What We Believe

We open our lives to God through focused, ongoing attention to the Bible.  This takes place through personal reading, worship gatherings, grow groups and conversations.  By listening to God’s voice in Scripture, we seek to know God’s heart and live in ways that reflect God’s glory.
Areas of Focus:  Worship / Daily Practices / Grow Groups
Psalm 119:105 / John 1:1
Diagnostic Question:  Are we embracing the challenge of living Biblically?

We seek to be Jesus’ people who live-out the Great Commandment (Love God and love your neighbor as yourself) Great Commission (Go and make disciples of all nations), and the Great Requirement (What does the LORD require of you, but to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God).  We are seeking to lift-up a robust discipleship that includes BOTH personal faith (spiritual disciplines / practices) as well as public witness (both evangelism AND acts of justice).  
Areas of Focus:  Heartfelt Worship / Grow Groups / Racial Righteousness
Matthew 22:34-40; Matthew 28:16-20: Micah 6:8
Diagnostic Question: Are our attitudes, behaviors, and words becoming more like Jesus?

Empowered by Jesus’ compassion, we are committed to caring for and engaging with one another in compassion, grace, and hospitality by living as people who seek to learn about each other’s culture, ethnicity, generation, and gender.
Romans 12:15, Rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep.
Focus:  Friendships with Bethesda Missionary Baptist Church & Verbo en Accion
Diagnostic Questions:  How are we growing in friendship across ethnic groups and generations?  Are we sharing in the suffering of others both individually and communally?

Following Jesus is about growing in a relationship with God in the Trinity - Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  This growth is based in practicing a personal and congregational life of prayer.  One way that we demonstrate love for others is by praying with them and for them.  
Matthew 14:23 Jesus went up on a mountainside by himself to pray; Luke 11, Teach us 2 pray..
Diagnostic Question:  Are we pursuing Jesus’ presence in our lives and as a congregation?

Knowing God’s compassion in our own lives, we seek to participate in God’s mission of restored relationship with Him and each other on a daily basis.  As a congregation, we engage in “pastoring the community” by taking an active and ongoing role in our community, as well as looking to support those called to share the Gospel around the world.
John 20:21, Jesus said, “As the Father is sending me, I am sending you.”
Area of Focus:  Nokomis East Food Distribution / Friendships with Bethesda MBC & Verbo
Diagnostic Question:  Are we having a healthy impact on our community?