Core Values

The foundation of FAITH is . . .

BIBLICAL AUTHORITY
We value the Bible as the inerrant and infallible Word of God. It alone is our final source of authority. Scripture deserves our humble submission and complete obedience. Teachings from the Bible that are especially important to us are: the person and work of Jesus Christ, the ministry of the indwelling Holy Spirit, salvation by grace alone, baptism is by immersion after salvation, the genuine believer is eternally secure, and Jesus Christ will personally, bodily, and imminently return to earth to rule and to reign. Biblical authority is the foundation of all we do. "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness." (2 Tim 3:16)

BIBLE STUDY
Since the Bible is our final authority for direction in life, it is to be regularly and diligently studied. A believer should consistently spend time in God's Word in personal study. Every Christian should also choose to be actively involved in regular small group Bible study and fellowship with other believers, such as our Bible Study classes on Sundays. Every believer should attend worship with God's family where the Bible is opened and taught as relevant for today. Bible study is not optional, but essential to the spiritual development of every believer. "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth." (2 Timothy 2:15)

CHRISTIAN GROWTH
A Christian's personal relationship with Jesus Christ should be one that is growing and maturing. Several disciplines and practices contribute to one's spiritual development: Regular time alone with God in Bible study and prayer, consistent lifestyle of obedience and honest intentional accountability to others. Christian growth into Christlikeness is not automatic, but requires time and discipline. The Christian life is always becoming, yet never fully arriving this side of heaven. "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen." (2 Peter 3:18)

The fruition of HOPE is . . .

EVANGELISM AND MISSIONS
It is the responsibility of every Christian to share the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. There are several good approaches to personal witnessing. Every believer should learn an effective way to present the Gospel. Meaningful relationships with the unsaved are essential to see them come to faith in Christ. Evangelism includes involvement in missions. "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." (Acts 1:8)

PRAYER
We value earnest and expectant prayer to undergird all we do. Personal prayer and corporate prayer are essential to know the power and plan of God for our individual lives and the church body as a whole. Heartfelt prayer should precede and permeate all the affairs and activities of our church. "Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful." (Colossians 4:2)

WORSHIP
Our God is worthy and deserving of our worship individually and corporately. Worship should be God-focused, contemplative and celebrative. Though the style of worship may vary, the act of worship is a command. God can be approached through various means: His Word, prayer, preaching, music, drama, etc. "Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness; tremble before him, all the earth." (Psalm 96:9)

The function of LOVE is . . .

CARING RELATIONSHIPS
Our church believes in the importance of building caring relationships for needed support and encouragement. Every person is valuable to God. Authentic fellowship is essential to establishing healthy relationships that promote unity within the body of Christ. When the church values a caring community, families, homes and marriages are strengthened. It is crucial that as we grow larger in number, we seek to grow smaller by forming caring relationships. This is more easily done when a person is involved in small groups of similar purpose. "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward one another and all the more as you see the Day approaching." (Hebrews 10:24-25)

MEANINGFUL SERVICE
Every believer is a minister of Jesus Christ and is to be involved in fruitful and fulfilling meaningful service. Church leadership will seek to equip believers to effectively serve Christ according to their God-given passions and spiritual gifts. Because every Christian is unique, each has a significant contribution to make to or through the body of Christ. Every believer has a ministry. Every ministry is important. As we serve Christ together, we are not only obeying our Lord's command, we are building up one another, promoting unity in the Church family, and expressing gratitude to God for what He has done for us. Therefore, meaningful service should be done with a commitment to excellence. "You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature, rather, serve one another in love." (Galatians 5:13)

JOYFUL GIVING
God set the example through giving. He lovingly gave His only Son for us and He supplies our needs according to His riches in glory. Responsible stewardship is simply the recognition of God's rightful ownership. Giving is an act of worship and is a tangible expression of our love for God. As we learn to be a joyful giver, selfishness is minimized, and God meets the needs of His church and reaches beyond to touch the world through the generous giving of His people. Joyful giving is more of a privilege than a duty, more out of grace than guilt, and more from loving obedience than duty to a law. "Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." (2 Corinthians 9:7)