“The following are our cultural values because we believe that at the core of placing Christ at the center of a ministry, is a message that’s so beautiful that is makes us feel secure enough to be authentic, intrigued enough to want to grow alongside a community, hungry enough to be missional, curious enough to want to get know God both intellectually and experientially, accepting enough to be diverse, and radical enough to be generous. ”
A Culture with Christ at the Center
The bad news is that we are not a perfect church; we are a body of broken pastors, leaders and congregation members. The good news is that Jesus Christ did not die for the perfect, but for the broken, and thus we believe He is the only one who is worthy of our worship.
“And God placed all things under his (Jesus’) feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church” – Ephesians 1:22
A Culture of Authenticity
We believe that a congregation which meets in authenticity walks in the light whereas one that gathers in masks walks in the darkness. Thus, we encourage genuine sharing/fellowship without condemnatory judgment.
“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.” – 1 John 1:7
A Culture of Community
Mainstream society defines “the Church” as a “building used for public worship.” However, we believe the Church is not a building, but rather a community of people who share a common identity in Christ. Furthermore, we believe true transformation only occurs when we deepen our relationships with one another and God.
“Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another” – 1 John 4:11
A Culture of mission
The church does not simply give a community of emotional support for Christians, but also models the alternate human society God is creating; the church is called to be a counter-culture to its community, thereby keeping our radically distinct beliefs but at the same time sacrificially serving our neighbors.
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16
A Culture of Spirit & Truth
While historically churches have emphasized one over the other, we believe it is important to know God both intellectually and experientially; therefore, we strive to be a community that studies the Bible as the inerrant truth but also connects with God through the Holy Spirit.
"God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth" - John 4:24
A Culture of Diversity
We believe that Jesus Christ removed the wall of separation between race, socio-economic status, age, gender, and background, and thus, through our common identity in Him, we find that our differences, instead of dividing, only strengthen the vibrancy of our community and faith.
“There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” – Galatians 3:28
A Culture of Generosity
Many live with the ambitious agenda of gaining individual wealth; instead we long to be a counter-cultural community that is marked by radical generosity in everything we do. Using all of our different resources, we want to reflect this value in all our relationships, especially with the poor and oppressed.
“If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?” – 1 John 3:17
*To learn more about our cultural values, listen to our radio interview with AM 570 The Mission.