Missional directional

Centered on Christ.

Compelled by the gospel.

Committed to community.

see “Grace crossing church”

CHRIST-CENTERED VIEW ON THE WORLD...

As we focus upon Christ and His glory, we begin to ask ourselves as a church, “Does this course of action bring glory to God?” “Does that direction bring glory to God?” When these are our first questions, we are at least heading for the right direction. Therefore it’s crucial for us to think rightly!

4 "since the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but are powerful through God for the demolition of strongholds. We demolish arguments 5 "and every proud thing that is raised up against the knowledge of God, and we take every thought captive to obey Christ.” ()

It’s joyful obedience to Christ that brings glory to God (John 15:8-11)

Romans on “Thinking”

21 "because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.” ()

"For though they knew God, they did not glorify him as God or show gratitude. Instead, their thinking became worthless, and their senseless hearts were darkened.” ()

"And because they did not think it worthwhile to acknowledge God, God delivered them over to a corrupt mind so that they do what is not right.” ()

"And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting;” ()

"And do you think this, O man, you who judge those practicing such things, and doing the same, that you will escape the judgment of God?” ()

3 "And do you think this, O man, you who judge those practicing such things, and doing the same, that you will escape the judgment of God?” ()

"Do you really think—anyone of you who judges those who do such things yet do the same—that you will escape God’s judgment?” ()

2 "Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God. 3 "For by the grace given to me, I tell everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he should think. Instead, think sensibly, as God has distributed a measure of faith to each one.” ()

2 "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. 3 "For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.” ()

11 "When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put aside childish things.” ()

"Brothers and sisters, don’t be childish in your thinking, but be infants in regard to evil and adult in your thinking.” ()

11 "Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice. Become mature, be encouraged, be of the same mind, be at peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you.” ()

"make my joy complete by thinking the same way, having the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.” ()

"Their end is destruction; their god is their stomach; their glory is in their shame. They are focused on earthly things,” ()

"Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” ()

A Christian worldview uses the Biblical revelation as the foundation for a proper understanding of the nature and purpose of our existence. That revelation establishes divine truth about God, man, sin, salvation, purpose, and our destiny. Thus both our belief and our behavior are governed not by changeable theories, but by God’s immutable truth.

For us, it's all about Jesus. From beginning to end, we believe the Bible points us to the amazing reality that God has been merciful to sinners in Jesus. This is the gospel, the good news that shapes everything about who we are and what we are to be about. (Gospel-centered)

Excelling in our thinking is important for the people of God because we have to out-think the world. The church is most vulnerable in terms of its young people and its future when it allows itself to become mentally lazy and to allow the world to do all the thinking.

If that happens, then our people are going to think like the world.

LIFE OF DISCIPLESHIP

The gospel creates a new community which brings together diverse people to live in unity as we pursue Jesus and His mission. This community takes place through local churches where deep relationships are pursued. For us, church is not a building or a service time, but who we are as a community on mission together.

MISSIONAL

We believe Jesus has sent the church into the world for the mission of making, maturing and multiplying his disciples to the ends of the earth until He returns. Embracing our identity as sent by Jesus is essential to understanding that all of life (at work, at home, on our block, in our church community) is mission.

We believe Jesus has sent the church into the world for the mission of making, maturing and multiplying his disciples to the ends of the earth until He returns. Embracing our identity as sent by Jesus is essential to understanding that all of life (at work, at home, on our block, in our church community) is mission.

We need a generation of leaders ... who are ready to engage the culture. We must engage the issues of the day.

We need pastors who are skilled in dealing with the great moral crises of our day. ...

We need pastors who will help their church members to understand how to engage issues --

what they will watch on television,

what they will understand about the media.