Core Values
Core values provide the ultimate life experience. That’s why they are core values. Extending from theology, core values provide a practical guide for living by faith and an embodiment of God’s call.
Relationship
The means given by God whereby man can know and experience him
Humanity has the created intention of having a special relationship with God and others. We were ...
- Created in God’s image (Gen. 1.27; 5.1)
- Blessed by God (Gen. 1.28; 5.2)
- Made to be a living being by God’s own breath of life (Gen. 2.7)
- Placed in the special garden to care for all of God’s creation (Gen. 1.28–30; 2.8, 15)
- Given a perfect knowledge of creation (Gen. 2.16–17)
- Given a suitable helper with which we were to become one (Gen. 2.18, 20b–24)
- Given dominion over every creature (Gen. 2.19–20)
- Able to be completely authentic with one another without shame (Gen. 2.25)
Relationship is expressed through the first covenant that God established with humanity. God’s promise is as it has always been: “I will be their God. They will be my people. I will dwell among them.” Relationship is the connection of the heart to God—the activity of the heart with God—engaging the heart to experience God as he is. Relationship is to love God with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength. Relationship is life’s created intention because it provides life purpose.
Authenticity
To be real without pretense before God and others
God created us to be completely authentic before him and other people. Sin destroyed our authenticity. Sin convinces us to be what we are not, to do what we cannot, and to think what we should not. Authenticity begins in a relationship with Jesus Christ as we are transformed to be more like him. A love for Jesus, a self-denial unto him, a willingness to suffer for him, and a commitment to follow him provide the foundation to experience authenticity in Christ. Authenticity is a war that rages in the mind between God’s truth versus the lies and deception of the Evil One. Authenticity is best experienced in a community of Christ-followers. Authenticity is recovering the life God intended for us to experience. Authenticity is life’s created intention because it provides life meaning.
Expression
Using the unique design of passions, abilities, talents, and gifts to glorify God in serving to meet needs in Jesus’ name
Life is to be lived striving for the same standard that Christ proclaimed when he said, “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.” Expression establishes a standard for all relationships that models the example of Jesus and transfers the value of relationship to others. Expression enables one to serve and glorify God and to grow in spiritual maturity. God considers great those who are least. Expression is loving my neighbor as I love myself. Expression is life’s created intention because it provides life satisfaction.
Mission
Sent to impact people of the world by sharing the gospel
God has chosen to use people who are in relationship with him to impact the people of the world. His kingdom mission is that no one should perish but that all should have eternal life. Mission mandates that we have a new worldview, continue the work of God on earth, and share the gospel as we make disciples of all people. Mission is not activity that you do with your life. Mission is life in relationship with God. Mission is life’s created intention because it provides life fulfillment.