Thomas VanderPloeg

Justice and mercy are the tangible expressions of loving our neighbors as God has loved us. They are the ways that we live like Jesus here and now, affirming the goodness of Gods image in others and anticipating the overflowing shalom peace and flourishing that characterizes Gods coming kingdom.

The practice of engaging Scripture immerses us in the true story of God’s faithful love so that we become more like Jesus as we grow in recognizing God, ourselves, and the world around us.

Hospitality is the act of making space for guests, visitors, or strangers, and extending to them the privileges of family; biblical hospitality focuses on how we will live as God’s people in relationship with people who are different from us.

Generosity is freely sharing with others the many gifts God has given us. A spirit of generosity arises from gratitude. As we imitate Gods own generous nature, our generosity overflows to bless the people around us.

Gratitude is our response of thankfulness for God’s goodness, love, provision, and grace. It is the undercurrent of all other faith practices—the well out of which they flow.