Our Core Values bring clarity to how we define a Christ-follower and the characteristics that we believe are to be evident in the life of a Christ-follower.
Loving God
A Christ-follower lives a life of devotion first and foremost to God. Our devotion to Him is characterized by a life that is marked by obedience, sacrifice, worship and holy living. (John 15:14, 1 John 5:3-4, Luke 9:23, Psalm 42:1-2)
Loving Others
We value personal relationships with others. Loving relationships are marked by caring, acceptance, forgiveness and truth-telling. (Romans 15:7, Ephesians 4:32, Galatians 6:2, Ephesians 4:15)
Missional Living
Truly loving God and others will result in activity in the lives of others. We live out God’s mission for our lives through the use of our spiritual gifts in serving others and also by sharing our faith with those who are not yet Christ-followers. (Matthew 28:19-20, 1 Peter 4:10, Romans 12:6-8)
Spiritual Formation
A Christ-follower commits to a life of learning and growing in their spiritual journey. We value the process of becoming Christ-like as we become imitators of Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:17, Romans 12:2, 2 Peter 1:5-8)
THE ESSENTIALS WE BELIEVE
About God. God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three personalities: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God. Genesis 1:1,26,27; 3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; I Peter 1:2; 2 Corinthians 13:14
About Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is co-equal with the Father. Jesus was virgin-born, lived a sinless human life, demonstrated His authority through many miracles, and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on a cross. He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to His Father in heaven, and is coming again. He will return someday to earth to reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Matthew 1:18, 22, 23; Isaiah 9:6 John 1:1-5, 14:3,10-30; Hebrews 4:14, 15; I Corinthians 15:3,4; Romans 1:3,4; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Timothy 6:14,15; Titus 2:13
About the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is co-equal with the Father and the Son of God. He is present in the world to make men aware of their need for Jesus Christ. Scripture teaches that the Holy Spirit indwells every believer enabling them to live the abundant life and display the character of Christ. The Holy Spirit empowers the believer to witness and endows spiritual gifts, the church is built up and those who are searching find eternal life in Christ. As Christians we seek to live under His control daily. John 16:7-13, 14:16,17; Acts 1:8, I Corinthians 2:12, 3:16-17;12-14;Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 1:13; 4,5:18; Romans 12
About People. Man was made in the spiritual image of God to be like Him in character, the supreme object of God's creation. Although every person has tremendous potential for good, all of us from birth are marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called "sin." Because of sin, all people are under a curse and are in a state of spiritual separation from God. The ultimate result of sin is death. Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; 51:5; Isaiah 53:6a Romans 3:23; Isaiah 59:1, 2 About Eternity. People were created to exist forever. We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin or eternally with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is Hell. To be eternally in union with Him is eternal life. Heaven and Hell are real places of eternal existence. John 3:16; John 14:17; Romans 6:23; Romans 8:17-18; Revelation 20:15; I Cor. 2:7-9
About Salvation. Salvation is God's free gift to us but we must accept it. We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God's offer of forgiveness can anyone be saved from sin's penalty. When we turn away from our self-ruled life and turn to Jesus in faith we are saved. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his life by faith. Christ alone secures salvation. Romans 5:1; 6:23, Ephesians 2:8,9 John 14:6, 1:12; Titus 3:5; Galatians 3:26; John 10:27-28
About the Security of the Believer. Because God gives us eternal life through Jesus Christ, the true believer is secure in that salvation. Salvation is maintained by the grace and power of God, not by the self-effort of the Christian. It is the grace and keeping power of God that gives us this security. John 10:29, 2 Timothy 1:12; Hebrews 7:25; 10:10,1; 1 Peter 1:3-5
About the Bible. The Bible is God's Word to us. It was written by human authors under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. Because it is inspired by God it is the Truth without any mixture or error. II Timothy 3:16; 11Peter 1:20,21; 11 Timothy 1:13; Psalm 12:6; 119:105, 160; Proverbs 30:5
About the church. Scripture teaches the church is the bride of Christ and the body of Christ. On earth is to fulfill "The Great Commandment" and "The Great Commission". Therefore we exist to make disciples of Jesus Christ; to bring people to Jesus and membership in his family, develop them to Christ-like maturity, and equip them for their ministry in the church and their mission in the world in order to Magnify God's name. Matthew 22:36-40; 28:-18-20 Ephesians 2:19; 4:11-16 John 17:1-26; Acts 1:8; 2:41-47; 20:24 Psalm 34:3; 122:1 150-6
In essential beliefs-we have unity. "There is one body and one Spirit...there is one lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father of us all." Ephesians 4:4-6
In non-essential beliefs-we have liberty. "Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters...Who are you to judge someone else's servant? To his own master he stands or falls...So then each of us will give an account of himself to God...So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God." Romans 14: 1, 4, 12, 22
In all our beliefs-we show charity. "...If I hold in my mind not only all human knowledge but also the very secrets of God, and if I have the faith that can move mountains--but have no love, and I amount to nothing at all." I Corinthians 13:2
