Guiding Principles
Believing
Trusting Christ as Savior
Though we recognize that believing in Christ is a process, we also realize there is often a moment within that process when a conscious decision to believe occurs. We want to encourage and help seekers reach that defining moment. Opportunities for this will occur in a variety of settings: in our weekend celebration service, in smaller group interaction (support or recovery groups, Bible Studies, etc.), spiritual counseling, special events, seminars, community service and outreach, or through a friendship with Christ-followers in our church family.
Discovering
Learning about one’s unique “shape” of gifts and God’s leading for ministry
We are committed to helping everyone in our church family discover their uniquely designed mix of talents, skills, spiritual gifts, experiences, personality, and passions (shape) and then enable them to discern God’s leading for service either within our outside the church.
Experiencing
Feeling the love of God the Father and the warmth of belonging
We want to help people connect with God and others as they experience the awesome, life-giving love of God. Genuine worship in our corporate gathering and small group meetings are intended to facilitate such an experience.
Maturing
Helping people connect and grow in community
Since we believe that life change happens best in the context of authentic, close friendships, our church family will be encouraged to participate in small groups where they can build meaningful relationships and be mentored in their emotional, psychological, and spiritual growth.
Participating
Climbing out of the stands and stepping onto the playing field
We encourage people to make The Living Room their home (both seekers and Christ-followers) to participate in our church family through involvement. Participation can happen through task-oriented service, a self-determined commitment to financial giving, or relating with others in a small group.
Seeking
Investigating God’s love and truth
Our greatest commitment is to create a safe environment where seekers can be exposed to the love of God and eventually grow toward experiencing His love for themselves. Our hope is ultimately to draw them into the family of God through the process of surrender to the love and leadership of God. We want to create a setting where seekers feel comfortable to investigate the claims of Christ at their own pace. This may happen through a small group or through a friendship with someone but it is with the development of safe relationships or through attending our weekend celebration service.
Serving
Utilizing one’s design to care for people and accomplish tasks
Once a person has discovered his or her unique, God-given design for ministry and has discerned God’s leading for how to best utilize that design for the next season of service, we will help people match their design and calling with service and leadership opportunities, within our church family and in the community outside the church as well. We value every person’s gifts, dreams, inspirations, and input.