Core values are the principles or standards we embrace which define the things we consider important, worthwhile or necessary for life to be meaningful, fulfilling and productive. Whether it be good health, a comfortable lifestyle, or a close relationship with God, the core values we adopt define our character and dictate the choices we make in life and ministry.
Our values will describe what we as a church consider to be important, worthwhile and desirable.
Our values will define our character as a church.
Our values will determine the type of impact we hope to make upon our community.
The first of these foundational core values is that ours is to be a church where GRACE is in place, modeled and released. The key lies not in the methods we adopt but in the environment we create. An environment where ministry is free to flourish. Grace lies at the core of everything we are and everything we enjoy as the people of God. Yet churches have too often created an environment where guilt flourishes more than grace and legalism more than liberty. Grace releases people to God and frees them to become what He desires them to be.
Next, a place where our service for God is done with EXCELLENCE by people who live under the authority of GOD’S WORD and are committed to building their lives around the Word of God without reservation, apology, or compromise.
In addition, a SAFE PLACE where people are built up with our unconditional LOVE, acceptance, affirmation, and approval rather than torn down by our demands, expectations, guilt, condemnation or criticism. Delivering quality teaching and preaching and music is not enough. It is not even enough that people sense God’s presence when they come to church. People hunger for love. If we want to change from a Teflon church to Velcro church, we must love people. They want to experience God’s presence in our worship services, God’s truth in our teaching and God’s love in our fellowship. They want us to represent God to them. They want us to accept them the way God accepts them, in spite of and aware of their sins.
What we do in life is not nearly as important as what we want to be. BEING is much more important than doing, for it relates to our character, who we really are. It has to do with intangibles, the kind of people we become down inside, much of which cannot be measured by objective yardsticks, goals, bottom-lines, programs or the size of a church. But being will ultimately outdistance doing every time. It may take a lifetime to perfect, but it's far more valuable, lasting, and inspiring.
