These are fundamental values that reflect who we are and guide what we do.
- EXPOSITIONAL PREACHING
Because the Bible is the inspired Word of God (2 Tim. 3:16–17), which is both instructive and powerful for salvation (Rom. 1:16; Eph. 1:13) and spiritual growth (John 17:17), we believe that Christians are nourished through hearing and understanding it (Rom. 10:17; Eph. 5:26; 2 Pet. 1:3). Therefore, we maintain that the most effective way to communicate the Scriptures is through expositional preaching and teaching—a method that draws out and makes clear the meaning of any given text (1 Tim. 4:3; 2 Tim. 2:15; 4:2), in order that we might examine its truth and apply it (Acts 17:11).
- SOUND DOCTRINE
The word “doctrine” refers to what the whole Bible teaches about any given topic. As Christians our aim is to understand, believe, teach, and live out what is true, according to the Scriptures. Furthermore, we are called to maintain the standard of sound doctrine (Titus 1:9, 2:1; cf. 1 Tim. 4:6; 2 Tim. 1:13, 4:3). We understand that some doctrines are secondary in nature, and we ought to be charitable when there is disagreement. But on matters of primary doctrine, including those things that pertain to the gospel, we are to contend earnestly (Jude 3) without wavering. With regard to salvation, we affirm the Reformed doctrines of grace, which uphold and reflect God’s sovereignty.
- LOVING FELLOWSHIP
At the heart of church life is the loving fellowship of Christian believers (Acts 2:42-47; cf. John 13:34–35). We define fellowship as the common bond we experience through faith in God, communion with Christ, and the sharing of the Spirit-filled life together. Every member of Christ’s body has gifts and specific functions (1 Cor. 12). Therefore, we know we need one another to experience the fullness of Christian community here on earth. We are “one body in Christ, individually members one of another” (Rom. 12:5). As we build relationships, we offer one another friendship, love, compassion, teaching, exhortation, service, counsel, and admonition.
- SPIRITUAL GROWTH
God’s desire for His people is spiritual growth (Rom. 8:29; 1 Thess. 4:3)—growth in Christlikeness. As we seek to be less like the world and more like Christ, we are called to commit ourselves to regular Bible intake, prayer, discipleship, and personal holiness. Our lives ought to be beacons of light in a dark world (Phil. 2:15), as we bear witness to the saving power of the gospel.
- REVERENT WORSHIP
The practice of worshiping God exists in many aspects of life, beginning with the commitment of our minds and bodies to the Lord (Rom. 12:1–2). However, when the church gathers corporately, we worship the Lord through prayer, songs, praise, fellowship, love, and thankfulness (Col. 3:14–17). As the assembly of believers gathers together, we strive to conduct ourselves reverently and respectably (1 Cor. 14:40), in such a way that edifies every member of the body (1 Cor. 14:4, 12).
