“We exist to serve as a bridge between Jesus and humanity, connecting people with Christ and each other, thereby embodying His love to the world.”
 

UNITY IN CHRIST

Diversity over Division

We live in the tension created by the freedom we are granted as our constitutional right.  Individualism as expressed through our freedom accentuates our differences in a manner that often creates anxiety, fear and even hostility across ethnic, socioeconomic, generational, gender and political cultures and the various subcultural people groups residing therein.  

While our nation celebrates individualism, we submit our rights under the headship of Jesus Christ, “who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage.”1  In Jesus, we value others above ourselves.  We honor those who have different perspectives and bring healing to those who are wounded.  We put off our judgments and critical spirit and instead choose to live in Jesus’ love and acceptance across the multitude of his diverse creation in all humanity.  We celebrate in the richness of his diversity with his desire to incorporate everyone into his body.  We recognize that diversity is not a weakness to be eliminated, but rather a necessity for the complete functioning of the healthy body of Christ – which is his Church. In love we express and listen with an empathetic ear to understand our differences, and even risk being offended so that our hearts remain soft and open before God in order to bless others with his bond of peace.   We love unconditionally because he loves unconditionally.  We forgive unconditionally because he forgives unconditionally.  Therefore, we stand in unity and celebrate with all who love and forgive in sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

1-Philippians 2:6

Acts 15:5-11

Revelation 7:9-10

EMPOWERING OTHERS

One Body-Many Parts

In light of living in an individualistic society, the western church oftentimes follows the ways of the world over the wisdom of God. And though uniformity and control can lead to numerical growth, it lacks a richness and depth which the Church is meant to embody. Jesus disperses his gifting across his body1 so that we must work interdependently. In doing so, we gather the necessary knowledge, skills and gifts required to reach “every nation, tribe, people and language.”2

As we allow space for people to be seen, heard and known, we can recognize the personality, gifting and experiences that God has created in his people, a unique story which can be used to identify and empower the fulfillment of God’s calling. 

We believe that trust is grown in the richness of community, fueling empowered and self-sustaining ministries with shared responsibilities. This results in a healthy, collaborative church body where everyone feels valued and has a role in the Great Commission.  Together, with shared responsibility and workload; trusted and empowered we become fellow yokemates with Jesus so that our burdens are light3  and our rewards are great. 

1-Rom 12:6-8

2-Rev 7:9

3-Matt 11:28-30

PRAYERFUL COMMUNICATION

Connecting with God and One Another

We live in an era of instant communication.  Social media, the internet, YouTube and cable TV networks et al. shape our culture and often our self perception.  In this way,  our identity is easily defined by and conforms to the world.   Our perception of one another is focused through the lens of our self perception and our world paradigm which controls our judgments as well as our subsequent opinions and behaviors.  

But, the apostle Paul tells us not to be conformed to the pattern of this world.1   The author of the book of Hebrews instructs us to focus our eyes upon Jesus – the author and perfecter of faith.2  Our values and our behaviors are not to conform to this world, but rather conform to God by submitting ourselves to God the Father and Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit.  Our identity is not tied to the world’s culture but rather by the truth in knowing that we are God’s children by faith.3  Therefore, healthy communication starts with upward facing prayer directed to the Father, the Holy Spirit and with intimacy with Jesus knowing who we are by the virtue of our divine connection. 

Healthy communication continues with an inward direction - the idea of fostering a space for one’s personal reflection, processing, and overall self-awareness. Jesus often did this when he escaped in solitude and even when he was on the cross. 

Finally, healthy communication extends  outward.  We share thoughts with others in a life-giving, affirming, and well-discerned ways. This can be tangibly lived out through small groups, life groups, accountability, mentorships and teaching from the pulpit. The goal of prayerful communication can be seen through the lens of how Jesus fostered healthy relationships, in a non-judgmental way - always bridging people closer to God’s heart.

As we work together as a congregation to connect our heart, mind, and soul to God’s heart, mind, and soul, our decision-making and edifying words will surely follow in the act of bringing the kingdom of heaven to earth.

1-Rom 12:2

2-Heb 12:2

3-Rom 8:14-16

FAITH WHICH LEADS TO ACTION

Expressing God’s Love

There is an old English saying that “seeing is believing.”  In our material, science-based culture, that saying comes to mean that in order for something to be real, it must be tangible.  So in the wisdom of the world we pursue materialism and consumption; we live in the moment simply to satisfy the cravings of our own desires.  In contrast, the author of Hebrews says “now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”1.  As people of faith, the aim of our lives is no longer to live pleasing our own desires, but instead to follow God’s way and leading for our lives by faith.

As a body of people who profess faith in Jesus Christ, we seek to emulate how Jesus lived during the time that he lived on earth.  Jesus taught that “the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does.”2  We see this play out in two major ways. First, we see that abiding with the Father precedes Jesus’ active ministry. His belovedness was not dependent on the work of his hands, but in his identity as the son of God, a message which encompasses all humanity. Just as faith propels our actions, we know that abiding propels our faith. 

Second, we recognize that Jesus’ faith spurred him into action, even if it meant taking risks, or pushing against cultural/social/economic/religious norms of his time. One of the hallmarks of Jesus’ ministry was his ability to be fully present and meet people where they were. Therefore, in Jesus, we value being present and meeting the needs of those who are around us, opposed to simply satisfying our own desires.  We believe that following Jesus leads us by faith to challenge the destructive patterns of this world and usher in the restorative work of God. Therefore, we seek to impact our culture by speaking to and acting upon pressing issues of the day which are not in line with God’s redemptive work.

We remain connected to God through the Holy Spirit by prayer and being grounded in the Scriptures.  We strive to learn and grow in our understanding of God’s ways and seek to apply his truth and love to the way we live our lives.  Jesus boldly expressed the love of God to all who he encountered, and as people who follow Jesus, we seek to do the same.  

1-Heb 11:1

2 -John 5:19

James 2:22

SHARING LIFE TOGETHER

Living in Community

Let’s face it, humans are complicated. We’re a wide range of ever changing emotions, hidden desire and expanding worldviews, with a limited ability to express and understand each other. We hold scars from our past, hopes for our future and are constantly balancing our inner selves with our outer personae. And though these factors make human connection messy, we believe that it is not good for humankind to be alone.1 Engaging with the body of Christ, will add a depth and richness to our spiritual journey, allowing us to further comprehend the character of our heavenly Father.  Therefore, an important part of the life of faith is living in community.  Christians do not live in isolation but are encouraged to “consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another....”2 

As we share life together, our community is characterized by grace, trust, encouragement and love.  Our community is a safe space where we have the freedom to share openly and authentically and we listen to one another.  We recognize that in order to protect the community we must put aside pride, selfishness, gossip, judgment and a lack of forgiveness.  In community we cannot only be aware of our own needs, but we must also be sensitive and aware of the needs of others so we might build one another up and be able to support and encourage one another.    

1-Genesis 2:18

2-Hebrews 10:24-25