1. We value the BIBLE:
Definition: The Bible is God’s unique revelation to people. It is the inspired, infallible Word of God, and the supreme and final authority on all matters upon which it teaches. No other writings are vested with divine authority.
Therefore, we will provide inspired, relevant teaching of the Word of God, encourage the diligent and thorough study of God’s Word and call people to obedience of God’s word.
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.” (2 Timothy 3:16)
2. We value GRACE:
Definition: Grace is the freely given, unmerited favor and love of God. God lavishly extends His grace to every person regardless of one’s gender, race, age, economic status and/or education.
Therefore, we humbly seek to be a grace-giving church known for people who treat others with kindness, acceptance, forgiveness, and grace just as God is gracious towards us. We will love those who come to us broken and undone. We will forgive and encourage those who stumble and fall.
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32)
3. We value PEOPLE:
Definition: We believe that people matter to God. They are more important than buildings, money, structure, systems and institutions. The church is made of diverse people, each with their own diverse gifts and abilities. Each and every one of us matters to God.
Therefore, we will put people before our preferences, our personalities, and our programs. We will treat children and teens with respect and understanding. We will give people time to adjust to growth and change. We love and accept those that we disagree with. We expect our leaders to put people first.
“Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:39)
4. We value UNITY:
Definition: Our unity as the body of believers is a witness to our communities. We strive to be unified in spirit and purpose by discovering God’s will and direction together. We work together as a fellowship of believers to become a team, united in love, to accomplish our mission.
Therefore, we will listen to and wait on God. We will seek His will rather than our own. We will seek to submit to one another as unto Christ. Even when we may disagree, we will promote and foster unity.
“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” (John 17:20-21)
“Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.” (Romans 12:10)
5. We value PASTORAL LEADERSHIP:
Definition: We believe that pastors are called by God to lead his church. They are due love, respect, honor and cooperation.
Therefore, we will support, protect, honor and love our pastors.
“Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other.” (I Thessalonians 5:12-13)
6. We value an EXTERNAL FOCUS:
Definition: The church exists not for itself, but to carry out Jesus’ commission to serve and save those in our communities who do not yet know him.
Therefore, as a church we will remain focused on ministering to our communities, and we will resist the temptation to focus on ourselves.
“Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.”(Matthew 10:39)
7. We value DILIGENT SERVICE:
Definition: We value sweat, diligence and hard work. We value people who see that a job needs to be done, and do it. We value a “can-do” attitude. We believe that all Christians are called to lovingly serve in a wide variety of ways. We believing serving is an important component of growing our faith.
Therefore, We will both demonstrate and expect diligent service. We will value people who serve in all sorts of ways. We will refuse to simply “attend” church. We will use the gifts God has given us to serve others.
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” (1 Peter 4:10)
8. We value RESPONSIBLE STEWARDSHIP:
Definition: The resources at our disposal are a sacred trust from God, given in obedience. The church is responsible to manage God’s resources wisely, maximizing the benefit to the kingdom of God.
Therefore, we are open and transparent with our financial records, frugal in our spending, and careful in our planning.
“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (II Corinthians 9:6-7)
9. We value DISCIPLESHIP:
Definition: The purpose of the church is to make disciples. Discipleship is the process by which the life of Jesus Christ is formed in a believer’s life. A Christian disciple is a person who accepts and assists in the spreading of the good news of Jesus Christ. The goal of discipleship is complete dedication to Christ.
Therefore, we will promote evangelism, recognizing that Salvation is the first step in becoming a disciple. We will encourage believers to become fully devoted followers of Christ who: pray daily, worship weekly, read the Bible, serve others both at and beyond LWC, encourage spiritual growth in others through relationships, and give freely of their time, talents and resources.
10. We value GOD MOMENTS:
Definition: One of our core values is that God’s favor and blessing are of first importance. God is at work in the world and our job is to join him in doing it. When we do, God steps in and provides supernaturally. These “God Moments” are marks of God’s direction and blessing.
Therefore, we will always submit our plans to God. He may have a better plan. We will also patiently wait on him when our way is unclear, but act in faith when the direction is clear.
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God–this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:1-2)