LIVING IN COMMUNITY

 

Humility and Selflessness.

We will exercise humility as we live in relationship with one another. We will realize that our

mindset should be the same as Christ Jesus who “made himself nothing by taking the very nature

of a servant” and who “humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!”

In humility, we will acknowledge our own personal shortcomings as we follow God’s direction

for the future of our church, whatever that may be. We will consider what is best for our church

as we seek to glorify God, not what may be best for us individually or for a particular group

within the church. In selflessness, we are willing to sacrifice and be inconvenienced for the sake

of the gospel. (See Philippians 2:5-8; Romans 7:14-19; 1 Corinthians 9:19-23)

 

Value and Respect.

We will value each other as people gifted by God and as members of the body of Christ. We will

work to live in respectful relationship with one another, to clothe ourselves with the compassion,

kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience that flow out of the abiding life in Christ. We will

offer our ideas and opinions with love, grace, and truth, letting our “conversations always be full

of grace, seasoned with salt.” We will speak words, both privately and publicly, which build each

other up and do not tear each other down. (See 1 Corinthians 12:1-31a; Colossians 3:12-17; Colossians 4:6; Ephesians 4:29)

 

Listening and Speaking

We will actively listen with open minds to the constructive opinions, ideas, and concerns of

others. We will, when a response is appropriate, respond with thoughtfulness and sensitivity

recognizing that we “should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” When

we do speak, we will do so gently and not harshly. (See James 1:19-20; Proverbs 15:1)

 

Reconciliation and Grace.

We will accept disagreement, conflict, and assessment as normal and natural. We will deal with

difficult issues in a prayerful, gentle, and loving way. When we disagree with or wish to offer

constructive criticism of another, we will always go first to that person and communicate directly

with them before involving others. We will direct others to do the same as we will remember the

words of Christ who commanded us to “go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister.” We will

extend the grace of God to one another, to acknowledge when we have done wrong, to seek

forgiveness, and to “forgive each other just as God in Christ also has forgiven us.” We will

actively pursue peace with one another. (See Philippians 4:6-7; Matthew 18:15-17; Matthew 5:23-24; Ephesians 4:32; Matthew 5:9)

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Honor and Leadership.

We will respect those in leadership recognizing that Christ, as the Chief Shepherd, has committed

to those in leadership the responsibility to shepherd the flock of God. We will honor those in

leadership so that they may serve with joy, not grief. Leadership, as they are accountable to God

for watching over souls, will exercise their oversight in a biblical manner and serve as godly

examples to the flock. (See 1 Peter 5:1-3; Hebrews 13:17)