Vision
PURPOSE:
To be a family of love that cooperates with God in making fully
devoted, fruitful followers of Christ.
MISSION:
To reach and teach 30,000 people throughout Chicagoland by planting life-giving communities of faith that serve as transformation centers to the neighborhoods where they are located.
VISION:
God has called us to nurture and build a church that models community, spearheads prayer, leads the way in multi-racial and cross-cultural ministry, is energetic and intentional about making disciples, is a Kingdom bridge-builder, trains and mobilizes people into ministry, has a heart for the poor and needy, and spreads throughout Chicagoland by planting life giving communities of faith and spiritually vibrant small groups.
VALUES:
Because Jesus is the head of this church we expect every leader and staff to uphold these six core values.
1. We seek to demonstrate a spirit of cooperation not competition in our language and attitudes.
2. We work at maintaining excellence and quality in all that we do
since we are a reflection of God.
3. We seek to treat all people with respect and dignity regardless of
their position or social status.
4. We value a faith-filled positive outlook that finds solutions and
takes initiative to overcome challenges.
5. We value integrity of character that allows us to accomplish our
mission without compromising our testimony.
6. We value a close walk with Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit
that keeps our soul in line with the heart of God.
What We Believe
In the essentials we need unity, in the non-essentials we need freedom; but in all things we need love. Rupertus Meldenius
Our Faith Statement is intended to lay a foundation for belief and unity. There will always be secondary doctrines that Christians disagree upon, but there are core beliefs that are non-negotiable for those who embrace classic Christianity.
ABOUT GOD
God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God.
Genesis 1:1,26,27; 3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 1 Peter 1:2; 1 Corinthians 13:14
ABOUT MANKIND
We are all made in the spiritual image of God, to be like Him in character. We are the supreme objects of God's creation. Although mankind has tremendous potential for good, we are marred by disobedience toward God called "sin". This state separates us from God.
Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6a; Romans 3:23; Isaiah 59:1,2
ABOUT ETERNITY
We all were created to exist forever. We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin, or in union with God through forgiveness and salvation. The place of eternal separation from God is called Hell. Heaven is the place of eternal union and eternal life with God.
John 3:16; Romans 6:23; Revelation 20:15 (hell); Matthew 25:41; Revelation 21:27 (heaven)
ABOUT JESUS CHRIST
Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is co-equal with the Father. Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all by dying on a cross. He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven's glory and will return again to earth to reign as King of Kings, and Lord of Lords.
Matthew 1:22,23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5; John 14:10-30; Hebrews 4:14,15; 1 Corinthians 15:3,4; Romans 1:3,4; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Timothy 6:14,15; Titus 2:13
ABOUT SALVATION
Salvation is a gift from God to mankind. We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God's offer of forgiveness can we be saved from sin's penalty. Eternal life begins the moment we receive Jesus Christ into our life by repentance and faith.
Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8,9; John 14:6; John 1:12; Titus 3:5; Galatians 3:26; Romans 5:1
ABOUT ETERNAL SECURITY
Because God gives us eternal life through Jesus Christ, the believer is secure in their salvation for eternity. Salvation is maintained by the grace and power of God, not by the self-effort of the Christian. It is the grace and keeping power of God that gives this security.
John 16:29; 2 Timothy 1:12; Hebrews 7:25; 10:10,14; 1 Peter 1:3-5
ABOUT THE HOLY SPIRIT
The Holy Spirit is equal with the Father and Son as God. He is present in the world to make mankind aware of our need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, guidance in doing what is right, and spiritual gifts.
2 Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-13; John 14:16,17; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:12; 1 Corinthians 3:16; Ephesians 1:13; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 5:18
ABOUT THE BIBLE
The Bible alone is God's word to all mankind. Its sixty-six books were written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. Because it is inspired by God, it is truth without any mixture of error.
2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20,21; 2 Timothy 1:13; Psalm 119:105, 160; Psalm 12:6;Proverbs 30:5
ABOUT THE CHURCH
All who are truly saved are a part of God's worldwide church, and those who are truly saved are to be joined to a local church - a family of believers. The Bible calls believers to gather together to devote themselves to one another, to the teachings of Scripture, to worship, to prayer, to generous giving to the needs of others, and to celebrating baptism and communion. The church congregation is to respectfully submit, support and follow its God-ordained leaders. Its leaders are to guard, feed and lead the flock, especially in the work of evangelism and discipleship. All this is for the ultimate purpose of glorifying Christ.
Acts 2:42-47; Romans 12:9-13; Ephesians 4:11-16; Hebrews 13:17