Serving People to Impact a City

Matthew 22:36-40 - "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."

Jesus commanded us to value God and people. These are our top priority, the following values are the things that we hold precious and the common threads in all that we do.*

Character

We believe that circumstances are temporary, but our character will last forever. How we walk makes a louder statement to those around us than how we talk. We believe that the church should be a strong representation to the world of the character of God. We desire to be in the world but not of it, clearly displaying through a life of purity God's unchanging grace and kindness to those with whom we come in contact.

Unity

Ephesians 4:3 instructs us to "endeavor or work to keep unity." We desire to be people of humility and kindness and not allow offenses to take root in us. We desire to believe the best about our brothers and sisters and not gossip or talk about others in a negative way. This is very important for the good of each person and the health of the church.

Excellence

Because we serve an awesome God, we strive to do our best in everything we do. This means that we show excellence in everything that we do. If we served a mediocre God, then we could do things in a mediocre way. We desire to do all of our work "as unto the Lord." God is excellent and worthy to be praised and served in an excellent way.

Servanthood and Humility

Jesus lived a life of servanthood and humility. Thus, we desire to walk in true humility and serve in practical ways. Pride came long before the fall of many of our Christian leaders. Keeping an attitude of servanthood helps us walk humbly with God and each other. We value these traits in our leaders and in the congregation.

Notes:
* Adapted from the value statement of Gateway Church, Southlake, Texas.