This Is Us

Understanding The Ark Culture:

Culture (Merriam Webster’s Dictionary) - the set of shared attitudes, values, goals, and practices that characterizes an institution or organization

Here at The Ark, we know that every church has a culture:

Rather than allowing our feelings, upbringing, or the standards of our society take the lead, our goal is to intentionally and consistently communicate, demonstrate and celebrate the culture we want to see.

Here at The Ark, we know that every church has a culture. Rather than allowing our feelings, upbringing, or the standards of our society take the lead, our goal is to intentionally and consistently communicate, demonstrate and celebrate the culture we want to see.

Our Purpose:

At The Ark -

(To the Glory of God) We exist to serve by showing “The Way!”

This means that in all we do individually, relationally, & corporately, our life’s-breath is to exemplify the life & lifestyle of Jesus Christ

To the lost: We show the way to Jesus Himself

To the Christian: We show the way to a deeper, more impactful walk with Jesus.

Our Vision:

This is a statement of the destination that we see God taking The Ark Christian Church to & will determine the actions we take to get there.

These steps will likely change over time though the destination will remain the same.

Proverbs 29:18 NKJV

18 Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; But happy is he who keeps the law.

Habakkuk 2:2 NKJV

2 Then the Lord answered me and said: “Write the vision And make it plain on tablets, That he may run who reads it.

we know that every church has a culture. Rather than allowing our feelings, upbringing, or the standards of our society take the lead, our goal is to intentionally and consistently communicate, demonstrate and celebrate the culture we want to see.

Proverbs 29:18 AMP

18 Where there is no vision [no redemptive revelation of God], the people perish; but he who keeps the law [of God, which includes that of man]—blessed (happy, fortunate, and enviable) is he.

Original:

we know that every church has a culture. Rather than allowing our feelings, upbringing, or the standards of our society take the lead, our goal is to intentionally and consistently communicate, demonstrate and celebrate the culture we want to see.

A thousands-strong body of unified, miracle-working believers trained to impact the nations of the world for Christ.

Re-worded:

We are a vision-driven and faith-filled community positively changing lives, cities, and nations through the message of Jesus Christ!

6 Culture Points:

WE EXUDE PASSION

It’s about intentional response

We recognize that everything we do is filled with eternal importance. Therefore, every detail deserves our enthusiasm, creativity and excellence.

WE LOVE SACRIFICE

It’s about right priorities

We know that when we sacrifice it’s not about what we’re giving up but what we’re giving to. It’s not something we have to do, it’s what we want to do.

WE EMBRACE RISK

It’s about bold faith

We refuse to insult God with small thinking and safe living. We pray big prayers, take bold steps of faith and watch God move.

WE SHOW HONOR

It’s about valuing people

We celebrate the distinctive difference in others because we know God has placed gifts and callings in the heart of every person. We go beyond what is expected and use our words to speak blessing. We exhibit honor through purposeful investment in connection and relationships.

WE WIN TOGETHER

It’s about united purpose

We emphasize “We” over “Me” and our purpose over our preference. It’s not success if it’s secured solo. We are a “Team Church.”

WE ARE BRINGERS

It’s about being a bridge

We believe that everyone needs Jesus, everyone needs a church, & everyone needs a pastor. It is our great privilege to be the bridge that connects people to Jesus, a great church (The Ark), & a pastor after Jesus’ heart - We invite friends, family and friends-to-be to come with us.

How to Ark:

Participate in Preaching Teaching & Healing

Matthew 9:35 NKJV

35 Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.

James 1:21–22 NKJV

21 Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. 22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.

When we have heard the word and received it, we act on the word we heard & follow in the footsteps of Jesus Himself.

Sunday’s = Preaching

Wednesday’s = Teaching

Every day = Do the word & believe for healing & miracles to be in your hands

Show up and Serve/Give

Romans 12:1–2 NKJV

1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 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.

Show up as often as possible

Making Jesus & His Body the center of your life is never a bad decision.

Give of yourself whenever you show up.

Give & you will receive!!! (Luke 6:38)

Connect

1 Thessalonians 5:12 AMP

12 Now also we beseech you, brethren, get to know those who labor among you [recognize them for what they are, acknowledge and appreciate and respect them all]—your leaders who are over you in the Lord and those who warn and kindly reprove and exhort you.

Come a little early

Stay a little after

Meet someone new

Become a consistent participant in a Connect Group

Just One Thing:

No matter what family or church culture you have come from we invite you to leave that culture behind and adopt the culture of The Ark Christian Church.

Discussion Questions:

If animals could talk, which animal would be the most annoying? Do your best impression of what they would sound like [Come on…live a little]

Of the 6 Culture Points of The Ark, which one is the most exciting to you? Why?

Of the 6 Culture Points of The Ark, which one is the most challenging to you? Why?

In what way can you step up your culture game & do an excellent job of exuding the culture of this great church?