OUR RELATIONAL VALUES

These values are meant to guide how we relate to one another

1- We allow Love to lead the way

1 Corinthians 13:4-7- Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.

We are patient, kind, humble, flexible, difficult to offend, merciful, celebraters of good, faithful, hopeful (giving others the benefit of the doubt, assuming the best of others), and resilient.

2- We practice biblical conflict resolution

We will show up even when community becomes hard and messy. We will not run from conflict but address it in a healthy and life giving way

Matthew 18:15-17- “If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the offense. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back. 16But if you are unsuccessful, take one or two others with you and go back again, so that everything you say may be confirmed by two or three witnesses. 17If the person still refuses to listen, take your case to the church. Then if he or she won’t accept the church’s decision, treat that person as a pagan or a corrupt tax collector.

3- We err on the side of generosity

Generous people make the world better; greedy people make it worse. This means extending mercy. This means stepping into gaps of injustice. This means giving more than what is needed. It means we trust in God as our generous provider not our own abilities.

John 3:16-  “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. NLT

4- We are devoted to seeking first God’s kingdom & righteousness

This sets a values matrix to run decisions and priorities through, as well as empowers us to live distinctive gospel-centered lives. We embrace the tension of doing and becoming. We trust that God will add to our lives everything we need as we seek to build his kingdom first. We trust that God will transform us from the inside out as we seek his righteousness first.

Matthew 6:33- 33 Seek the Kingdom of God[a] above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. NLT

5- We celebrate our unique stories and gifts

We will choose to be a community of differences that are brought together by our fellowship in Christ and the bond of the spirit. This means we learn to live in peace and cooperation with those who are different. Even when we disagree, a deep and profound respect will be upheld.

Ephesians 2:10- For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

6- We treat each other as humans & family members

This means we view church as God’s family, filled with brothers and sisters. We will encourage each other’s flourishing as humans. We don’t take advantage of one another, we do not cheat or wrong one another, we don’t talk down to each other, we don’t abuse one another. We care for each other as good brothers and sisters in Christ.

Ephesians 2:19- Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household.

7- We are an inclusive community not an exclusive one

This means we will continue to welcome the outsider, extend hospitality to the stranger, and help others discover belonging in the church. Even when we have found “our people” we will continue to help others find “their people”.

Matthew 25:35- For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home.