CORE VALUES

1. SCRIPTURE

   We are committed to communicating the timeless truths of authentic, biblical Christianity in a culturally relevant, yet doctrinally pure fashion.

   2 Peter 1:16-21; 2 Timothy 3:16-17

2. COMMUNITY

   We are called to the process of creating a community of believers, where members serve Christ and each other through God-given spiritual gifts, where worship exalts God and inspires the people, where families of all sizes are nurtured, and where loving relationships permeate all that we say and do.

   1 Corinthians 12 & 14; John 13: 9-17

3. SERVANTHOOD

   Authenticity, spiritual growth, and servanthood are normative for Christ-followers.

   Matthew 20:24-28; Philippians 2:5-8

4. ACCOUNTABILITY

   Spiritual growth happens best in the context of meaningful relationships and small groups which are committed to accountability and encouragement.

   Hebrews 10:25; Acts 2:42-47

5. LOST PEOPLE

   The Church is called to love people who are far from God, because God desires to draw all people to His grace and mercy.

   Luke 15; 2 Peter 3:9

6. LEADERSHIP

   The Church is led best by spiritually gifted leaders, whose lives and decisions are continually submitted to the Lordship of Christ.

   Romans 12:8; Luke 12:48; 1 Timothy 3:1-13

7. EQUALITY

   Equality in Christ extends to every area of ministry, regardless of race, gender, and background.

   Galatians 3:26-28; 2 Corinthians 5:17

8. EXCELLENCE

   Excellence in every aspect of life and work honors God.

   Colossians 3:23-24; Ecclesiastes 9:10

9. STEWARDSHIP

   Intentional management of our time, talents, and financial resources honors God and aligns our will with His will.

   Malachi 3:10; Deuteronomy 14:22; 2 Corinthians 8:7-8; 9:6-8

Biblical Operating Values

Primary Principles of Church Government

There are three primary biblical principles which form the basis for all other decisions about the life of the church.

• Christ is the Head of the Church.

  The Lord Jesus Christ is the head of the universal body of Christ and of this local church.  Pastors, Overseers and Deacons have roles which are essential to church life, but they are not the head - Christ is.  Instead, these leaders must continually submit their decisions, judgments and plans to the authority of Christ.  Each leader and member is accountable to Christ and is charged with the responsibility of building His kingdom on earth, not our own.

  1 COR 12:12-31; EPH 5:22-33; COL 1:15-20; 1 PET 2:4-12

• The Scriptures are our Source of Guidance.

  We have no other book which you must subscribe to.  The 66 books which are known and accepted as God's Word have been tested through the ages.  They are reliable.  Many a critic has set out to prove them wrong and in the process has found life transformed by their consistency and power.  One good test for examining other churches if you move away from the North River area will be whether or not they claim some other source of revelation in addition to the Bible.  Any religious group which claims another source alongside the Bible will most likely value that other source over the Scriptures in practice.

  PS 119:11, 105:2; 2 PET 1:16-21; 2 TIM 3:16-17; REV 22:18-19

• The Holy Spirit is our Source of Power.

  Religion and wise people cannot of themselves bring about eternal life in anyone. The apostles instead replied upon the power of the Holy Spirit, God's agent for spiritual change in this world. The Holy Spirit works through our gifts and efforts to accomplish God's purpose for our lives.  He convinces us to embrace the grace Christ offers, whereas our natural inclination is to rebel against God.  The Holy Spirit  empowers God's people for service and brings understanding of God's Word.

  1 COR 2:1-16; ROM 8:1-27; JN 14:15-27; JN 16:5-16