It is our vision that we will truly be a church that is built on real relationships with one another. This is the way of the early church and the way that God saw for Christians to live together as one body. It is our hope that as New Direction Church we will:
- Bear one another’s burdens Galatians 6:2
- Encourage each other and build each other up 1 Thessalonians 5:11
- Pray for each other James 5:16
- Teach and counsel each other Colossians 3:16
- Be patient with one another Ephesians 4:2
- Love one another John 13:35
1) We love and long for God
God is the source of our existence, our hope, and our joy. He is the center of all we have and all we are. We believe that our one true purpose is for being in relationship with Him. In being in this close relationship with God we are living out our very calling for creation. Our joy is in His presence and we will live accordingly in our day to day lives.
2) We will stand firm in the truth
We believe that God is the ultimate judge of right and wrong. We believe in the Holy Word of God given to us through His interwoven history over many generations. Despite changing circumstances and/or shifting culture, His word will never change. No matter how unpopular our beliefs become in society, we will honor and respect His authority before anything else.
3) It’s not about us
We will live in a way that is not selfishly driven. We respect that we are all part of a much larger plan and that we were created for His pleasure—not the other way around. Everything we do will be completely surrendered to Him, even if that means laying down our own desires. It is all for HIS glory, not ours.
4) We will be people that love
It is our hope that people will know God’s love for them through our love for them. We choose to show people the hope of God through what we are for, not against. In all we do, we will strive to reflect these words of Jesus, “So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” –John 13:34-35
5) We believe that all people are equal in the sight of God
God loves all people unconditionally. Whether white or black, rich or poor, countryfolk, or city-slickers…God cares for His people. We acknowledge that EVERY person was created by God as HE wanted them. Therefore as all being creations of God, we will see every person for what they are…an equal child of God.
6) We will be people who forgive
We will be people who whole-heartedly welcome fallen members of our families, church, and community. Without forgiveness there can be no love and we are nothing without love. In honoring that heart-set, we will not hold condemnation for those who are just as we are. All of us have done wrong and have needed forgiveness in our lives. It is our pleasure to return the same token.
7) We will not judge
We will not think that our ways of worship is the only way of worship. Knowing that God created us all differently, we respect other people’s ways of worship. We believe that God takes pleasure in every act of honoring Him…from the quiet and meek, to the joyful exuberance. We will never think that our church is better than another church or that one person’s way within our own house is greater than another’s way. If the person’s heart is to honor God then we believe it is always in the right place.
8) We will choose to honor
As a church and as individuals within the church, we will commit to always honor the people and churches around us. We will realize that we are all called to different lives, having different strengths and weaknesses, but all created by the same God. As a rule we will assume the best in each person and work to maintain harmony within our church and community. When a person exhibits a weakness, it is not our place to gossip or degrade but rather to help, support, and encourage them in their closer walk with Jesus.