Core Values and Purposes
Overview
Core values reflect what we consider most worthy of our desires, thoughts, and efforts. Purposes refer to our intended outcomes and their areas of activity. Our core values dictate our purposes. What are the values and purposes of our network? More specifically, what are God’s values and purposes that he wants to embrace?
Core Values and Purposes
1. We value Christlike character. Therefore, we are committed to character development.
2. We value those in need (both Christians and non-Christians). Therefore, we are committed to service.
3. We value non-Christians. Therefore, we are committed to evangelism.
4. We value Christians. Therefore, we are committed to discipleship.
5. Ultimately and most importantly, we value God. Therefore, we are committed to worship.
These are the core values and purposes that help to drive our vision to start, strengthen, and multiply churches.
Detailed Explanation
Core Values and Purposes
Core values reflect what we consider most worthy of our desires, thoughts, and efforts. More specifically, we consistently desire, think about, and act in light of our value system. When we value someone or something, we believe that person or activity is worth our attention, time, and resources. With that in mind, Aubrey Malphurs defines core values as “the constant, passionate, biblical core beliefs that go deep and really, truly empower and guide the ministry” (Advanced Strategic Planning, 153). Core values help us understand why we do what we do, not what we are doing.
Purposes, on the other hand, refer to our intended outcomes and their areas of activity. Like core values, purposes empower and guide our activities, though purposes focus on what we are trying to accomplish and the sphere of our activities. Purposes identify what we want to accomplish and where we are focusing our efforts, not why we are doing the activities.
How are core values and purposes related? Both core values and purposes empower and guide our actions, but core values determine our purposes. More specifically, core values dictate the goals we choose and oftentimes how we pursue them. Whether we are aware of it or not, our value system shapes the entire course of our lives—both individually and collectively. The most meaningful relationships and partnerships emerge when people share common values and purposes.
What are the core values and purposes of our network?
Identifying and teaching about core values and purposes is an essential way to align ourselves to what God wants us to value and do as the church. In order to clarify and communicate our values and purposes, we follow this simple pattern below: “We value (a core value of the universal church). Therefore, we are committed to (a purpose of the universal church).”
It may be tempting to begin with what God wants us to do—whether service, evangelism, or discipleship. But we must never assume or skip over what God wants us to be—Christians who are growing into the likeness of his Son (Rom. 8:29). Growing in Christlike character is foundational for every part of our lives and ministries. Alternatively, the fastest way to damage our families and churches is to neglect the cultivation of Christlike character and prioritize our sinful desires over the teachings of God’s Word.
1. We value Christlike character. Therefore, we are committed to character development.
“5 Therefore, put to death what belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desire, and greed, which is idolatry. 8 But now, put away all the following: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and filthy language from your mouth.” (Col. 3:5, 8)
“12 Therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and dearly loved, put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another and forgiving one another if anyone has a grievance against another. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you are also to forgive. 14 Above all, put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.” (Col. 3:12–14)
God values character transformation within his people. In fact, our character transformation is one of the ways God accomplishes his purposes in he world. God transforms our character—for example, to be more loving, compassionate, and bold—so we will serve him and do his will. Given that God values Christlike character, we must commit ourselves to the process of character development. For example, the apostle Paul calls us to “put to death” and to “put away” ungodly character and actions, such as lust, greed, and filthy language (Col. 3:5, 8). And he calls us to “put on” (or clothe ourselves with) a new set of qualities, including compassion, kindness, and love (Col. 3:12–14). Both the putting away of sinful character qualities and the putting on of godly character qualities are not immediate. They are lifelong pursuits that are possible only by the grace of God. For all who are Christians, this transformation is a lifelong process by which we are being renewed into the image of our Creator (Eph. 4:24; 5:1; Col. 3:10).
How do we pursue character development?
We seek to know God through the private habits for Christian growth—particularly through studying the Word and prayer, which are critically important habits for every purpose we address below. This includes searching the Scriptures for areas where our character falls short of God’s expectations and then confessing those sins to him.
We seek to know God and grow with others through the public habits for Christian growth—including sharing meals, studying the Word together, and praying together, which are also critically important habits for every purpose we address below. When we gather with other Christians on a consistent basis, the areas where we need to grow in our character become clear, both to us and to others. Self-awareness is a significant part of personal transformation.
We share about our lives, confess our sins, and pray for one another in smaller groups—men with men and women with women—not as a replacement for other assemblies of the church, but to provide additional opportunities for connections between Christians.
