What are we about?

Jesus said, “I have come that you may have life and have it more abundantly” (John 10:10).  The promise is great, but what is the abundant life? We believe the abundant life is found when we pursue 5 parts of the God-ordained life-together.  These 5 pursuits also constitute our core values.

The abundant life is a journey towards . . .

	God Dependence:  We are a body committed to consistently acknowledging our absolute reliance upon God.  Jesus says, “Without me-you can do nothing!”  The idea of God-dependence does not suggest that we fail to attempt things for God.  On the contrary, we believe that the things God has set out for us to do can only be accomplished through His power and strength.  As we submit to Him, He will empower us to do the impossible.
	Abiding in Christ:  We are a body that is committed to developing intimacy with Christ.  The ultimate goal of life is to know God.  The daily goal of life is to spend time with God.  By spending time with God (abiding in Christ), we can stay focused on the relationship and not become distracted by good things.  We are convinced that the Christian life is not about doing things.  The Christian life is about being with Christ and allowing Him to ‘do’ through us. The process of God working in us is made possible by abiding in Him.
	Spiritual Formation:  We are a body committed to encouraging genuine life change. Life change can only take place as God works in us, and God will work in us as we abide in Him.  The more we learn to abide-the more spiritual formation takes place.  Through the teaching of the Word and encouraging people to develop their relationship with God-we want to provide an environment for growth to take place.
	A Community of Love:  We are a body that is committed to loving God, loving the church, and loving the world.  A community of love is a place where people can share their hearts, find encouragement, and experience life together.  Jesus said that the world would know His disciples because of their love for one another.  Our heart is to emphasize relationships and provide opportunities for people to enjoy genuine community.
	Kingdom Participation:  We are a body that is committed to participate in the growth of God’s Kingdom.  We have no ability to grow God’s Kingdom through our own power and ingenuity.  However, by developing God dependence, abiding in Christ, being spiritually formed, and coming together in a loving community-God will provide opportunities to expand His kingdom through us. As a pastoral staff, we will lead the church to partner with Kingdom-minded ministries locally and globally, foster cooperation among churches, and put resources into strategic ministries where lives are being changed.  The idea is not to grow our church, but to expand His Kingdom.

Watch 30 second introductory video: