WHAT?!!!!!
Yesterday I spoke to about 15 pastors from other churches about the development of our mission, vision, and values for Abundant Life. Yeah, I know, pretty boring... But someone's gotta do this stuff to help keep everyone headed the same direction!
As we talked through Abundant Life's core values, we talked about how these are the "stake in the ground" as methods, programs, and strategies change to accomplish our mission. We talked about identifying core values, and how just because it's important may not make it a core value.
A great example in our core values is that we don't say specifically that we value prayer (we do, by the way), but instead we go to a higher level; intimacy with God. We don't talk about valuing our children (we do, by the way), but we value all people. Our core values help us make decisions, they help keep us focused, they help keep us tethered so we are not tossed all around. Eph. 4:14-16 says:
14Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. 15Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. 16From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.
OK, if you're not bored yet, here are our core values in how we pastor Abundant Life:
Authentic relationships
The
Christian life is about Intimacy with God through a personal
relationship with Jesus Christ and grace-filled, honesty with one
another.
Biblically accurate and culturally relevant
The unchanging message is communicated in creative and compelling ways to serve seekers and build believers.
Culture of acceptance and growth
All
people are accepted as is because that’s the way God accepts us. As
cultural farmers, we cooperate with God to create a culture of
acceptance where God’s grace can take root and change hearts.
Small groups
Life change, spiritual growth, and pastoral care happens best in the context of small groups.
Strategic ministry
Every
member is a minister and is called and gifted to serve in areas that
compliment their uniqueness and allow for the greatest potential to be
to be fruitful and fulfilled.
Balance
We
protect the health and unity of our church by balancing our purposes
and biblical teachings. We say in essentials, unity; in
non-essentials, liberty; in all things, love.
Excellence
We give our best efforts in everything we do because it honors God and inspires people.
Safe environment
We will create a climate of safety so that people feel secure physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
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