It’s not about us; It’s about HIM!
1. A CHRIST-DRIVEN CHURCH
WE are the church. It is not a building or a social organization. It is the living body of Christ. The Church does not exist to meet our needs. We are the church and we exist for a lost and dying world. – “…and gave Him as head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.” Ephesians 1:22-23 NASB
2. OUR STANDARD – THE WORD
We are uncompromising in our belief that the Bible is God’s Word and that His Word is the standard by which we measure our every thought, word, and action. – “All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 NASB
3. FOR – NOT AGAINST
We will be known as a church that is bold about what we exist for, unlike others that are primarily known for what they are against. We are FOR reaching people, and will do whatever it takes to point people to Christ. We believe that in order to reach people whom no one is reaching, we will have to do things no one is doing.“…I have become all things to all men, so that I may by all means save some.” 1 Corinthians 9:22b NASB
4. CHRISTIANITY – NOT A SPECTATOR SPORT
We believe worship is a lifestyle. It is living every moment with the purpose of bringing glory to God. It is not just singing a song or a just a style of music. We don’t come to “worship service” to sit and soak, but to be a blessing and give our lives away and surrender all. Furthermore, we are spiritual contributors, not consumers. Each Christian is a vital part of the body of Christ, whose gifts and abilities are necessary to vibrant life. – “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God … So we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.” Romans 12:1-2. 5 NASB
5. NOT JUST RADICAL GENEROSITY – BUT ALSO SACRIFICIAL GIVING
We long to be KNOWN for our generosity. We cannot do that without sacrificial giving. We are not afraid of this, because of one simple truth: you cannot out-give God. – “Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure—pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return.” Luke 6:38; “But I have received everything in full and have an abundance ; I am amply supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you have sent, a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God.” Phil 4:18 NASB
6. MISSIONS: WHO WE ARE – NOT JUST WHAT WE DO
Missions is a lifestyle. We believe that after we understand the “being,” then the “doing” will naturally flow from our relationship in Christ, and not simply just as something we do or some place we go. Every Christian is a missionary who has been called to be a minister. Responding to this call will release the power of the Holy Spirit who lives both in us and through us. The greatest missionary who ever lived is Jesus who now lives in us. – “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.” Acts 1:8 NASB
7. SERVANT-LEADERSHIP
Jesus exemplified servant-leadership and calls us all to the same. We don’t want to simply recruit “helpers” here. Our goal is to ready and release leaders. A helper will do good things, but leaders change the world. We cannot do this of ourselves, but only because the greatest Servant-Leader lives in us. – “For even the Son of man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45 NASB
8. NOT DUTY BUT DELIGHT – NOT OBLIGATION BUT HONOR – NOT LEGALISM BUT LOVE
Paul uses the word ‘bondservant’ (translated ‘slave’ in the scripture). We don’t serve simply because we have to. It is not just one more thing on our “to-do” list for Christ. We serve because it is a privilege, an honor, and a delight. We serve as a “love slave” at all times, motivated by our love for our Master. – “… not by way of eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart.” Ephesians 6:6 NASB
9. HIS EXCELLENCE – NOT OURS
We represent Christ’s excellence and desire at all times to be transparent so that HE is able to be seen and glorified — not ourselves. – “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;” 1 Peter 2:9 NASB
10. EVERY DAY IS EASTER.
Easter is not a holiday, one day out of the year. Easter is every day in our hearts. Christ is risen everyday. He is alive in us every day. We want to celebrate Him and live for Him everyday. – “Jesus said…”I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die…” John 11:25-26 NASB