Visions & Values

VISION

“But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.”- Jeremiah 29:6

Our vision is to see Lanark County renewed spiritually, and thrive in every way possible. We believe that in the power of God's Kingdom it can be a place where grace and mercy reign, where peace is practiced and lived out, and where racial, ethnic, and socio-economic differences are removed by the power of the gospel.

Our vision is rooted in the good news that Jesus is Lord, the saviour and redeemer of people, and the coming judge. We long to see Him worshipped and cherished.

THE GOSPEL CHANGES EVERYTHING

We believe the gospel completely transforms not only our lives, but also how we view all of life. It changes how we view ourselves: we learn to admit that we are more sinful and selfish than we could have imagined. It changes how we view God: we learn to marvel that we are more loved and forgiven than we could ever dare hope. It transforms how we view others: as divine image-bearers of incredible value and dignity. From this core value flows all other values.

THE GOSPEL CREATES A NEW WORLD

The gospel creates what philosopher Augustine called a new city within the existing city: “the City of God.” In this city, mercy triumphs over judgment; collaboration replaces competition; equality replaces elitism; and people have intrinsic dignity, regardless of their station or standing in life. Love for God and others is the primary motivation for all that we do– in work, play, and rest. The new community becomes a sanctuary for those tired of or bruised by the brokenness of the old city. This Kingdom of Christ  re-shapes and heals the old one by demonstrating that there is, indeed, a better way to live. The body of Christ  becomes a magnet for those who are seeking the peace of God in the midst of the pain of life. This community of Christ (the church)  becomes a light where the glory of God, in the face of Christ, shines into our lives.

VALUES

CHRIST CENTRED

Jesus Christ is the heart and soul of our church. Everything we do is because of Him and For Him.

“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.” - Col.1:15

GOSPEL / GRACE DRIVEN

We believe that the gospel is not only the way into the Christian faith, but also the way by which we grow and live out our faith. Grace is at the heart of who we are. By "grace," we mean God's goodness to people who do not deserve it. This means we are a group of people who does not have it all together. We are a congregation dependent upon God’s unearned blessings from beginning to end. We believe God’s grace is how you start, continue, and finish the Christian life.

“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.” Titus 2:11-12

PEOPLE FOCUSED

Our central mission is to proclaim and embody Jesus to our neighbours. We are called to radically and generously love as we have been loved.

Church- We are a church—nothing more, nothing less. There are many ways to describe the church, but one of the best descriptions is that the church is a vertebrate organism.

What does this mean? When we say the church is an organism, we mean that it is a living, breathing thing. In other words, we are always a work in progress. This means we take a process-oriented, long-term view with one another. Whether we are extending grace to someone in our Community Group or patiently teaching our children to worship alongside us on a Sunday morning, we give ourselves patiently to the slow, steady work the Lord has laid out for us.

At the same time, the church is a vertebrate organism. It has a backbone and a particular shape. The church is to be shaped by its mission, the ethical demands of life in the kingdom of God, sound doctrine, and subjection to our spiritual leaders.

“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.” Luke 19:10

“You are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35

PRAYER

We believe that only God can change our lives and heal and build this community we love. Above any programs or strategies, we look to God to move in powerful ways.

“Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.  Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stays awake in vain.” Psalm 127:1

MERCY

We seek to emphasize the call of Christ to “remember the poor.” We partner with others to minister mercy and justice in Lanark county.

“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter– when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?” Isaiah 58:6-7