SPC Core Values
Core Value – Grace Orientation to Life
DEFINITION: The unmerited gift from God for our salvation that, as Christians, we are commissioned to share with all people unconditionally.
DEMONSTRATED BY:
- Communicating the good news of the gospel to all people
- Performing acts of kindness and compassion without judging the worthiness of those receiving them
- Practicing forgiveness toward those we believe have wronged us
- Giving to others without the expectation of acknowledgement or reciprocity
- Inviting and encouraging congregants to be involved in all ministries of the church
- Targeting ministries specifically toward those in need (e.g. Hands of Christ, Rise Against Hunger, shower ministry and hygiene bags, Hearts for Summerville, Thanksgiving Basket project)
SCRIPTURAL SUPPORT:
- Ephesians 2:8
- Luke 18:16
- Titus 2:11
- John 3:16
- Romans 5:8
- Matthew 22:39
- Acts 6:1-4
Core Value – Bible-Centered Preaching/Teaching
DEFINITION: Based on the belief that the Bible is God’s Word and the primary authority for our beliefs and actions, sermons and Church Education will be based on Scripture.
DEMONSTRATED BY:
- Offering traditional and contemporary worship services with accompanying music
- Delivering thought-provoking sermon series applying scripture to daily lives
- Providing opportunities for spiritual growth for all ages, including: Sunday School classes, small group discipleship, Bible studies, Wednesday Night Live, Vacation Bible School, and Mother’s Morning Out
SCRIPTURAL SUPPORT:
- 2 Timothy 4:1-4
- Colossians 3:16
- Titus 2:1-8
Core Value – Godly Servant Leadership
DEFINITION: Following the pattern of Christ, we will put the needs of others before our own and serve them with love and compassion.
DEMONSTRATED BY:
- Valuing the contributions of all on our ministry teams
- Seeking unity of purpose and love for God across ministry teams
- Loving those we are called to serve by building relationships with and praying for them
- Remaining faithful to God and to our relationships even in the face of adversity and disagreements
SCRIPTURAL SUPPORT:
- Philippians 2:3-4
- John 13: 12-17
- Matthew 20: 25-28
Core Value – Fellowship Community
DEFINITION: We will be intentional in creating opportunities for our Church community to build relationships and share life together, with the goal of fostering spiritual growth.
DEMONSTRATED BY:
- Creating a welcoming environment in worship and throughout all ministries
- Cultivating a small group ministry with a wide variety of groups and meeting times
- Offering specific opportunities for the congregation to fellowship with one another. Examples include Wednesday Night Live, Pig Pickin’, Lemonade on the Lawn, Imani Milele, Church picnic, Pilgrimage, Trunk or Treat, family breakfasts, Rise Against Hunger, Hands of Christ.
- Extending fellowship community beyond the walls by partnering on initiatives with others churches and by reaching out to the community.
SCRIPTURAL SUPPORT:
- Hebrews 10:24-25
- Acts 2:42
- Matthew 25:35-40
Core Value – Theological Diversity
DEFINITION: While united in our conviction that belief in Jesus Christ as Lord is the central and essential tenet of our faith, we will be receptive and loving to people with different theological convictions about the non-essentials.
DEMONSTRATED BY:
- Praying to discern the will of God in our shared life together
- Listening to the opinions of others without judgment
- Seeking to understand viewpoints that are different than our own
- Searching Scripture for guidance
SCRIPTURAL SUPPORT:
- Romans 10:9
- James 2:12-13
- Romans 14:13-23
- Galatians 3:28