1 Cor. 12:4-7)
The Christian life was also never meant to be lived alone. Scripture shows that from the beginning it has been God’s intention to form a faithful community of people to work both in and through. So while it might be possible to grow in our faith alone, we believe we grow best when we grow together as part of a worshipping community that has different strengths, gifts, insights, and backgrounds than we do. If we are to grow and be the Body of Christ as God has called us to be, then we need one another (Rom. 12:3-5)