The first message on the book of Nahum.

A message on Philemon.

The third message on the book of Habakkuk.

The second message on the book of Habakkuk.

The first message on the book of Habakkuk.

Healing and wholeness are integrally connected to our discipleship. We must emphasize the fact that we are both soul and body. Our embodiedness requires us to take seriously the matters of our emotions, minds, and bodies. This means that counseling, therapy, and medication are parts of God’s good gifts to us for healing and wholeness. We can only grow in Christ at the level that we also grow in our emotional health. Deep wounds from our pasts, including from the church, have to be carefully grieved, lamented, and healed. From children to the elderly, we seek to care for the full range of needs so that flourishing can happen.
Genesis 2:7; Luke 24:39; 2 Corinthians 4:16; Romans 1:20; John 11:35

Trust is earned through godly transparency. Trust cannot be forced or rushed, but it must be naturally earned through godly transparency. Every covenant partner has a right to know the sufficient details needed to make informed and conscientious decisions. Everything from the finances to the leadership decisions will be made humbly and through collaborative processes. Titus 1:5-9; 1 Timothy 3:1-13; 1 Timothy 5:1-8, 22; 1 John 4:1; Acts 14:21-23; 2 Corinthians 8:16-21; Acts 6:1-6

The local church is a household with rights, privileges, responsibilities, and obligations. There is no task that is insignificant in this household, and we seek to dignify, encourage, and thank forms of service no matter how small they may be. Sometimes, life in this household is the equivalent of deep cleaning a bathroom. Other times, it’s like having your birthday celebrated with your family. Furthermore, the responsibilities of this household are intended to be carried together in community in healthy and sustainable ways.

Ephesians 2:19-22, 4:11-13; 1 Corinthians 12:12-26; Romans 12:3-8

The global and universal body of Christ finds expression in our church. We are a part of a global body in Christ that has existed for millennia around the world. We must be mindful of the ways we are contextualizing the Christian faith to ensure that we are not baptizing our cultures and ways as “normal” or more holy than others. To the best of our ability, we must incorporate the voices of the global and universal body of Christ in our worship and liturgy. We must reject any cultural practices that may create a barrier for someone to know Jesus. To the best of our ability, we must embrace and treasure the cultures and backgrounds God leads to our doors. Genesis 22:15-18; Revelation 7:9; Galatians 3:16, 26-29; Acts 11:19-30, 13:1-3

The Christian life is patterned after Jesus' special care for the vulnerable and oppressed. Here and now, we live the way of the cross, not glory. Those who have any power and influence must be willing to let it go for the sake of the most vulnerable and oppressed. We must imitate Jesus who has a special care for delivering the marginalized out of harm and into flourishing. This encompasses our politics, economics, families, relationships, and personal piety. 

1 Peter 4:12-19; Matthew 16:24-27; Matthew 20:25-28; Galatians 5:19-26; 2 Corinthians 12:9-10