This value runs deep throughout every area of church life. It will be reality in the preaching of Scripture, as each message points back to the gospel. It will be evident in our worship. Our City Groups will reflect sacrificial love that Jesus taught and exemplified on the cross. Everything we do and say will point people to Jesus.

(1 Corinthians 15:3-4) (Romans 3:23, 6:23)

The church today (and always) needs an emphasis on the Word of God. We see God’s words hold significance from the very beginning of time! He spoke and creation was born. He spoke and nature obeyed Him in the calming of the storm. He spoke to Moses through a burning bush. God’s words carry eternal weight. We are committed to preaching those words, and allowing the Spirit to speak through our words as we do.

(2 Timothy 4:2-4)

If our church planting efforts are not covered in prayer, there will be no true kingdom success. We must become completely reliant on the Holy Spirit in all things. There was open communication in the beginning, as God shared fellowship with Adam and Eve. There was open communication with the early fathers of our faith. There was communication through the High Priest. Jesus tore down the veil so that access to God could now be a direct line of communication. After His ascension, the Spirit was left as a Helper. Prayer is not a debatable issue, it is absolutely essential.

(Matthew 7:7-11)

We were never meant to go at this life alone. We can’t. We’ll fail if we try. God gave Adam Eve because it was “good that man not be alone.” There are deep implications here. It goes beyond a group of friends that we spend time with on the weekends. There are spiritual implications that can be detrimental if we don’t take advantage of gospel community. This is why we see nearly 60 uses of the idea of “one anothers” in the New Testament. It’s why we see in the Old Testament passages involving “iron sharpening iron” and “cords of 3 strands.” We need each other, and the benefits to living and serving in missional communities are eternal.

(Acts 4:32, 34-35)

Church planting is essential to any solid church strategy. The best way the gospel goes forth, today, is by planting churches. When a new community of believers is established where there isn’t good gospel presence, the community will notice a difference, be intrigued, and “check things out.” Paul established many churches with the help of his colleagues, and this is how the church has grown and expanded over the centuries.

(1 Corinthians 3:6-9)

Teaching children at a young age is essential to their spiritual formation, and will be a huge priority for us. In Deuteronomy, God tells Israel to teach children about His laws; teach them early to be obedient. “Train up a child in the way that he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” Jesus places an emphasis on children, and the type of faith they have. Paul implores Timothy to stand strong in his youth, and not let people look down on him, but instead set an example for the other believers. The next generation must care about the church and the furtherance of God’s kingdom!

(Deuteronomy 6:6-9)