UP-IN-OUT-INSIDE (Intimacy, Community, Mission, Character)

UP, IN, OUT and INSIDE shape our lifestyle and unite us because they are the values that Jesus lived by. They are the glue that holds our diverse community together. It is these values that become our “grid” for our relationship with God, with each other, and with the world around us.

Values are demonstrated through lifestyle. When we live the values of Jesus we recognize we are warring against the values of our culture and calling people around us to a different kind of life.

While our methods will change with time and circumstances, our commitment to become people shaped and known for these values is unwavering. We want to see these values reproduced throughout the earth.

Intimacy - Up
Intimacy is loving God by knowing Him and begins by experiencing and responding to His love. This is our first priority personally and corporately.

• time in His word
• prayer
• welcome the ministry of the Holy Spirit
• invite His presence through worship
• obey Him in life and ministry

Community - In
We pursue all four of our core values in community.

• We believe there is no such thing as a “Lone Ranger” follower of Jesus.
• We need each other, especially those who are different than us.
• We have been called to radical unity that embraces diversity.
• We desire to be a community that is multi-racial and intergenerational.
• We want to be devoted to life together in close relationship.

Mission - Out
Mission is the outward dimension of our lives. We are committed to “making disciples” by sharing God’s message of love, forgiveness, and eternal life to as many people as possible, especially those we meet daily in “our world.”

We want to see our communities, cities, states, and nations reflect God’s Kingdom. So to us “mission” includes:

• racial reconciliation
• fighting injustice
• service to the poor
• widows
• orphans
• the neglected and marginalized

Character - Inside
God promises to transform our hearts so that we look and act more like Him. Character is loving God by living our daily lives in a way that honors Him.

• We want to become like Jesus in all we are and do.

• We pursue Godly character and holiness by understanding His word and living it out in our every area of life including relationships, finances, marriages, classes, and jobs.