We embrace the authority of the Scriptures and the activity of the Spirit. Our theology is rooted in Jesus’ teaching on the kingdom of God, where God’s beautiful future is breaking into our present experience. Our values give meaning to all that we do in Grace Family Church. They drive our purpose, define what is central to us and position us in the larger Body of Christ. Lastly, they help us to keep focused in our mission.
Our values define the "why" for what we do and how we do it. They form our treasure chest of non-negotiables, or the foundations of our structures. They are the standards to which we will hold ourselves accountable, and the blueprint that shapes the outcome of our ministry:
- Kingdom Culture
This is based on a particular theology of the Kingdom of God of the already/not yet paradigm. The implication being an understanding of the Mystery of Kingdom that we are one new man in Christ, and the notion that we know in part, but have access to the wisdom of Christ through the Holy Spirit.
- The Word
The Bible is the infallible word of God and our final authority on all matters pertaining to faith and life. 'The Word became flesh', which simply stated means that the letter is dead until it is written on our hearts. The Word is alive and inspired by the Holy Spirit who also reveals the truth of it to those who would engage with Him.
- Worship
Authentic and relational worship is at the centre or the heart of our church. The Lord is our Father, but he is also our God. Corporate worship is the culmination of the direction of our collective hearts. Everything we surrender to our Father is an act of worship. The very act makes us more aware of our utter dependence of Him and for Him to be active in our lives. It is therefore, borne out of Relationship rather than duty.
- Authenticity
We believe that unity is not uniformity and diversity is not division. Therefore, we aspire to be real and to remain authentic in all spheres of church life. We believe that our relevance is not due to displaying acceptable practices, but through authentic values nurtured in healthy identity and relationships.
- Prayer
Prayer is not a programme, but a lifestyle of conversations with God. It implies meeting with God privately and corporately. It includes the laying on of hands and public expressions of faith, where we make room for expectation and the gifts of the Spirit to add direction to the conversation. In other words we want to hear from Him as much as we bring our hearts to Him.
- Relationships
We embrace Koinonia (fellowship) as an indicator of the health of the church. A life of love, acceptance and forgiveness imply relationship and we've adopted the philosophy of relating to each other on an Adult to Adult basis, on the principle of inclusion.
- This necessitates a biblical model of healthy conflict resolution which is based on:
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- The love chapter Romans 12: 9-21 Love must be sincere.
- The process of forgiveness namely Confront – reconcile – arbitrate – forgive found in:
- Luke 17, Matthew 18:21
- Equipping
As in most Vineyard churches our training is based on a relational "show and tell" model.
- I model it, the trainee watches.
- The trainee does it while I watch and give feedback.
- They try it on their own and give feedback.
- They are released to do it by themselves.
- They are encouraged to model it for someone else.
The axiom: Everyone gets to play is thus the motto behind the value
- Reaching Out
Our missiology is linked to our purpose. We are a community of Faith that lives in and on purpose. We will not be programme driven, but will embrace a Spirit led lifestyle wherever we go into the field.
- We will not work in isolation.
- The invisible governance of the Holy Spirit is given rule and reign.
- We do what we see the Father doing and trust His omniscience.
The last two values are found in our Name.
- Grace
From first to last it is by Grace that we are saved. Not through our effort or works but is the Gift of God through faith in Jesus Christ (Eph 2). This incorporates encouraging the grace gifts Charismata. It is a conscious shift from the legalistic approach to doing church.
- Family
John 1: yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, He gave the right to become children of God. We are his family and He is our Father. The implications are that we must recognise:
- The individuality of others and treat them with dignity and respect.
- The need to honour others as part of the Body and priesthood of believers.
- To extend mercy and compassion to others in the same way that we have received it, unconditionally and unmerited.
Statement on values
While each value captures a characteristic of community, they are organic rather than organisational. They are descriptive, functional and integrated. For example, Prayer is Kingdom prayer, relational prayer, authentic prayer and part of the equipping process. In the same way Worship is relational and authentic and word based.