Values
Person to Person (To be rather than to seem)
It is no mistake that our church will be rational by nature rather than programmatic. We will be intentional about the way we do things, namely person to person. This allows people to visit our church with a relationship already intact. Our identity as the children of God is found in Christ ALONE; therefore, we do not have to put on a show or try to impress people. By being real with ourselves, we can be real with others and not give a false sense of who we are. I beg you to continue to practice self-disclosure by inviting someone to join you in the normal activities of life.
“We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us.” I Thessalonians 2:8
Dreaming Dreams (Priesthood of all believers)
We desire to be a church where dreams are fulfilled in Christ. A church should be a place where people can exercise their gifts with the freedom to fail and the help to grow. We are aware of the need to do all things well, but our greatest motivation is that we do all things genuinely. This will only happen if the foundation of the ministry is trust and humility.
In the last days, God says, “I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.” Acts 2:17
Mercy-filled Worship (Desiring mercy not sacrifice)
Worshiping with mercy in view is what God would have for DOH. The latest trend for most churches is to have mercy as a side item. Showing mercy is no easy task and it is definitely not comfortable for most of us. What we need to realize is that, in that unfamiliar place, there is intimacy with God. Rather than doing mercy projects, we want to love people.
It is a rare find to be engaged in a church that is committed to mercy, and it is even rarer for those who are shown mercy to be placed into the worship of the local church. Most of the time this division is a result of people living in a different (racial, socio-economic) neighborhood, never being invited, not being wanted, and not feeling hope in the church. We can place this on the side of mercy being a hand out. We must love people with mercy. It is our privilege to invite people into our everyday lives. Mercy is not about making us feel good about our helping those that are down and out. It is the very heartbeat of the gospel, and the hand upon which salvation is given to many. Join us in praying that our relationships, ministry and mercy come together in the adoration and praise to the King of the church.
He defended the cause of the poor and needy, and so all went well. Is that not what it means to know me?” declares the LORD. Jeremiah 22:16
