Our core values drive everything that we do. They are a part of our DNA. We are, clearly, not perfect.

However, these values represent who we desire to be, and with God’s grace and mercy, are daily becoming.

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Bible-centered

We are grounded in the belief that the Christian Bible (Old & New Testaments) is the final and only infallible source for all matters of faith and practice, and are committed to preaching, teaching, and living according to its truths.

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Authenticity

We are imperfect people playing a role in God’s perfect plan. We will boldly admit our faults, fight for authenticity and refuse to check our baggage at the door. We strive to create a community where everyone can feel safe and valued.

 

Missional

Fueled by Jesus’ death, burial, & resurrection, we are committed to His last words to make disciples, which begins with leading people into a saving relationship with Him.

 

Outreach

We are passionate about being the hands and feet of Jesus, reaching beyond our walls to serve our local and global communities.

 

Excellence

In everything we do, we will always give our best. Excellence honors God and attracts people.

 

Sacrifice

We go all-in for God because He went all-in for us. We give up things we love for things we love more. It’s an honor to sacrifice for God and His church.

 

Relationships

Because we believe life change happens best in relationships, we create opportunities for intimacy with God through community with others.

 

Unconventional

We are traditional in belief, but unconventional in practice. We will do anything short of sin to reach people who are far from God.

 

Compassion

We reflect Christ’s love by showing kindness and empathy to everyone, meeting both spiritual and physical needs with grace.

 

Prayer

We rely on prayer as the foundation of our faith, hope, love, and joy, trusting in God’s guidance, provision, and power in all we do.

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Stir up all our values in a bucket and add the influence of Jesus, the prompting of the Holy Spirit, and the Father's comfort and you'll find our Ministry Philosophy. It is summed up in the "parable" below: 

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     The pastor says they sit front and center. The gay boys. Sometimes they hold hands. And some folks have said he should address the issue. But the pastor tells me he doesn’t know what to say.

     There is the couple who are pregnant and not married. Walks in shame as her father a “Man of God”, physically slaps her legs while she is having morning sickness and the Boyfriend who is not wanting to marry her. But the pastor tells me he doesn’t know what to say.

     And then there’s the man who sneaks in the back door. Fresh off the street. After the service starts. And leaves before altar call. The people sitting close complain about how bad he smells. Of beer and smoke and sweat. But the pastor tells me he doesn’t know what to say.

     And then there’s the young mama who wears dirty clothes and lets her four children come in and eat all the donuts and drink all the watered-down juice. Some church staff say they “…eat like little pigs. Like they haven’t eaten in weeks.” While the Mama just stands there and lets them. And the elders say something must be done and said. But the pastor tells me he doesn’t know what to say.

     And there’s the whore sitting among the faithful. And everybody knows her. She sits with a painted-up face, cheap perfume, and a broken heart. And those who sit close, well, they all treat her for what they think she is. And at the last staff meeting, her name came up. Something must be done about her. But the pastor tells me he doesn’t know what to say.

     The pastor is a good man. Holy and just. And he wants to do the “right and loving” thing. And he wants to “look like Jesus”. And he asks me if I have any thoughts on anything he could say.

Yes, sweet Pastor. I do. Start with this and say it louder than any other words: “Welcome to Church. This is a place of love and hope and safety and forgiveness. There will be food for the hungry. Living water for the thirsty. We are so glad you are here. You are invited. You are loved. Come on in—we’ve been waiting on you. Welcome here. We are the church.”

     Say that - to the called and to the called-out. To the leaders and the greeters. To the dirty and the clean. We are all the same. We are committed to blowing the dust of religion out of our souls and we choose affection instead. May our words and actions and reactions be a sanctuary for all. Lord, let us act like we actually believe what we say we believe. 

     Jesus broke tons of laws to love. He was a disrupter. We will not be "white-washed tombs."​