VALUES (Who We Are)
We will be characterized by…
BIBLICAL DISCERNMENT
Submitted to Scripture as our sole and
sufficient authority for decision-making
(Rom 12:2; 2 Tim 3:16-17)
sufficient authority for decision-making
(Rom 12:2; 2 Tim 3:16-17)
KINGDOM-MINDEDNESS
Dedicated to the expansion of Christ’s
Kingdom by taking faith-filled risks
(Matt 25:14-30; 1 Cor 9:19-23).
Kingdom by taking faith-filled risks
(Matt 25:14-30; 1 Cor 9:19-23).
SPIRIT-FILLED LIVING
Committed to maturing in the faith and
the fruit of the Spirit
(Eph 4:13; Gal 5:22-26).
the fruit of the Spirit
(Eph 4:13; Gal 5:22-26).
CHRIST-CENTERED COMMUNITY
Devoted to the unity of the church by
loving and serving one another
(Eph 4:3; Col 3:12-16)
loving and serving one another
(Eph 4:3; Col 3:12-16)
PILLARS (How We Accomplish Our Mission)
…as we accomplish our mission through…
FAITHFUL PREACHING
We are committed to the expository preaching of God’s Word as revealed in the Holy Scriptures (2 Tim 3:16, 4:2).
FAITHFUL PRAYER
We are devoted to steadfast, Spirit-led prayer (Eph 6:18; Col 4:2).
FAITHFUL WORSHIP
We worship in Spirit and truth by living sacrificially for God (John 4:24; Rom 12:1).
FAITHFUL EVANGELISM
We proclaim the gospel in our community and beyond, seeking to bring others to Christ (Matt 28:18-20; Rom 10:14-15).
FAITHFUL APOLOGETICS
We defend the faith with wisdom and truth, grounded in God’s Word (Prov 26:4-5; 1 Pet 3:15).
VISION STATEMENT
This vision statement for Edify Church is best understood as moving from our
underlying principle to faithful action. Our leading principle for all that we do is
found in the Purpose/Mission statement: Exalting Christ through the building up of
His people in truth and love. Each member must first and finally look to this
statement to assess whether he/she is pursuing the mission. As we pursue this
mission, we will then seek to be characterized by those things in the Values
section: Biblical Discernment, Kingdom-Mindedness, Spirit-Filled Living, and
Christ-Centered Community. Each member must examine themselves as to
whether they are displaying these values throughout their service. Lastly, the
means by which we will accomplish our mission are found in the Pillars section:
Faithful Preaching, Faithful Prayer, Faithful Worship, Faithful Apologetics, and
Faithful Evangelism. These will serve as guardrails keeping us on track toward
accomplishing our mission.
underlying principle to faithful action. Our leading principle for all that we do is
found in the Purpose/Mission statement: Exalting Christ through the building up of
His people in truth and love. Each member must first and finally look to this
statement to assess whether he/she is pursuing the mission. As we pursue this
mission, we will then seek to be characterized by those things in the Values
section: Biblical Discernment, Kingdom-Mindedness, Spirit-Filled Living, and
Christ-Centered Community. Each member must examine themselves as to
whether they are displaying these values throughout their service. Lastly, the
means by which we will accomplish our mission are found in the Pillars section:
Faithful Preaching, Faithful Prayer, Faithful Worship, Faithful Apologetics, and
Faithful Evangelism. These will serve as guardrails keeping us on track toward
accomplishing our mission.
EDIFICATION Process
Our discipleship/membership process will be known as our EDIFICATION
Process, and will be patterned after The Three S’s:
Process, and will be patterned after The Three S’s:
salvation
1. Salvation: The edification process must always begin with setting the person upon the foundation of Jesus Christ. Therefore, we will start by seeking the person’s salvation through the preaching and sharing of the gospel. This will be marked by an understanding of the gospel, repentance from sin, and confession of faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. While engaging in this work, we will remember that salvation ultimately comes through the work of God by the power of His Spirit.
sanctification
2. Sanctification: The next step is to build up the believer by coming alongside them as they seek to become more like Christ in their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. The aim is not perfection but maturity in the fruits of the Spirit, their relationship with Christ, and knowledge of His Word.
service
3. Service: The last step is to encourage the believer to use their God-given gifts to support and build up the church. The aim is to bring glory to the name of Christ and serve His people in love.