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Core Values |
1 - A passionate commitment to Jesus Christ
We were created for a relationship with God, our Creator. That relationship is established through Jesus Christ alone, as we trust in Him for our salvation. Then we are to mature in our faith, becoming more and more like Christ Jesus. In the Community Group we are diligent about pursuing a life modeled after the life of Jesus Christ.
2 - Biblically measured
Although more than a Bible study, a Community Group is centered around the truths of God’s Word. Central to its makeup will be a time of addressing God’s Word, whether that is through a study of a book of the Bible or a study that is centered on Biblical truth.
3 - Passionately committed to prayer
One of the crucial components of a Community Group is prayer. Prayer requests and a season of prayer are part of each Community Group meeting. Prayer lists are kept and prayer for those requests takes place throughout the week.
4 - Evangelistically bold
Community groups are designed to promote and encourage outreach. Bridge building events are part of a Community Group experience, inviting friends and neighbors to backyard barbecues, church and community events, etc. We seek to join God in His mission to reach a lost world, so we hold each other accountable to “be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” (1 Peter 2:15)
5 - Morally pure
We should live lives that are not associated with “even a hint of immorality.” (Eph. 5:3) Community Groups hold each other accountable to live morally pure lives. Often groups will allow men and women to meet separately to ask hard questions and exhibit loving encouragement and support for living lives that exhibit moral purity.
6 - Family centered
Today’s society has the family moving in so many different directions it’s difficult to function as a family is intended to do. Community Group participants encourage each other to make family a priority, ensuring that what they do helps promote family rather than detract from it. They also recognize the “family” of which they are a part because of Christ Jesus—the church.
7 - Financially faithful
We are expected, as God’s children, to live lives above reproach. In a society that is blessed with so much (and so much available credit), sometimes it is difficult to live within our means and to do so in a manner that allows us to give generously to God and His work. Community Group participants encourage each other to be disciplined in their financial dealings so they maintain a witness of integrity to the world around them.
8 - Socially responsible
Matthew 5:16 says that we are to “let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” That cannot happen unless we are, as Jesus prayed in John 17, “in” the world but not “of” the world. We are also referred to as “salt” in Matthew 5:13. Light and salt only have an effect when they are up close and personal. Our Community Groups are encouraged to build relationships with non-believers and to live “irresistible lifestyles” in front of a watching world. They are also encouraged to do “influential works of service” as testimony to their changed lives.