7 Core Values
Seven core values lie at the center of what we believe, who we are, and what we do. We believe these are essential for genuine, life-change. Embracing these values, we move from merely talking to engagingly walking our faith.
(Romans 11:33-12:2, John 4:24, Ephesians 5:18-24)
Worship is actively responding to God both individually and as a church to who God is and what He has done; expressed in the things we say and the way we live.
(Colossians 3:12-17, Ephesians 4:1-6, Hebrews 10:24-25)
Genuine biblical community means living in caring relationships that are guided by biblical truth and grounded in spiritual accountability. We value real community, and yes, we know how messy and hard it is. But, we also know that real and lasting life-change—spiritual transformation—primarily occurs in the unity and diversity of authentic relationships.
(Matthew 6:5-13, I Thessalonians 5:17, II Thessalonians 3:1-2, Ephesians 6:18)
We are committed to under-girding every ministry with intentional and faithful prayer. Prayer is the practical demonstration that acknowledges that God is powerful and we are not. We will constantly call one another and this fellowship to prayer.
(Ephesians 4:14-16, Philippians 1:6, Colossians 1:2-29, II Peter 3:18)
Spiritual growth means that over time we are becoming, looking and acting more and more like Jesus Christ. It is progressively moving toward spiritual maturity. A commitment to growth is not easy, because growth means change, and change is difficult. However, growth means we are living, really living, as the life of Christ is reproduced in our own lives.
(Ephesians 4:11-13, Mark 10:43-45, I Peter 4:10-11)
Jesus demonstrated that the most influential life is a life of sacrificial service. In the words of Mark’s gospel, Jesus “did not come to be served but to serve, and give His life as a ransom for many.” Likewise, we believe that we will influence the world for Christ, when resting in, and motivated by His great love for us, we extend that love through our own hands and feet in acts of service to others.
(John 3:16, Proverbs 11:25, II Corinthians 8-9)
Every act of God is an act of lavish generosity. He gives freely, fully, graciously and without measure. Generosity means living life with our hearts and hands open, generously giving away the truth, time, talent, and treasure that God so graciously entrusted to us.
(Mark 16:15-16, John 3:16, Colossians 4:3, Luke 10:2, Luke 19:10)
We believe that we are called to intentionally build bridges to people who are without Christ. We believe that every person should be equipped to clearly and boldly explain the good news of the gospel. We believe that evangelism, like prayer, must be intrinsically woven into every ministry at Waterbrook.