Values
Our values express what we believe will help us take one step closer to Jesus and our neighbours every day; striving to make the church look more and more like a reflection of heaven:
Relationship Focused
Mark 12:30-31, 1 Corinthians 13, 1 John 4:20, 2 Corinthians 13:5; Luke 10:25-37
We want people to be in a genuine relationship with Jesus. Our relationship with Jesus comes first, the triune God expressed in Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, the one who knows us best and yet loves us most. We value our relationship with Jesus over everything else.
Second, we value a relationship with our neighbours. God says that if we can’t love one another, how can we say that we love Him? But to love authentically, we need to know others and be known by them; and create a community where we can walk together.
Journey Oriented
Acts 15, Hebrew 6:1-2, Deuteronomy 6:6-9
We want to create space for people to journey into a relationship with God; not be expected to behave, before they believe or belong. We want people to ask questions, dialogue about the responses, and find Neighbours Church a place to belong, before they believe, or ever consider if they want to become like Christ.
The journey doesn’t end when we decide to become a disciple. So, we want to create a space that is relevant in each stage of discipleship. For those that call themselves followers of Jesus, we will encourage people to develop a variety of characteristics in their personal lives that lead to long-term personal discipleship goals or end goals for followers of Jesus. We hope that each step they take toward Jesus will allow them to intentionally move forward in their faith journey.
Finally, we recognize that there are many stages of life, and although we want to be a multi-generational church that relates with one another, we also recognize that music preferences, a message people can relate with, and age-appropriate discussions can help people in the practical life transformation we long for people to experience in everyday life.
Intentionally Diverse
John 17; Galatians 3:28, John 13:35, Revelation 7:9; Book of Ephesians
We believe that we are better together. That the differences God created among us weren’t meant to divide us, but to help us learn who He is. We are each unique image bearers that reveal more of who He is to one another. Whether that is as men and women, people from different ethnic or cultural backgrounds, different generations, or different experiences in life. We want to be a multi-ethnic, multi-socio-economic, multi-generational church where people aren’t just sitting with one another on Sundays, but actually spending time together during the week, and leading one another in an understanding of who Jesus is and what it means to follow Him.
Postured for Worship
Romans 12:1, John 4:23-24, 1 Corinthians 11 & 12
To worship is not just something we do on Sundays, but it is a life whole-heartedly devoted in service to God and others. We expect to hear from the Holy Spirit on a daily basis, submitting our lives to His promptings and leadings. Living generously in service, love, and humility; offering time, talents and treasure for the benefit of all people. We encourage each person to discover their spiritual gifts and to use them in the unique ways God has called them to do so.
Worship is also something we do wherever two or more are gathered together in His name. And so when we gather to express our worship in: song, communion, Baptism, teaching, prayer, a time of question and response, and fellowship this is also worship. For us, the most important part of this experience is God’s presence: cultivating an opportunity for people to connect with His presence in each part of the service.
Choosing to Partner
Acts 4:32, Philippians 2:3, Ephesians 4:1-6 & 11-13, 1 Corinthians 12
We believe we can go further faster with the help of others. Whether that is people in our church, denomination, ministries we support or who support us, or community organizations serving Kingdom purposes; we know that there are people doing things we are better to join into than ever try and do on our own. We value the opportunity to learn from others and support their God given vision. We want to make our communities a better place to work, live, and play. The main partnership we have is with the ACOP – Apostolic Church of Pentecost, but there are many other Kingdom partnerships we are involved in locally and globally.
