Dreams & Core Values
This will make more sense when you listen to the podcast on core values #1 (found below this post). But these are the dreams & core values of our new church - The Garden Communities. The dreams come from our core group of people. This is not meant to be an exhaustive list(I'm sure there are other good dreams we have not covered), but these flowed out of a week of prayer and gathering together to discuss. The core values then are an extension of these dreams.So here they are:
The dreams of The Garden Communities: (in no order of importance)
• Loving God & loving people take precedence over everything.
• We listen and are obedient to God despite circumstances or consequences.
• We value people more than structure & tradition.
• We are a community of prayer.
• We value and embrace the stories of the saints who have gone before us and strive to build upon their legacy.
• We value true community where the “one-another” principles of the New Testament are expressed and lived out.
• Our communities are a place where people’s gifts, talents, and abilities are embraced, nurtured, and used for the expansion of God’s Kingdom.
• We are actively involved in the global church.
• The Word of God & the Spirit of God lead & guide everything we do.
• Right thinking & right actions are deemed equals.
• Our communities are active in the community.
• Cultivate an atmosphere where people can think for themselves.
• To assist people in knowing how to walk with God intimately.
• The community is a welcoming one for people no matter where they are in their spiritual journey.
• A community where all people are valued no matter what their age is.
• A place where woman can share their lives with each other.
* A place where men can share their lives with each other.
• Creativity in corporate worship is practiced.
• Musical expression in worship is valued.
• Partnerships with foreign churches are cultivated.
• A community where people truly invest in each other’s lives.
• Times where people can share and be real with one another exist beyond the formal gatherings of the church.
• A sense of freedom where love of God & people can be expressed openly.
These are the values that shape who we are and how we function:
• Walking with God – Because knowing God & His son Jesus Christ intimately – both personally & corporately – is the source of eternal, abundant, overflowing life.
• Valuing People – Because loving & serving people unconditionally is the example Jesus lived for us.
• Living in Community – Because our faith is meant to be experienced with the family of God.
• Being Creative – Because we are made in the image of a creative God.
• Living Missionally – Because living as “sent” people allows others to see Jesus, and experience him for themselves.
• Being Authentic – Because what is the point of being together if we can’t be our true selves.
• Holistic – Because all areas of life are connected, our faith should impact everything.