Overview:
Prayerful dependence in Jesus (abide) leads us to the Word as we obey what it teaches and our faith is nourished (Word), which causes a renewal as we believe again and again in the saving work of Christ and its power to change one life after another (gospel). As we are changed, we feel an urgency to influence the world (mission). Out of what God has done in and through us, we move forward together (community), tethered to the essentials, with open arms that welcome others (unity).
Abide: John 15
Key idea: Prayerful dependence on Jesus in the power of the Holy Spirit
Key passage: John 15:4-5
Expression: We choose to walk in a prayerful, dependent relationship with the Savior. We must keep our eyes on Jesus, and through the Spirit who indwells us, we are able to have a relationship of personal walk of faith
Gospel: Romans 1:16-17
Key idea: Centrality of the transforming work of Christ
Key passage: Ephesians 2:8-9
Expression: We are committed to the reality of a personal faith in Christ as Savior and Lord. The Life, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ is what brings the transforming work of God in the lives of people. The Gospel is to impact all that we do.
Word of God: 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Key idea: Know and obey God’s authoritative Scriptures
Key passage: 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Expression: “Where stands it written?” is a key question in all discussions of church belief and practice. Our responsibility is to know and obey the Word of God. As we know and obey the Scriptures, we’ll see fruit born in our lives and more people come to Jesus and more of us look more like Him
Mission:
Key idea: Great Commandment and Great Commission, focusing on disciplemaking among all people
Key Passage: Matthew 28:18-20
Expression: We are committed to disciplemaking missions among all people. Our lives to be on mission with God, wherever He takes us. We intend to be on God’s mission and to be on mission with God
COMMUNITY
Key Idea: Priesthood of all believers in appropriate interdependence upon each other
Key Passages: Romans 12; 1 Corinthians 12; 1 Thessalonians 2:8
Unity: Ephesians 4
Key Idea: In essentials unity, in the rest charity
Key Passages: Ephesians 4:1-3; John 17:23
Expression: We will major on the majors and minor on the minors. We will make every effort to keep the bond of peace