Neighborhood Church Core Purpose and Values

This past weekend we talked about the core purpose and core values for Neighborhood church. 

Our core purpose is firmly rooted in the words of John 10:10. 

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. 
John 10:10 (NIV)

Jesus is offering us a life that is beyond our wildest imagination.

The truth is that most Christians don’t believe that Jesus’ offer applies to them.  Many fear that they have sinned their way out of God’s best life for them, or that somehow Jesus is a big tease, and they have to wait for heaven for something to go right.  As a church family, we want to change people’s minds about who Jesus is, and what He can and will do, if we invite Him in! 

We hold to six core values that we believe serve as guardrails on the twisting highway that is our future. 

These six values are not the only values we hold, but we believe that this list serves to fill out more of our Core Identity as a church. 

What I mean when I speak of our "Core Values"

1.  “God centered”
   We exist to share the life of the Trinity; the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit – choosing to join the divine dance of relationship and communion with God.  (John 1)
   
   “Bible believing”
   We value God’s Word as the inspired and infallible rule of faith and practice.  We seek to be lifelong learners of this divine book given to us by God. (2 Tim. 3:16)
   
2. “Naturally Supernatural”
   We are a Holy Spirit led people.
   We enjoy spiritual gifts.
   We listen for God’s voice.
   We believe He still heals people, and we don’t have to act weird when living that way. (1 Cor. 12:7-11)
3.  “Growing Community”
   We can only fulfill our calling if we are loving and partnering with others.  Our relationships will start with individuals who coach and mentor, in life groups, at Neighborhood Church, and in the broader city church, where we seek to reflect Jesus to a watching world. (Heb. 10:24-25)
4. “On Mission”
   Our compassion for others who have not experienced life to the fullest compels us to go and share the good news of Jesus. (Acts 1:8) There are no days off when living this life; every interaction is an opportunity to plant seeds and love people into experiencing Jesus. 
5. “Intentional Disciple Making”
   We will offer a “life on life” pathway to spiritual maturity.  Taking our cue from Jesus, we will intentionally build into the lives of Christians, so that they develop into lifelong learners in the faith.  (2 Tim. 2:2)
6.  “Empowering Leadership”
   We will take faith filled risks in apprenticing emerging leaders and creating a safe place for others to use their gifts and learn on the job.  We call out potential in others, help them discover their calling and resource leaders as we release them to lead others.  (Eph. 4:12)

As I was meditating on my thoughts for this message, I was inspired to write a poem declaring my convictions about “life to the fullest”.

I Still Believe
I still believe that Jesus has the power to change your life
I don’t want my faith to be reduced to a set of rule or ideologies
I know that He has come and offered us His life to the fullest
I still believe that God is moving and working in this world

I still believe Jesus heals people; I know this because I have been physically healed
I will not reduce God’s power to help me into a vending machine mentality
I do not have to ask God to make things better from the position of a beggar
I still believe that as a loved Son of the loving Heavenly Father, He desires to give me good gifts

I still believe that there is a war in the unseen supernatural world all around me
I am not unaware of the enemy of my soul, who seeks to destroy every good thing in my life
I believe that the Holy Spirit is living inside Jesus followers and empowering us
I still believe that Jesus will win the war and take me to heaven to be with Him forever

I still believe Jesus has power, purpose, and a plan for my life
I do not believe in luck or happenstance; I am convinced that God is intervening
I know that blessings all come from God’s hand
I still believe that as I walk with a thankful heart, I will receive His joy!

I look forward to seeing you this Sunday, as I continue to release the vision for Neighborhood Church.  If you missed last Sunday's message, click here for the podcast.