| B ld in Jesus Christ |
Values are what one holds as important and worthwhile. "Mattering" is one of the
distinct values of belonging to a faith community. The basics of the Christian faith is a
combined world-view of faith (trusting), theology (thinking), and action ( the theological
journey or task).
*Faith (Trust)
Faith involves trusting, believing, following, hoping. It’s both a gift we receive within the
Christian community and a choice we make. It’s trusting in God and relying on God as
the source and destiny of our lives. Faith is believing in God, giving God our devoted
loyalty and allegiance. Faith is following Jesus, answering the call to be his disciples
(followers and ambassadors) in the world. Faith is the basic orientation and
commitment of our entire life, body, mind, and spirit. Faith is a matter of the heart and
the soul. Christian faith is religion and grounding our lives in the living God as revealed
in Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit.
*Theology (Thinking)
Some may say that theology is only for professional theologians. This is not true.
Intentional, reflective, and proactive thought allows us to communicate our values to a
seeking, unsure, and unbelieving world. You will not be told what to think but through
participation and practice you will learn how to discern truth and right thinking. In a
community of believers you will examine scripture, tradition, experience and reason to
form values that will become life long practices reflective of the gospel message. We
will work at becoming "intentional thinkers " so that Christian values will actually guide
our day-to-day actions.
*Theological Journey or Task (Action)
We will work at becoming an intentional community of faith in action. As Christians we
believe that our actions can and will make a difference in our lives and the lives of
others. We believe we must actively and consistently participate in the practices of
hospitality, prayer, fasting, worship, faith forming study, volunteerism, service with the
poor, tithing, offerings and proportional giving. This is done under the leadership of the
pastor(s) who brings special tools and experience acquired through responding to a
specific call to pastoral leadership, intensive biblical and theological study. Action
includes all people who bring understandings from their ongoing effort to live as
Christians in the complexities of a secular world. We value trusting, thinking, and
acting together in and through a Christian community that continues to affirm that you
and all people "matter to God." You are invited to learn, grow, and participate in acts of
justice and mercy.
distinct values of belonging to a faith community. The basics of the Christian faith is a
combined world-view of faith (trusting), theology (thinking), and action ( the theological
journey or task).
*Faith (Trust)
Faith involves trusting, believing, following, hoping. It’s both a gift we receive within the
Christian community and a choice we make. It’s trusting in God and relying on God as
the source and destiny of our lives. Faith is believing in God, giving God our devoted
loyalty and allegiance. Faith is following Jesus, answering the call to be his disciples
(followers and ambassadors) in the world. Faith is the basic orientation and
commitment of our entire life, body, mind, and spirit. Faith is a matter of the heart and
the soul. Christian faith is religion and grounding our lives in the living God as revealed
in Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit.
*Theology (Thinking)
Some may say that theology is only for professional theologians. This is not true.
Intentional, reflective, and proactive thought allows us to communicate our values to a
seeking, unsure, and unbelieving world. You will not be told what to think but through
participation and practice you will learn how to discern truth and right thinking. In a
community of believers you will examine scripture, tradition, experience and reason to
form values that will become life long practices reflective of the gospel message. We
will work at becoming "intentional thinkers " so that Christian values will actually guide
our day-to-day actions.
*Theological Journey or Task (Action)
We will work at becoming an intentional community of faith in action. As Christians we
believe that our actions can and will make a difference in our lives and the lives of
others. We believe we must actively and consistently participate in the practices of
hospitality, prayer, fasting, worship, faith forming study, volunteerism, service with the
poor, tithing, offerings and proportional giving. This is done under the leadership of the
pastor(s) who brings special tools and experience acquired through responding to a
specific call to pastoral leadership, intensive biblical and theological study. Action
includes all people who bring understandings from their ongoing effort to live as
Christians in the complexities of a secular world. We value trusting, thinking, and
acting together in and through a Christian community that continues to affirm that you
and all people "matter to God." You are invited to learn, grow, and participate in acts of
justice and mercy.
| VALUES The "Three "T's" |
WEB SITE DESIGNED BY MONICA JEFFERSON CONTENT ® REGISTERED MAY 2007
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*Adapted from excerpts from United Methodist Member’s Handbook, Revised by George Koehler (Discipleship Resources, 2006), pp. 64-65.
http://www.umc.org/site/c.lwL4KnN1LtH/b.2310045/k.4A66/Reflecting_on_Our_Faith.htm
http://www.umc.org/site/c.lwL4KnN1LtH/b.2310045/k.4A66/Reflecting_on_Our_Faith.htm