People are God’s highest priority, therefore every individual on the planet is valuable. Every person matters so we will live and act so they know that is true. Because every person matters we will seek to be a place where people can belong before they believe; where people aren’t just welcome but wanted. If someone looks out of place, we want to be their place.
We will love people fiercely and relentlessly especially when it's painful.
Leviticus 19:34, Micah 6:8, Matthew 22:37-40, Mark 12:29-31, John 13:34-35
We are designed for connection and authentic vulnerability is the key. We will strive to be a safe place where people can be open and transparent. This allows others to feel free to open their lives up as well which is the beginning of genuine community.
God operates in the light and the enemy operates in darkness. When we live in the light it helps others know they are still loved and gives them hope. It also helps us to see ourselves the way Jesus does and guards us from pride. God won’t heal what I’m unwilling to reveal so, transparency is essential to becoming free and healthy people.
We Will Be Open and Transparent Even When It's Uncomfortable in Order to Remain Authentic and Connected.
Genesis 1:1-3, John 3:20-21, 8:12, Ephesians 5:8-13, 1 John 1:5-7, 2:8-10, James 5:16
The spirit of God draws us toward the character and nature of Jesus. He leads us on a lifelong journey, inviting us to change, to grow, to become more of who He calls and creates us to be. He doesn’t force. He doesn’t drag. He waits on our “yes”. As we embrace this transforming work in our lives, we understand that none of us has arrived and are able to extend grace to others on their own journey beside us. God sees us just as we are and loves us. His invitation is ever present in calling us forward, toward his best.
We Choose to Lean in and Embrace Growth and Transformation Even When It Hurts.
Matthew 5-7, Luke 2:52, Romans 8:29, 12:1-2, 1 Thessalonians 5:23
At its core the Kingdom of God is relational because God himself is a loving relationship of Father, Son, and Spirit. Therefore, love should be the first word on our lips and also the last, and everything we say and do should begin and end with loving relationships. It is the quality of our relationships with others, especially those we disagree with, that is the best reflection of our love for God. Community is the testing ground of our faith.
We Will Seek to Live out Healthy Relationships with Heartfelt Intensity Particularly When We Don't Agree.
John 13:34-35, 15:12, 17:20-21, 1John 4:7-8, 20-21, Romans 12:9-21
Nothing great happens without great leadership. Critics and cynics don’t change the world, leaders do; because leaders take responsibility for their impact on others. We acknowledge and accept our individual invitations to lead right where we are. Regardless of title or the reach of our role, we choose to engage our Sphere with intentional Christ-qualities (Government, Family, Religion, Science & Technology, Art & Entertainment, Business, Media, and Education).
We Will Take ‘Bet the Farm’ Risks to Empower and Develop Leaders Who Change the World.
Matthew 5:14-16, 20:20-28, Acts 1:6-9, Romans 12:3-8, Ephesians 4:11-12
Our vision is to connect the disconnected. Jesus was attractional and missional so we will seek to be the same when we gather for worship and in our personal lives. We choose to exegete the culture to understand and engage it rather than expecting it to understand and engage us.
We Will Do Everything Short of Compromise to Bridge People to Jesus.
Genesis 18:18, Jonah, Matthew 9:9-13, 22:1-14, 25:34-36, 28:19-20, Revelation 7:9
Every aspect of our lives belongs to God. That means we should approach each moment with an uncommon intentionality and thoughtfulness. From the quality and consistency of our attendance and presence at Sunday morning worship; to the loving service we offer our friends, family, and community; to the way we direct our time, energy, and money. Everything matters and should flow from who God has designed us to be. Giving God our best is not some bizarre attempt to earn God’s love, but simply taking responsibility for the life he has given us.
We Will Discover Who God Has Designed Us to Be and Live with Intentionality and Excellence.
Malachi 3:6-12, Romans 12:1-2; 1 Corinthians 10:31
God is always with us but we want to experience His presence, power and passion. This means embracing both the fruit and gifts of the Spirit so that we can serve those in need. The Spirit points us to Jesus and calls us to repentance. He gifts and empowers us to live free lives of purpose and significance.
We Will Pursue the Intimacy and Passion of the Spirit so That We Are Empowered to Change the World for Good.
Matthew 3:11, John 7:37-39, 14:26, 16:7-15, Luke 11:11-13, Acts 1:8, 2:1-4, 1 Corinthians 12-14, Galatians 5:22-26 2 Timothy 1:7
We envision a growth process (New Hope Foundations) that helps people discover Jesus and find handles for doing business with God; provides tools for discovering their gifts, purpose and calling; teaches people to live a spirit-filled life and take responsibility for their own growth; and launches people into their spheres of influence (arts/entertainment, business, church, education, family, government, media).