OUR VALUES

As we carry out our mission, we affirm the core values of FIRST - A Community Church of Joy:

The Gospel. We are shaped by the message that God has acted on our behalf in Jesus and that through Jesus we can experience a life-transforming relationship with God. A Lutheran understanding of this Good News with a commitment to Word alone, Faith alone, and Grace alone under girds and shapes our ministry.

People. We are committed to affirming and upholding the God-given worth of each individual. We want to help people discover their God-given potential through a relationship with Jesus. We are committed to treating all people with dignity and respect.

Outreach. We are called to share the love of Christ in relevant and engaging ways with those not yet connected to Christ or the church. Because lost people matter to God, we will make them the priority of our mission. We will continually seek to create an inviting climate of warmth and hospitality that welcomes all to come and hear about Jesus at their own pace.

Innovative Excellence. We will do whatever it takes within the context of the Gospel to follow God in the building of the church which reaches new people and helps them grow in their relationship with Christ. Risk, relevance, change, flexibility, excellence and the freedom to fail grow out of our desire to connect the Gospel to the community.

Empowerment. We are continually training, equipping and empowering transformed people to live out a Christ-centered life. We will help people discover their God-given gifts and support and encourage them as they use their gifts to serve Christ and the community. We will also create an environment which empowers people to experience and enjoy wholeness, forgiveness and freedom.

Integrity. We will walk together with honesty, openness, fairness and grace in the mission of FIRST.

Prayer. We envelope all we are and do in prayer—seeking to put God first in every aspect of our ministry.

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