Understanding Values
Values are at the core of individual, group or organisational identity.

They are enduring conceptions or judgements about what we consider to be important. Our instrumental values are the tangible expressions of how we intend to act (our behaviours) in order to demonstrate the substance of our beliefs. These values are rooted in our core beliefs (expressed in our statement of faith).

The importance of values cannot be underestimated in the context of our church. People will always come back to their default conduct which will be dominated by their real values. We need to ensure that everyone understands the values we hold as a church; from all leadership to occasional attendees.

Our discipline and character make these values consistently real to everyone who interacts with them.

1. JESUS CENTRED

The Gospel is the objective message of the Bible that God has redeemed His fallen creation through the coming of His Kingdom in the person and work of Jesus Christ. In particular, the Gospel is the message that we are saved from sin by sheer, free grace through faith in the finished work of Christ, not through our efforts or works. We accept that this Gospel message is not merely a body of truth, but the very power of God as embodied in Jesus Christ; which grows, changes, and shapes everything with which it has contact – i.e. hearts, identities, relationships, practices in every area of public and private life, permeating whole societies thus reforming culture and disciplining nations. It is God’s chosen means of salvation and personal restoration. So we embrace the gospel as “central”.

2. LIVES CHANGED

The Gospel is for all of humanity, saved and not yet saved alike. Long-term transformation happens when believers grow deeper in their understanding and rejoicing in the Gospel, because the Gospel changes us from inside out, freeing us from self-righteousness and self-condemnation. We esteem personal learning and take responsibility for our own transformation.

3. GENUINE RELATIONSHIPS

A Gospel-transformed life allows us to conduct far more open, honest, close, and loving relationships. So, the Gospel creates a new kind of community. We speak truly, forgive gracefully, and move with compassion. We appreciate each other, make each other laugh, and celebrate all generations. The Gospel does not merely make us closer in our one-on-one relationships but also creates a counter-culture, a contrasting community in which our city can see the difference the Gospel makes.

4. ALL IN

Our transformed life functions in concert with other believers in our community. As a new kind of community, we all recognise that we are called (summoned by God for a purpose to Himself) and gifted (uniquely endowed by God to express that call). We all have a common contribution to our community of faith and our wider city.

5. ALWAYS ON

The Gospel does not only have implications for our personal life and faith community. It affects our public life, particularly how we pursue our vocations in the world and do our daily work. Any city's culture is a reflection of that’s city’s core beliefs, just as the Gospel affects our core beliefs and our culture. When we begin to do our work out of a different set of beliefs, whatever our sphere of influence, it transforms the culture around it. The Gospel gives us a new worldview, motivation, power, and guidelines for life.

6. ABOUT OTHERS

With mercy, justice and audacious faith at the forefront of the Gospel, we take responsibility for our community and city. We are committed to playing our part in His wider kingdom, to see cultural renewal happen at a city-wide level, through Gospel-based inclusion and outreach programs.