core values

1. Jesus is always at the center of all that we are and all that we do - both as individuals and as a faith community. ALWAYS.

(Colossians 1:15-20)

2. God has open arms, and so should we. 

Everyone is made in God’s image. So, everyone is precious in God’s sight and has something of great value to offer.  This why we regularly say, "you are a gift."  We do all we can to help others discover their God-given gifts and empower them to use those gifts.

(Genesis 1:26-28, 1 Corinthians 12:4-26, Romans 12:4-8)

We accept people right where they are just the way they are. We are not about “fixing people.” We are about living grace and journeying together. The journey requires honesty and accountability… and a whole, whole lot of grace.

(Luke 15:11-32, Romans 12:9-16)

We respect others’ opinions and viewpoints. Diversity is a gift from God and should be celebrated and embraced. In our diversity, we are united by the love of Christ.  

(Ephesians 4:1-6)

We intentionally invite everyone to join in our journey of joyful discovery and in our dance with God. We believe that invitational living is ALWAYS rooted in relationship first.

(John 4:1-30, Matthew 28:16-20)

3. Jesus lived and loved with passion, and so should we.

We try to make sure that everything we do is done with passion and joy. No apathy allowed.

(See all four gospels and the entire story of Jesus’ life. See also 2 Samuel 6:12-15, Psalm 100, Romans 12:9-13)

4. Jesus is found among the poor, hurting and brokenhearted. And we should be too.

We believe that when we connect with the pain and possibility of the world, we are changed. Because we’re serious about following Jesus, being with the poor, hurting, oppressed, marginalized and brokenhearted is not an option. It’s essential.

(Matthew 25:31-40, Luke 4:16-21, Luke 10:25-37, James 1:27, Isaiah 1:17, Proverbs 31:8-9)

5.Each of us is messed up. God loves us anyway. Nothing can separate us from God’s love. Nothing.

(Romans 8:38-39)

No one is perfect... and we are all totally dependent on God's grace.

(Romans 3:22-24)

God gives endless second chances, so we do our best to forgive recklessly and infinitely.

(Matthew 18:21-22)

Since each of is messed up, there’s no need to hide it. We’ll try to be as honest and loving as we can be. 

(Matthew 7:1-5)

We believe a healthy faith community is a mixture of out-of-control honesty and out-of-control love. You can’t have one without the other.

(Ephesians 3:14-21)

6. We believe in the importance of taking risks. Together.

Following Jesus requires risk. A lot of risk. We’re ready, willing, and up to the challenge. BUT… we will only take risks in community. The journey is hard. We need each other.

(Luke 14:27, Luke 14:33, Philippians 3:12-15, Ephesians 3:14-21)

We want to take risks as we journey and grow in faith, and we believe that questioning and wrestling with God is healthy and biblical.

(Genesis 32:22-26, Psalm 22, the entire book of Job)

Our minds are gifts from God, and we do not check them at the door when engaging faith issues. We use scripture, reason, tradition, and experience as we journey together and struggle with uncertainty and life’s hard questions.

7. God gives to us, so we give back.

We believe that sharing our time, our gifts and abilities, our money, our possessions and our entire lives within this faith community and with the world is essential. Sometimes it’s really hard to share, but we keep trying.

(1 John 3:17-20)

Giving is really good for us, too. We don’t want to be “owned” by anything except God. 

(Luke 18:18-30, Luke 21:1-4, Psalm 24:1-2)

8.  We try to stay "at the table" when things are hard.  

We believe transformation happens when we listen, honor different viewpoints, and remain in relationship even when we're tempted to walk away out of frustration, anger or fear.  Conflict isn't always a negative thing; in fact, it can transform us as individuals and as a community.  We are not called to be "cookie cutter" Jesus followers.  We can live and love together and change our corner of creation, even if we don't see eye to eye on every issue, topic or ice cream flavor.

(Matthew 18: 15-20, 1st Corinthians 13:4-7, 1st Peter 3:8-11, Romans 12:17-21)