Core Values

 In the early 2000s Pastor Mike and the Diaconate began discussing what things were important to us as a congregation. We compiled a list of things and “sugared them down” to six categories. These six things became our Core Values and guide us in ministry content and practice.

We believe church health is a matter of balance

We balance our Core Values:

Worship   Evangelism   Discipleship  Fellowship

Service   Family

As we’ve focused on our Core Values

We’ve seen it is changing how we are and how we do ministry

Worship is the first among equals 

Worship is first Because We Put God first it focuses on His greatness & His goodness. It is both what we do and how we live. 

Some Bible verses that are important to us in regard to worship are: 

Romans 12:1-2; Psalm 95:1-7; Psalm 150 

When you are living out a life of worship, it is very natural to influence people toward God. 

Evangelism is telling people about this Friend you have

As we share our lives with people, we share the message of Jesus in our actions. When we have the opportunity, we share words of hope and grace and challenge and change. It is never our goal to argue or manipulate others but to lovingly share the Good New of Jesus Christ -- that He came to save sinners, of whom we are chief

 Some Bible verses that are important to us in regard to Evangelism are:  

1 Peter 3:15; Matthew 28:18-20

When people are interested in following Jesus, we do our best to teach them how to follow Him. 

We call this Discipleship

Discipleship is teaching people to be followers of Jesus Christ 

It addresses the important issues of the Faith; it is both Theological and experiential; it happens in church, in small groups, and one on one. 

  Some Bible verses that are important to us in regard to Evangelism are:  

Matthew 16:24-25

Discipleship is lived out in the context of fellowship.

Fellowship is gathering together in God’s Presence

It is rejoicing, celebrating, forgiving, blessing, sharing,and caring. Whether we’re in the building for worship services on Sunday, or in homes for small groups or just having dinner, we cherish the connections we have in Christ.

 It is natural that in doing Fellowship together we must serve one another 

Service is doing the “family chores”

Every member of the household takes part in the chores. Some have “special” Jobs, some have “Every day” Jobs; but everyone should have a Job to do. 

A Bible verse that is important to us in regards to Service is:

 Philippians 2:1-15  

The underlying concept in all of these Core Values is  

United together in Faith, growing together in Hope, bound together in Love, held together by Grace