OUR DNA
1 Thessalonians 2:8
Sharing Life, Love, and Faith
No, this isn't your traditional "belief statement." Following Jesus is a journey, an experience, and it impacts who we are at a foundational level. Our DNA statement is shared with our connected churches.
Our DNA
1) We recognize that God is already speaking into the lives of every man, woman, and child, wooing them toward himself. Our task is to find ways to join that conversation with grace, compassion, and respect. Following Jesus is more experience than belief. We will seek to develop relationships with others and pursue Jesus alongside them, because Jesus Christ is the only hope this world has ever known.
2) We strive to create an honest, safe, and open atmosphere where conversations can begin and answers to questions can be sought. We believe this posture is deeply rooted in the concept of biblical hospitality.
3) We strive to be continually moving ourselves and others toward Christ by producing tangible good in our homes, neighborhoods, communities, workplaces, churches, and schools. We exist to join Christ as he re-creates life. We work to ensure that “what happens on Sunday matters on Monday.”
4) We hold that the Bible is the Story of God divinely inspired, protected by God and passed on from the Apostles. As students of scripture, we recognize that some things scripture teaches are open to interpretation and conversation. We seek to find our place in the story of God.
5) The gospel never changes but the methods of delivery must continually change. We value creativity and we embrace both success and failure. We are committed to learn from both. We will be flexible, agile, and willing and ready to change so that we may minister to our community more effectively.
6) We strive to support our community and meet its needs. This includes hosting various events on our campuses, raising funds for certain endeavors, or sending out people to do hands-on work. We hold that we are responsible for our community and we aim to be known by our love.
7) We will not promote or give a platform to other organizations or personal projects. We believe that doing so dilutes the authority of the divine calling of the church and can serve to alienate many who would otherwise be open to the gospel. That said, we may strongly encourage and support effective ministries and organizations that align with our emerging ethos.
8) We recognize that all we have comes from a generous God. We rely solely on tithes and offerings and commit to being accountable and transparent with funds given. We will not allow the church to become burdened with a heavy load of debt and we will follow God’s example in being generous with what we have been given.