We value everyone’s journey of growing more and more like Jesus. In the letter to the Romans, Paul’s eternal word of challenge and encouragement is this: “Do not conform 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 12:2) Through the Word of God and by God’s Spirit, we will rise above the popular, commonplace, and binary ways of viewing God, the world, and others, and begin to think like Jesus. With this mind, we commit to overcoming all that divides, and seek to bring unity to a broken world.

There is no greater command or value in the entirety of the Bible than love (Matt. 22:37-40; John 13:34-35, 15:12; Romans 13:8-10; Gal. 5:14). In fact, in 1 John 4:16, we are told “God is love.” Because Jesus insists that the world will know who he is based on our love for each other, we commit to caring for, bearing with, encouraging, and loving one another. This includes following Jesus’ example of personal sacrifice, to ensure everyone experiences acceptance, healing, dignity, and hope through our words, actions, and attitudes.

We are blessed to be a blessing. We have been given much so that we can give. We commit our time, talents, and tithes to the restoration of all things that are broken. This includes our service to one another, our world, and God’s creation. Each member is expected to discover God’s S.H.A.P.E. and purpose for their life, and use it to serve God’s glory through prayer, partnership, and provision. From the least to the greatest, we all have something to contribute to God’s unfolding story.