Core Values

  1. We believe spiritual transformation takes place through God empowered preaching / teaching.

    2. SCRIPTURE: "…When the people heard this (Peter's anointed sermon), they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, 'Brothers, what shall we do?' Peter replied, 'Repent and be baptized, every one of you…and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." ~~ Acts 2:37,38

    SCRIPTURE: "For the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any double edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." ~~ Hebrews 4:12

    • We believe the Word of God is not only totally true but that it is the primary change agent in people's lives.
    • "God empowered" teaching means preaching/teaching that is empowered by the Holy Spirit from preparation to presentation.
    • We believe God empowered teaching/preaching must be balanced.

  2. We believe the Church should be relevant without doctrinal compromise.

    SCRIPTURE: ". . . there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. 6 When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard them speaking in his own language." ~~ Acts 2:5,6

    • Relevance means that our methods are effective in relating the Gospel to the needs of people in our culture.
    • Relevance requires adapting our structures to meet our community's needs without violating the principles of Scripture.
    • Relevance was modeled by the ministry of Jesus Himself.
      1. Jesus would draw from the everyday experiences of people's lives.
      2. That is why we use multi-media, drama, and music to relate to the culture we live in.

  3. We believe that prayer is the foundation for life-changing ministry.

    4. SCRIPTURE: "Then they returned to Jerusalem . . .came to the upper chamber . . . and . . .with one accord continued steadfastly in prayer." ~~ Acts 1:12-14 

    • Prayer is the first thing we see the early church doing.
    • The early church teaches us that for the church to accomplish what God wants her to - the foundation of prayer is essential.
    • Ministries that reflect this value:
      1. The Prayer Chain.
      2. The Pastor's Prayer Luncheon.
      3. The Prayer Warriors.
      4. The Pastor's Prayer Partners.
      5. Concert of Prayer.
      6. 40-Days of Prayer and Fasting.
      7. 24-Hour Prayer Vigil.

  4. We believe that strategic planning is an expression of faith.

    5. SCRIPTURE: The plan was incredibly simple, it was to minister - "In Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the uttermost parts of the world .. ." ~~ Acts 1:8

    1. As you study the book of Acts, you will clearly see that Acts 1:8 was used as the exact strategy of the early church.
      • Acts 1-7 shows us the church's witness to Jerusalem.
      • Acts 8 through Acts 11:18 shows us the church's witness to Judea and Samaria.
      • The remaining chapters show us the church's witness to the uttermost parts of the world.
    2. We learn from the early church's example that our primary focus must be on our Jerusalem.

  5. We believe the Church is an organism not just an organization.

    6. SCRIPTURE: "Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body . . ." ~~ Romans 12:4,5

    • The Bible describes the church as a body not an organization.
    • Since the church is an organism, our primary focus should be the development of a healthy body.
      1. To have a healthy body the church must be a Biblically functioning community.
      2. To have a healthy body the church must pattern its ministry program after the New Testament model - not fads.
      3. A healthy body will naturally grow and reproduce itself.
      4. The primary responsibility of spiritual leadership is developing a spiritually healthy body.
    • As an organism the church maintains its ability to remain flexible and responsive to change.

  6. We believe excellence glorifies God.

    7. SCRIPTURE: "Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." ~~ I Corinthians 10:31

    • All through Scripture you get the idea that God's servants have wanted to give Him the best possible gift in a spirit of excellence.
    • "Good enough" is just not good enough when it comes to honoring God through the church.

  7. We believe real life-change happens best through developing vital relationships in small groups.

    8. SCRIPTURE: The Christians "broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts." ~~ Acts 2:46 

    • The New Testament is filled with illustrations and instructions regarding the relational experiences believers had with one another.
    • Before we can minister to people through the church - we must be the church to each other.
    • Small groups encourage life-change by identifying "itches" and finding the Biblical scratch for them.
    • Small groups encourage life-change by moving us from theorizing about Scripture - to the practical application of the principles of Scripture.
    • Small groups encourage life-change because they communicate that people are more important than programs.
    • Small groups encourage life-change by accountability.

  8. We believe all true Christ-followers will pursue spiritual maturity.

    SCRIPTURE: Love (or maturity) is ". . .the most excellent way" ~~ I Corinthians 12:31b

    • The New Testament identifies spiritual maturity as the primary qualification for leadership.
    • Spiritual maturity is the process of moving to full devotion to Christ.

  9. We believe the church's ministry focus should be balanced - a spiritual birthing center, nursery, school and workshop.

    SCRIPTURE: "…to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ."~~ Ephesians 4:12,13

    • The church must be a birthing center.
    • The church must be a nursery.
    • The church must be a school for spiritual growth.
    • The church must be a workshop - utilizing the gifts of the saints in ministry.