Our Values

The Kingdom over the Congregation

We believe the church exists to be a sign, foretaste, and instrument of God’s kingdom. Practically, this means that we are ready to partner with others for the common good of our city and eager to send out individuals from our body for the sake of God’s kingdom. Our focus is more on equipping our members for ministry in the world than on growing our congregation. 

The Community over the Christian

We believe we know God, grow in Christlikeness, and serve the world best when we do it together. The Christian life is always personal but rarely, if ever, private. We continually look for ways to be the church together. We also value differences among Jesus’ followers, and we seek to be a community that makes room for faithfulness in all its forms.

People over Programs

We believe people are more important than programs. If we invest time and energy in programs, it is to the extent that they help us and others grow in Christ. Our focus is more on the health of the vine than the quality of the trellis, and we pursue Christian growth primarily through relationships.   

Seven Days over Sunday

We believe church is not an activity we do, not a place we go, but rather a people we are, by God’s grace. We are the church in our gathered and scattered lives throughout the week. We seek to make our time together on Sunday serve our being the church Monday through Saturday. Because all of life is the Lord’s, we serve the Lord seven days a week. 

Priesthood of All Believers over Professional Pastor

We believe the Holy Spirit is generous, giving every member of the body gifts for its edification and mission. We want to share leadership and ministry responsibilities throughout our body according to our gifts and callings. We encourage and help each other to see how God is gifting each member of the body for ministry and mission, and we actively look for ways to be involved in the church’s life and mission.