Core Values
Our vision is for St.Paul's to be a healthy church. We believe that the health of St.Paul's Church is also a matter of interest and concern to Jesus Christ, the Great Physician
During 2005 we began to explore together what makes for a healthy church. It is my belief that a healthy church is based on shared values. Shared values are important for two reasons. First, shared values will offer a unified approach to becoming a healthy church. Second, shared values will foster the changes we will need to make in becoming a healthy church.
Eight "Core Values" have been identified and they are outlined below. They were considered by the church in a series of home group meetings and adopted by the Parochial Church Council in September 2005.
Core Value 1
God's Empowering Presence
We actively seek the Holy Spirit's direction and empowerment for the life and ministry of the church
- But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you,... (Acts 2:8)
Core Value 2
God-Exalting Worship
We gather regularly to worship God in ways that engage the heart, mind, soul and body.
- Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; for he is our God... (Psalm 95:6)
Core Value 3
Growing in Faith
We provide opportunities and resources for people of all ages to grow in faith.
- All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16)
Core Value 4
Growing In Community
We encourage believers to grow in relationship to one another in the context of a loving, safe and affirming environment.
- Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. (Ephesians 4:2)
Core Value 5
An Outward Focus
We place a high priority on sharing the love of Jesus by word and deed in our neighbourhoods.
- "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" (Romans 10:15b)
Core Value 6
Stewardship and Generosity
We understand that we are stewards of God-given resources and will encourage sacrificial generosity for kingdom priorities and purposes.
- Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth... (Matthew 6:19)
Core Value 7
Christ-like Servanthood
We practice Christ-like servanthood in every relational aspect of the church's life and equip all God's people to be servants in ministry.
- ...whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant,... (Matthew 20:26)
Core Value 8
Unity
We actively promote churchwide interdependence across denominational and regional boundaries.
- There is one body and one Spirit - one Lord, one faith, one baptism;... (Ephesians 4:4-5)
Guided by these "Core Values" we will achieve our aim of being a healthy church through:
- A discerning leadership
- A desire to listen to one another
- An investment in young people
- A willingness to embrace change
- A seriousness towards mission
- A dependence upon God's power
- An urgency in prayer
