Mission, Vision, Values
Biblical application evidenced in love, grace, and truth
Scripture is our first and final authority. It shapes everything we do. We strive for the application of God's Word not just knowledge of God's word. We pursue life with a passion to be fully alive, following the ways of Jesus as we work out our salvation by making disciples who make disciples. Making disciples is a mandate that is relational based on love, grace, and truth. We have benefited from God's intention of love, grace, and truth; therefore, we eagerly extend it to others. We measure our success by our ability to make disciples who make disciples.
James 1:22 NIV Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
Isaiah 40:8, Philippians 2:12-13, Matthew 28:19-20, Ephesians 4:15, 1 John 3:18, Ephesians 2:8-9
Passionate about people
All people (regardless of race, gender, socio-economic, past or present condition) matter to us because they have infinite worth to God. Jesus has called us to love others like we love ourselves and to serve others like he served us. Jesus came to seek and save the lost and has left us here, in part, to do the same. Our individual lives and our collective efforts will reflect this conviction.
Genesis 1:26 NIV Then God said, "Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness,"
Matthew 10:29-31, Luke 10:27, Mark 10:45, Galatians 5:13, Luke 19:10, Romans 15:5-7
Intentional investment in the next generation
Future generations are extremely important. They are the church of today and the leaders of tomorrow. Jesus valued, blessed, and believed in younger generations and so do we. Our investment in the future generations includes our time, talents, and treasures. We take seriously the encouraging, equipping, empowering, and safety of future generations.
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 NIV These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.
Matthew 19:14, Proverbs 22:6, 1 Timothy 4:12, Mark 9:42
Authentic relationships
New life in Christ is all about relationship with God and relationship with others. Belonging to His community, the church, requires a commitment to being intentionally involved with others in accountable and encouraging relationships. We believe life change happens best in the context of relationships. In clusters of caring people, participants share and encourage each other toward spiritual growth. People experience both the benefits of a larger church and relationships that only develop in small, safe settings. Authenticity, integrity, openness, honesty, and sincerity define us. We take pride in being the Bride of Christ and we constantly invite others to be a part of what God is doing at Grace.
Hebrews 10:24-25 NIV And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another -- and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
James 5:16, Ephesians 4:25, 1 Corinthians 12:21-26, 1 Timothy 1:5, 2 Corinthians 1:12
United worship and teaching
Unity comes when we understand who we are united in. We are united in Christ and everything we do is for His glory. the Bible does not tell us to use certain styles of music or to present our message only through words. the Bible makes it clear that we are to find ways to effectively bring the message "into all the world" in order to make disciples. We believe this will require careful scrutiny of everything we do - new practices and old - and a willingness to change when necessary within biblical parameters. We gather weekly for worship and teaching (faithfulness) to then scatter into our world to make disciples (fruitfulness).
Ephesians 4:3-6 NIV Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
Acts 2:42-47, 1 Corinthians 9:22-23
Local and global impact focused on ministry and service
We are commanded to have an impact for Christ in our local, regional, and global world. This is accomplished as we connect locally at Grace, owning the responsibility to impact this world. Each believer has received a spiritual gift(s) to serve others in and outside the church. Every follower of Jesus is a minister. Spiritual giftedness and maturity determine where and how a believer serves. We believe excellence honors God and reflects His character. We strive for excellence, not perfection, without compromise, in all areas of our ministry and lives.
Acts 1:8 NIV "...you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
Psalm 67:1-2, 1 Peter 4:10, Colossians 3:17
Creating environments of prayer, generosity, hospitality, and joy
Healthy environments take intentionality, forethought, and determination. When God's Spirit moves into a person, the environment of their heart changes. When God's people gather, the environment they bring reflects the goodness and glory of God. Prayer reflects our dependence on God. Generosity, hospitality, and joy are our responses to God. We are generous with our time, talent, and treasure, understanding everything comes from him and we are only managers of what we possess. Hospitality is based on the acceptance God has for us and that we have for others. We accept people where they are in their faith journey, no matter if they are skeptics of faith, investigating faith, or followers of Jesus. Jesus is our source of joy. Laughter, fun, and all out praise are results of an environment of joy.
Romans 12:10-13 NIV Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
Ephesians 6:18, 1 Timothy 2:1-2, James 5:16, 2 Corinthians 9:6-8, 1 Peter 4:8-9, Nehemiah 8:10