Twelve Values for being the Church together
“…Christ Jesus himself is the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together
and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built
together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.
Ephesians 2:20-22 NIVBIBLICAL AUTHORITY
God speaks to us through the Bible. His Word is true and without error. We can trust Scripture and will use it as the basis for our words, decisions and actions.
Psalm 119:89, 105, 2 Timothy 2:15, 3: 14-17 1 Peter 1:25
Are our/your priorities, actions and statements consistent with and confirmed in Scripture?
DEPENDANCE ON GOD
We desire to be used by God for His purposes, working through His power, not ours. This requires our commitment to prayer, relying on the direction and power of the Holy Spirit.
Proverbs 3:5,6, John 16:13, Acts 1:8, Romans 8:26,27, Philippians 4:6,7, Hebrews 11:6
Are our/your decisions preceded by prayer? Is there evidence of the Holy Spirit at work?
What is it?
VISIONARY FAITH
To accomplish God’s vision, we must be willing to step out of our comfort zone and into His. We must be willing to live a visionary faith, taking risks as God leads. We will walk forward in faith, trusting God for the next step.
Hebrews 11
In what ways have we/you allowed God to stretch us in service to Him? Have we allowed God to identify our comfort zones?
INTIMACY WITH GOD
God desires every believer to continually grow and change in Him. We can know God more deeply through prayer, personal devotion, worship, Bible study and service. These are necessary disciplines for spiritual growth
Ephesians 3:16-19, Philippians 1:6, 1 Timothy 4:13-16, Hebrews 12:1-2
Are prayer, Bible study, devotions and service a priority in our/your life?
LOVING RELATIONSHIPS AND CHRISTIAN UNITY
God desires that believers be unified in Him. We will strive to model God’s love, acceptance and forgiveness to one another. When we have conflict, we will seek God’s direction and use it as an opportunity for ministry and spiritual growth. We will treat others with gentleness, truth and respect.
John 13:34,35 John 17, 1 Corinthians 13 Ephesians 4:1-6, Colossians 3:7-17, 1 Timothy 6:11b, Hebrews10:24,25, 1 Peter 3:15, 2 Peter 1:5-8, 1 John 3:11-24, 4:7-21
Do our/your actions encourage other believers? Are we/you modeling God-sized love, acceptance and forgiveness? Do we/you respond to conflict with God’s truth, gentleness respect and a desire for reconciliation?
RELATIONAL EVANGELISM
Lost people matter to God and to us. We each must make a choice to accept the salvation of Jesus Christ and to follow Him. It is every believer’s responsibility to carry out the Great Commission within their sphere of influence at home, at work, in friendships, families, the community and world missions.
Matthew 28:19,20, Luke 5:30-32, Luke 15, John 3:35-36, Romans 10: 9-16, 2 Corinthians 5:17-21
Have we/you made a decision to give your life to Jesus Christ? Who are you sharing Jesus with? Investing in?
WORSHIP AS A LIFESTYLE
Authentic, Spirit-led worship honors God, inspires faith and builds believers. Genuine worship begins with the believer’s individual preparation and attitude. It is an outpouring of love for our God. Worship is more than a Sunday experience. It is an everyday event evidenced in our thoughts, words and actions.
Psalm 63:1-9, 66:1-8, 122, 150, John 4:23,24, Ephesians 5:18b-21
Do we/you worship God daily? How?
Do we/you worship God with a genuine heart in His church?
CONNECTEDNESS
We believe that connecting with other believers is part of God’s design. This includes worship gatherings, small groups and ministry. We need fellowship that provides care for one another, spiritual growth, accountability and a sense of belonging.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, Luke 6:12,13, Acts 2:44-47, Hebrews 10:24,25
Are we/you regularly connected with other believers in corporate worship?
In small group fellowship? In service?