CORE VALUES
Grace
We come together as imperfect people in need of God’s grace. We are saved by grace and we live by grace, receiving and sharing it. Everything good in our lives is a gift from God. All is grace.
Celebration
Christ-followers shouldn’t be grumpy and hopeless; we should be full of joy. We dream about being a community of people willing to celebrate God’s gifts. Life is hard enough as it is. As much as possible we want to enjoy life, each other, and God.
Change
We are all works in progress. It’s not where we are but where we are headed that matters. The goal of our spiritual journey is to become more like Jesus. When we follow Jesus everything changes.
People
We live for others, not ourselves. Jesus said the most important command is to “love God” and “love others.” We want to be a community where Jesus’s commitment to love and serve others is valued and practiced by everyone.
Scripture
Scripture is the foundation of all we believe. It reveals God’s story of creation, redemption, and renewal. The truth found in scripture sustains us, strengthens us, guides us, and equips us to do good.
Justice
Our world is pretty messed up. Followers of Jesus are called to help make things right. We do this through acts of justice, helping to build God’s Kingdom here on earth as it is in heaven.
Core Beliefs
God
God is the “Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.” (Genesis 1:1) God has eternally existed in three co-equal Persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. (Genesis 1:26-27
Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is the “giver of life,” and is fully God. The Holy Spirit is present at the moment of salvation. (Ephesians 1:13) The Holy Spirit points people to Jesus, illuminates the truth of Scripture, and provides gifts and strength for daily living. (John 16:7-13) The fruit of the Spirit is evident in those who faithfully follow Jesus and depend on the Spirit. (Galatians 5:22-26)
Scripture
The Bible is God’s written revelation, fulfilled in the person of Jesus. It was written by human authors under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. It’s authority flows from Jesus. (2 Peter 1:20-21) The Bible is the source of instruction for those who want to follow the way of Jesus. (Psalm 19:7-8)
The Church
The church is the body of Christ, the hands and feet of Jesus in our world. Jesus instructs us to do life together. (1 Cor. 12:27) We are to gather regularly to pray, worship, study the Scriptures, and celebrate communion. (Acts. 2:42-46) We live in light of the present reign and future return of our King. The church is called to build God’s Kingdom on earth, and look with anticipation for the “world to come.” (Matt. 6:10)
Jesus
Jesus is “God’s only Son, our Lord.” He is fully man and is fully God. (John 1:1-5) He was “conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary.” (Matthew 1:22-23) He lived a sinless life and offered himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of the world. “On the third day he rose again” to demonstrate his victory over sin and death. (1 Corinthians 15:3-4) “He ascended into heaven” where he rules at “the right hand of the Father.” (Acts 1:9-10) One day he will return “to judge the living and the dead,” and reign forever. (1 Timothy 6:14-15)
Salvation
Jesus restores our relationship with God. He paid the price for our sins on the cross. He offers the free gift of salvation to all who place their faith in him. (Romans 6:23b) There is nothing we can do to contribute to our salvation. It is given by grace and received by faith. (Ephesians 2:8-9) The moment we look to Jesus for salvation we are reconciled to God and become the children of God for “life everlasting.” (John 1:12, 14:6)
Humanity
Every person is created in the image of God which gives them purpose, dignity, and worth. (Genesis 1:27) Humanity was created in relationship with God, but chose to disobey God, and sin by going its own way. (Isaiah 53:6) The Bible tells us that all have sinned. (Romans 3:23) The consequences for sin is separation from God. (Romans 6:23a) This separation will be eternal unless reconciliation occurs.