Values
Values affect how we think and consequently, what we do. Here at The Vineyard Church our values are an intrinsic part of us and play a critical role in the life of our fellowship. These ten values are a driving force, not only in our present ministries, but also in the ministries that are yet to be developed.
At The Vineyard Church, we value:
1. The Pursuit of God ~ The depth of God's relationship with us is inexhaustible (Ps.41:1; I Cor. 2:6ff; Phil. 3: 8-10). Therefore, we seek him and wait expectantly for his presence in all that we do (John 4:34; 5: 19-20).
2. The Bible ~ The Bible is our final authority over opinions, dreams, revelations, visions, and any other authoritative source that we may look to for direction.
3. Relationship ~ Caring for people is our highest priority after submission to God. To the best of our ability we will treat each person with respect, dignity and loving patience.
4. The Equipping of Individuals ~ God calls and enables believers to express the talents, gifts and ministries that he has set aside for them. The orientation of all ministry is toward the integration of biblical truth into everyday living that impacts our community and beyond, not limited to individual improvement or self-fulfillment (Eph. 4:11-13).
5. Compassion and Mercy ~ We desire to accept into our fellowship any sincere believer who is attempting to walk in obedience to God, is repentant of his or her sins and is in submission to the authority of the church.
6. Unity ~ Our brothers and sisters are not our enemies. Therefore, we relate to one another honorably, seeking to preserve the bond of peace.
7. Family ~ We deeply value the building up of families and believe in the priority of children.
8. Generosity ~ We are stewards of God's gifts and resources (Matt. 10:8, 39; 13:45-46). This means that when God directs, we will be willing to give away what we have and to risk the security of current success in order to advance the kingdom on earth in greater ways.
9. Simplicity ~ We want to be "naturally supernatural," avoiding behavior that draws attention away from God and to ourselves. Simplicity affects our worship style, how we pray for the sick and minister to the poor, carry out discipleship, teach the Bible and so on (1 Cor. 2:2-5; James 3:13; I Thess. 4:11-12).
10. Risk-taking ~ We are willing to let people make mistakes as they grow in their gifting. We know that gifting develops in an environment of trial and error, so we are willing to be patient with people's weaknesses and failures while they learn (John 21:15-19; Gal. 5:22-23).