- Biblical Authority. We
have an inerrant, authoritative guide for faith and practice in
the Bible, the Word of God (2 Tim. 3:16-17). Therefore, we
highly value expository preaching and teaching, and personal
Bible study. We believe the ministry of the Word is the catalyst
for spiritual transformation and spiritual growth.
- People Matter to God,
and therefore to us. We recognize the eternal value of every
individual. We highly value ministry to the sick, the aged,
youth, children, and others with special needs. Because people
are lost in sin without a personal relationship with Christ, we
highly value evangelism and the proclamation of the Gospel
(Matt. 28:19-20; Acts 1:8). We also value supporting local and
world mission causes, especially through our Southern Baptist
Conventions. We value meeting spiritual, social, and physical
needs through the ministries of the Word, intercessory prayer,
giving, and personal contact.
- Godly, Servant Leadership. We value and seek to
elect leaders who live godly lives, and who lead by example, not just by words
(Phil. 3:17; 1 Tim. 3:10, 4:12). We value leaders who do not use their office
selfishly, or in an autocratic manner, but as a means of serving others (Matt.
20:28; 1 Peter 5:3). We value pastors, deacons, and other leaders who are
accessible to those who have need for ministry. We value leaders who manifest
spiritual gifts that enable them to lead and serve effectively.
- Application of the Bible to Daily Living (James
1:22). Becoming a Christian and spiritual growth should result in moral and
godly living, which we highly value (Romans 12:1-2). We value the application of
biblical teaching to the family, the most basic unit of church and society. We
value the sanctity of marriage and the unborn, and the nurture and preservation
of the family.
- Worship. We highly value regular worship and praise
to the Lord, including the observing of the ordinances of baptism and communion
(Acts 2:42; Heb. 10:25).
- Fellowship & Love for Others. Christian fellowship
is essential for spiritual growth and social health (Acts 2:42). Expressing
Christian love is vital to good fellowship, and is our highest obligation next
to loving God (Matt. 22:37-39). We value small group ministry as one of the best
means of promoting fellowship on a deeper level. One aspect of fellowship that
we value is Christian unity, which we pledge to maintain as long as doing so
does not violate our core beliefs and values (Eph. 4:3-6). We value forgiveness
as essential for preserving unity and fellowship (Eph. 4:32; Col. 3:13).
- Christian Service. All believers are to be equipped
by pastors and others for service & ministry to others (Eph. 4:12). All
believers are gifted for ministry (I Peter 4:12). Therefore we value lay
involvement in the ministry of the church.
- A Grace-orientation to life. You cannot earn God’s
acceptance. He accepts you now and forever by grace through faith (Eph. 2:8-9).
We are not only saved by grace, but we live out of God’s grace (1 Cor. 15:10; 2
Cor. 9:8; 12.9). We do not focus on guilt as a primary means of motivation, but
encourage others to live good lives from a motivation of love and gratitude, and
out of the resources that God gives.
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