Our Vision & Values

We believe the single greatest purpose for our lives is to love God. We express our love to God by orienting our lives to God’s way of life—all of our heart, mind, soul and strength—our entire being. These expressions result in an attractive life lived in passionate worship giving evidence to the greatness of the God of the Universe. We express our love in private, personal ways, as well as in public, corporate “gatherings.” Luke 10:27 – The man answered, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.’ And, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

We believe our church exists as much for those outside of our walls as for those who are inside. We are called to love our neighbor. Jesus demonstrated his love for those outside of a community of faith by continually going above and beyond the cultural norms to spend time with them. We have guests each weekend and strive to make their experience comfortable and inspiring from beginning to end. Guests aren’t an after thought. They are why we do what we do! Hebrews 13: 1 – Let mutual love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.

We believe that “church = people.“ Church is not a weekly event or something we do on Sunday. Church is more than just gathering in an auditorium for a common experience, because God created us for more than a gathering… for more than an event. We believe that God created us to live in authentic community with others. The center of the message of God is about healthy relationships with God and with others. Doing “life together” is where life and authentic community happen–it is God’s way of life. Authentic community involves caring, sharing, giving, serving, growing, praying, influencing, and living our lives in authentic community together in such a way that it is beneficial to us and attractive and irresistible to those who are still exploring the way of God. Genesis 2:18 – The LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone…” Luke 10:27 – The man answered, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.’ And, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

We believe that our identity through Christ is so strong that it supersedes every other cultural identifier. Although we come from many cultural backgrounds and many different countries, we find common ground around the cross of Christ. In fact, Jesus said that a church that defies the odds and comes together in unity will be a witness to the world of God’s power (John 17:23). Galatians 3:28 (MSG) – In Christ’s family there can be no division into Jew and non-Jew, slave and free, male and female. Among us you are all equal. That is, we are all in a common relationship with Jesus Christ.

We believe the culture of today is constantly changing and that we have the responsibility to adapt and connect the story of God with the culture around us—which involves meeting people where they are with the life changing story of God, just like Paul… and oh yeah, Jesus! Connecting faith and real life is an essential element of communicating what it means to live the “way of God” to those who are spiritually exploring God’s love and ancient truths. In every element of what we do, we will work to meet people where they are—it’s God’s way. We are committed to using the communication mediums of our culture to communicate these timeless truths to the day-to-day life and culture of today through use of current media, movie segments, drama, creative expression of the arts, current music, creative worship, and whatever the next medium may be. 1 Corinthians 9:22 – I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.

Scripture gives us many clues about what worship looked like in ancient times. It involved joyful singing, expressions of thanksgivings, heartfelt prayers, reading of Psalms, and the use of hymns and spiritual songs. In Scripture, we see that no one appeared before the Lord empty handed. So, we seek to change the paradigm that worship is about us and our preferences. Instead we seek to create an atmosphere where every person can contribute to the worship of our Creator. Knowing that we are all wired differently, we are purposeful in planning times of worship that offer many points of connecting with God. John 4:23 – But the time is coming and is already here when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for anyone who will worship him that way.

We believe that serving our city in life-giving ways in an essential part of what it means to be the body of Christ. In Jeremiah 29:7, the prophet writes that God’s people are to seek the peace (wholeness) of the city they are in. We minister to a city that is plagued by economic disparity, educational challenges, homelessness, and a host of other issues. We refuse to receive the benefits that this city offers while not serving its needs. Jeremiah 29:7 – Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.”

We believe that no local church is an island. We are a part of a wonderful diversity of local churches and non-profits that are all working together to see the Kingdom of God become a reality in our world. As such, we seek to partner with those who are already making a difference in our world and in our city. We don’t seek the credit…we seek transformation of lives. Romans 15:26-27 – For Macedonia and Achaia [churches] were pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the Lord’s people in Jerusalem. They were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in the Jews’ spiritual blessings, they owe it to the Jews to share with them their material blessings.