2. We value those in need (both Christians and non-Christians). Therefore, we are committed to service.
“27 Pure and undefiled religion before God the Father is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself unstained from the world.” (James 1:27)
“32 Now the entire group of those who believed were of one heart and mind, and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but instead they held everything in common.” (Acts 4:32)
“27 But I say to you who listen: Love your enemies, do what is good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” (Luke 6:27–28)
God values those in need, for he is loving, compassionate, and gracious. He sees that we are sinful, weak, and unwise, and that we need his help in every area of our lives—including our need for food, clothing, and shelter. In his kindness, he shows (what theologians call) common grace to people regardless of whether they believe or not: “For he causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous” (Matt. 5:45). In keeping with God’s character, we also value those in need, whether someone is a Christian or a non-Christian. For example, it is good for Christians to care for orphans regardless of whether they can truly understand Jesus (because of their developmental stage) or choose to follow Jesus (James 1:27). As it relates to Christians, God calls us to devote our time, spiritual gifts, and material resources to help other Christians (Acts 4:32–37; 1 Pet. 4:10–11). As it relates to non-Christians (even those who hate us), we must love them, do what is in their best interests, and pray for them (Luke 6:27–28). In Paul’s words, “As we have opportunity, let us work for the good of all, especially for those who belong to the household of faith” (Gal. 6:10).
How do we grow in the area of service?
We ask God for gifts and resources to use them for his glory and the good of others. God delights in giving good gifts to his children, particularly if we desire to honor him and help others.
We proactively love and listen to both Christians and non-Christians. “How can I help you?” is one of the easiest and most powerful questions we can ask.
We serve others with the strength God provides.
When we use our material resources and spiritual gifts with others, God is “glorified through Jesus Christ in everything. To him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen” (1 Pet. 4:11). Individually and collectively, we worship God as the Giver and the one who guides us to use his spiritual gifts and resources to help others (James 1:17).
3. We value non-Christians. Therefore, we are committed to evangelism.
18 Everything is from God [the Father], who has reconciled us to himself through Christ and [God the Father] has given us the ministry of reconciliation. 19 That is, in Christ, God [the Father] was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and he [God the Father] has committed the message of reconciliation to us. 20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, since God [the Father] is making his appeal through us. We plead on Christ’s behalf, “Be reconciled to God [the Father].” 21 He [God the Father] made the one who did not know sin [Jesus] to be sin for us, so that in him [Jesus] we might become the righteousness of God [the Father]. (2 Cor. 5:18–21)
God values those who don’t know him. He longs for all people to come to a saving knowledge of him and his Son, Jesus Christ (1 Tim. 2:4; 2 Pet. 3:9). That is why God sent his Son into the world, to die for his people (John 3:16). So instead of only valuing those who are already Christians, we must value those who don’t know God through Jesus Christ. At one time we did not know God either! For those reasons, we are committed to evangelism. Evangelism is the act of proclaiming and explaining the gospel—the good news that Jesus died and God raised him from the dead to save sinners (1 Cor. 15:1–4). Second Corinthians 5:18–21 is one of many passages in the New Testament that helps us understand our evangelistic task. What is the nature of our ministry before God? The basis of our ministry is our own reconciliation to God through Jesus’s death and resurrection (2 Cor. 5:18–19), for we cannot proclaim what we have not embraced. The call of our ministry is on behalf of God and Jesus, for they speak in us and through us (v. 20). The goal of our ministry is introducing others to God—so that they, too, will be reconciled to him and live with him forever (v. 20). And the content of our ministry is Jesus, whose perfect life, death, and resurrection created the only way to God (v. 21) (ESV Study Bible, 2230).
How do we grow in the area of evangelism?
We pray for clarity and boldness. While we should pray for non-Christians to be saved, we must also pray for ourselves—that God would help us to understand the gospel and grant us the boldness to proclaim it (Eph. 6:18–20).
We tell non-Christians the truth—about God the Father, sin and judgment, the gospel, and repentance and saving trust in Jesus. The gospel is something that must be proclaimed with words.
We partner together in evangelism—such as when as we invite non-Christians into our gatherings to hear the good news proclaimed and explained, whether during a traditional Bible lesson or during the act of explaining the Lord’s Supper (which is a profound evangelistic moment).
