Core Values

These are the values that shape us. They are deeply rooted in scripture and especially based on the example of Jesus. We both affirm these values and aspire to see them fully embodied in our fellowship.

Jesus is Lord.

This means that we both celebrate Him and do what He says. There’s never been a name like His and never will be another one like it. His name captures all of the sacrificial love that we want to hold and all that we aspire to become as human beings. (Philippians 2:9-11; Romans 10:19; Romans 14:8-9; Matthew 7:21)

Every person matters.

Every person has dignity and worth in the kingdom of God. Every person is the object of God’s love. Every person is equal in the eyes of God because God’s love is consistent and comprehensive. And every person is made in the image of God. (Genesis 1:26-27; Luke 15:1-32)

The Bible is our standard.

Jesus is our ultimate authority, but we believe that the Bible is inspired, authoritative, true, sufficient, and powerful. It is the story of God’s people that points us to Jesus. It gives us everything we need to live a Godly life. (2 Peter 1:3; 2 Timothy 3:16; Psalm 119:105; Proverbs 30:5; James 1:22)

We celebrate tradition and innovation.

We are an intergenerational, historic church — 180 years old in 2023 — but we also believe that our best days are ahead. We value the past while looking to the future with creative, Spirit-led ways of serving and reaching out. (2 Corinthians 5:17; Romans 12:2; Psalm 78:4)

We promote unity and diversity.

When we are the church that loves together, works together, serves together, grows together, then we won’t have time for division or dwelling on our differences. We believe that the Holy Spirit both gives a diversity of gifts and a unity through our one Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. (John 17:20-22; Ephesians 4)

We speak well of one another
and avoid gossip.

Because unity is such a fragile thing, we commit to speaking well of one another. Each member of our community is responsible to maintain the unity of the church. We believe the beginning of gossip is the end of love, so we seek to speak only words that build people up. (Proverbs 18:21; Proverbs 26:20; Psalm 141:3; Matthew 12:36-37)

We pray in all things.

We seek the Lord not just in a few things or in the big things, but in all things. God’s word says that God cares about our every need and that we can cast our anxieties on Him. So we must learn to pray as Jesus taught His disciples to pray. (Philippians 4:6-7; Luke 11:1-10; Psalm 121:2-4)

We worship wholeheartedly.

God is worthy of our highest praise, so we bring our best before the Lord. We give thanks and praise as we enter and then seek to bring glory to God through scripture, songs, and proclamation. We worship with whole hearts because we have been made alive in Christ. (Psalm 100; Luke 19:40)