CORE VALUES

Our core values define the framework within which we live out the ideals of our calling based upon the word of God as reflected in Jesus Christ. 

 
LOVING
Worshiping, Comforting, Caring
Love is what we do in spite of…; it is the beginning and is its own reward.
 
Worshiping: We see worship as the heart of our loving lifestyle.
Comforting: We seek to embody the spirit of Christ’s comforting love.
Caring: We extend the radical loving care of Jesus to all.
 
37 He said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’  38 This is the greatest commandment.  39 And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’  40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”   Matthew 22:37-40
 
INCLUSIVE
Embracing, Welcoming, Accepting
We practice radical inclusion by offering everyone the experience of unconditional love.
 
Embracing: We openly embrace relationships with all people.
Welcoming: We gladly welcome WHOSOEVER: Come one, Come all. 
Accepting: We lovingly accept all people.
 
10 And as he sat at dinner in the house, many tax collectors and sinners came and were sitting with him and his disciples.  11 When the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”  12 But when he heard this, he said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.  13 Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’  For I have come to call not the righteous but sinners.”    Matthew 9:10-13
 
GIVING
Sharing, Supporting, Volunteering
We cheerfully plant seeds of faith that reap a harvest of blessings.
 
Sharing: We give willingly of our time, talent, and treasure to expand the body of Christ.
Supporting: We give aid, comfort, and nurture to all people.
Volunteering: We cheerfully give of ourselves to help meet the needs of the global community.
 
43 Then he called his disciples and said to them, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury.  44 For all of them have contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.” Mark 12:43-44

FELLOWSHIP
Celebrating, Belonging, Participating
Whosoever fellowships with us receives the acceptance and love of the church family.
 
Celebrating: We come together as one to rejoice and celebrate the saving power of God’s word.
Belonging: We believe an integral part of belonging is involvement in the ministries of the church.
Participating: We believe there is a spiritual fulfillment that grows from participating in the body of Christ.
 
41 Those who welcomed [Peter’s] message were baptized, and that day about three thousand persons were added.  42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.  Acts 2:41-42
 
RECONCILING
Forgiving, Restoring, Affirming
In submitting to God, we restore relationship by allowing the God in us to see the God in others.
 
Forgiving: We move forward to new beginnings, refusing to blame for past indiscretions.
Restoring: We seek to connect those who are disconnected from the body of Christ.
Affirming: We affirm that all people are children of God.
 
20 So he set off and went to his father.  But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him.  Luke 15:20
 
SERVING
Helping, Ministering, Providing
We practice Christ-like love and sensitivity in responding to the needs of church and community.
 
Helping: We help meet the needs of the church and community through committed service.
Ministering: We minister to all through words and deeds that translate into hope and encouragement.
Providing: We provide an example of Christ-like service.
 
25 But Jesus called them to him and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones are tyrants over them.  26 It will not be so among you; but whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wishes to be first among you must be your slave; 28 just as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.”       Matthew 20:25-28
 
LIBERATING
Teaching, Nurturing, Advocating
At Metropolitan Interdenominational Church, we live the good life:in God, no one is captive or oppressed – everyone is free!
 
Teaching: We teach the “good news” that people are free and able to think for themselves.
Advocating: We declare to the world that all persons have value and should be loved as such.
Nurturing: We strive to maintain an environment that allows persons to give voice to who they are and grow in the love of Christ.
18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor.  He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, 19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”   Luke 4:18-19