4. We value Christians. Therefore, we are committed to discipleship.
42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and signs were being performed through the apostles. 44 Now all the believers were together and held all things in common. 45 They sold their possessions and property and distributed the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple, and broke bread from house to house. They ate their food with joyful and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. Every day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved. (Acts 2:42–47)
God values his children (all who have turned from sin and trusted in Jesus), and he wants them to learn to obey all that Jesus commanded (Matt. 28:19–20). Therefore, we must be committed to our own discipleship process and to helping others to follow Jesus. A disciple of a person (or ideology) is a learner, a follower, a student. A disciple of Jesus Christ is a follower of Jesus, defined by how he and his will are revealed in Scripture. We learn to follow Jesus privately, in our families, in our churches, in our neighborhoods, and in broader society, because Jesus calls us to follow him in every area of our lives. While following Jesus is an individual choice, we grow as disciples in the context of Christian community. For example, in Acts 2:42–47 we observe many of the God-honoring, growth-producing practices of the early Christians. These practices include devotion to the apostles’ teaching (v. 42), fellowship (sharing beliefs, commitments, and relational intimacy) with God and his people (v. 42), breaking bread (sharing a meal and taking the Lord’s Supper) (vv. 42, 46), and prayer (v. 42). These Christians were filled with awe and praised God (vv. 43, 47). They also cared for one another’s physical needs, and they met together both in public and in homes (vv. 44–46). The Lord graciously added new believers to the fellowship, which was the result of the proclamation of the gospel and the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit (v. 47; 1:8; 2:1–41).
How do we grow in the area of discipleship?
We seek to follow Jesus in our own discipleship process—again, in our private lives before God, in our families, in our churches, in our neighborhoods, and in broader society. Put simply, we seek to follow Jesus in the contexts he has placed us.
We turn to our pastors and other church leaders to equip us to gain skills in helping others—in their marriages, parenting, or otherwise.
We proactively help others follow Jesus in the contexts Jesus has placed them. And that requires that we pray for them, make time for them, share our lives with them, and speak truth to them.
5. Ultimately and most importantly, we value God. Therefore, we are committed to worship.
“9 I will delay my anger for the sake of my name, and I will restrain myself for your benefit and for my praise, so that you will not be destroyed 11 I will act for my own sake, indeed, my own, for how can I be defiled? I will not give my glory to another.” (Isa. 48:9, 11)
“1 Therefore, brothers and sisters, in view of the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your true worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.” (Rom. 12:1–2)
“8 You are worthy to receive glory and honor and power, because you have created all things, and by your will they exist and were created.” (Rev. 4:8)
God values what is ultimately valuable—his glory—which is virtually synonymous with his very being (Isa. 48:9, 11). That desire (to value oneself) in any mere human being would be sinful, but God’s desire to glorify himself reflects his perfect judgment—to value that which is infinitely valuable. Because we recognize God as supremely valuable, we worship him. Worship is an internal experience (in our values, desires, thoughts, and emotions) and an external expression (in our words and actions) of God’s supreme worth. Worship is a holistic act of consecration and obedience to God, and it expresses itself in a variety of ways (Rom. 12:1–2; cf. vv. 3–8). For example, like the angels of heaven, we praise God for his supreme worth—something we will do in our hearts, in our actions, and with our words for all eternity (Rev. 4:8; cf. 5:9, 12).
How do we grow in the area of worship?
We turn away from people and things that we value more than God (Rom. 1:25; 2:4). We cannot in the same moment worship idols and worship God.
We experience God’s supreme worth in our desires, values, thoughts, and emotions—such as considering his infinite worth and welling up with gratitude in our hearts.
We express God’s supreme worth in our words and actions—such as serving others and speaking truth to them as an act of worship.
A Practical Framework for Individuals, Families, and Churches
Whether individually, in families, or in churches, we can usefully apply the values-and-purposes framework, which we outlined above. There are many things in life that we cannot control. Yet regardless of our circumstances, God calls us to be men and women of character—so that we will be, for example, loving, joyful, and patient wherever we are. In our homes, in our neighborhoods, within our churches, and at work, God calls us to serve others. We can enter any context and ask “How can I be help?”—whether that means helping our spouse to change a diaper, helping our employer to produce a report, or helping orphans in other countries to have access to food and water. God also calls us to advance the Great Commission through evangelizing non-Christians and discipling Christians. In this way, we seek to help non-Christians to know God through Jesus for the first time, and we seek to help Christians to know God better and to obey his Son, Jesus Christ. Finally, God calls us to worship, love, glorify, trust in, and hope in him and his Son, Jesus Christ, by the power of the Holy Spirit. Those are our ultimate motivations. With this framework in mind, what could be more practical, helpful to others, and glorifying to God?
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
What are core values? What are purposes? How do they relate to one another?
Many churches list diverse values such as teamwork, creativity, the gospel, and the family. How does such a list relate to the list that we outlined above?
When you read the core values of many churches, they do not list “God” as a core value. What accounts for that?
For each pair of core values and purposes listed above (such as non-Christians and evangelism), what comments or questions do you have?
Are there any core values or purposes you would add, sutract, or modify?
How do these values and purposes help to drive the vision to start, strengthen, and multiply churches?