I've been reading a really helpful book that was given to me by my boss & district superintendent.  It's called Planting Growing Churches for the 21st Century by Aubrey Malphurs, a well-known church growth guru.  Although I don't know about all the doctrine he teaches and advocates, I know that this guy knows his stuff as far as church organization and growth.

Anyway, one of the exercises Daniel and I have been going through from the book involves discovering our most important core values--these are the values we will hold most dear that will shape the identity of this particular church.

Here are the values we have identified, in no particular order, and in a "rough draft" format.
1.  Communicating the Truth of Scripture -- with integrity and authority

2.  Authentic Worship

3.  Community -- involving grace-filled fellowship, people loving, growing, and serving together, and meeting others' needs

4.  A Mobilized Congregation -- People knowing and using their unique gifts & talents for ministry

5.  Seeking Lost People -- at home as well as around the world

6.  Discipleship -- becoming fully surrendered, fully devoted Christ-followers

7.  Cultural Relevance & Innovation -- willingness to engage with culture and to change our forms (not function) as needed to reach lost people

8.  Excellence -- to be known for our excellence in ministry and all that we do, as an offering to God

What do you think?  Are there any that you would add to this list (or subtract from it)?  We are a work in progress and are constantly considering what will serve God and please Him in our context!  Thanks for journeying with us.