Our Values - What our beliefs really mean in practice
We believe that . . .
1. Prayer should be the foundation of all that we do for the purpose of: OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD.
"Pray continually". 1 Thessalonians 5:17, also 2 Chronicles 31:20-21, James 5:16 and Colossians 4:2
Our dependence upon God for guidance, wisdom and protection comes through our continuing connection and relationship with God through prayer. We value the priority and importance of prayer in all actions and activities.
2. Lost People Matter to God - so they should matter to us for the purpose of: OUTREACH.
"He wants not only us but everyone saved; everyone to get to know the truth we've learned". 1 Timothy 2:4
The priority of reaching the lost is a value in our church. This value is translated into action through prayer, service and sacrifice as we seek God to reach the lost in a contemporary culturally and sensitive manner.
3. We should offer unconditional love and acceptance for the purpose of: RELATIONSHIPS.
"Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it. Love makes up for practically anything". 1 Peter 4:8
As a family, we value loving one another unconditionally. This value extends beyond members to visitors who we warmly welcome. As one writer put it, "If you want the church to grow, be nice to people when then show up!"
4. Scripture has Authority for the purpose of: WORSHIP.
"Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another-showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God's way". 2 Timothy 3:16
Since God's Word is the only completely reliable and truthful authority, we accept the Bible as our manual for living. Our first question when faced with a decision is, "What does the Bible say?" We practice and encourage people to read, study and memorise the Bible everyday. The Bible is the basis for all we believe.
5. Every believer can be a minister serving God by using her or his spiritual gifts for the purpose of: SERVICE.
"But you are the ones chosen by God, chosen for the high calling of priestly work, chosen to be a holy people, God's instruments to do his work and speak out for him, to tell others of the night-and-day difference he made for you". 1 Peter 2:9
The Bible teaches that every Christian is called to "full-time" Christian service regardless of his or her occupation. We practice the truth that every believer is a minister by encouraging every member to find a place of service and ministry. We also believe that every believer has direct access to God through prayer and Bible reading.
6. Full devotion to Christ and His cause is normal for everyone for the purpose of: DISCIPLESHIP.
"That is what happened in baptism. When we went under the water, we left the old country of sin behind; when we came up out of the water, we entered into the new country of grace-a new life in a new land! That's what baptism into the life of Jesus means. When we are lowered into the water, it is like the burial of Jesus; when we are raised up out of the water, it is like the resurrection of Jesus. Each of us is raised into a light-filled world by our Father so that we can see where we're going in our new grace-sovereign country". Romans 6:3
Included within this value are such areas as stewardship, servanthood, using ministry giftedness and baptism by immersion. We endorse baptism by immersion in water - the way that Jesus was baptised.
7. All of life should be Spirit-led for the purpose of: WORSHIP.
"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing". John 15:5 (NIV)
We believe that the only way possible to live the Christian life is by God's power within us. So we seek to practice a daily dependence on God's Spirit to enable us to do what is right. (See also Philippians 2:13 & Ephesians 5:18)
8. We should tell others about Jesus for the purpose of: OUTREACH.
"But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect". 1 Peter 3:15
It is the responsibility of every Christian to share the Good News with those God brings us into contact with. We practice personal sharing about Christ and inviting friends to church.
9. Excellence honours God and inspires people for the purpose of: WORSHIP.
Colossians 3:17, Malachi 1:6 - 14, Proverbs 27:17
It is a value of this church that we should do the very best we can, using the resources that God has provided, in all our endeavours. We strive for excellence - second best is not what God expects. | 