1. The Kingdom of God is real and present. It is the work of God restoring his original intent for humanity and the world.  It is the environment for abundant living 24/7.
  2. Jesus is Lord, Messiah, Leader.  He is the King of his Kingdom.  All authority belongs to him.  He is the incarnation and center and source of Kingdom life for us.
  3. The Bible is the primary instrument that God uses to speak to us and to change us. But it is not an end in itself.  It did not make Christianity a closed system of beliefs and practices.  The way we understand what is true and right is by relating to the Holy Spirit individually and corporately.
    • The Old Testament law does not regulate the way Christians live and serve God. The primary code of conduct is love for God and people.
    • Some instructions stated in the New Testament are not binding on Christians and churches today. It is necessary to thoroughly research the religious and cultural background of the instructions that were given at the time of the NT writings and subject them to the leadership of the Holy Spirit.
  4. Grace trumps legalism and condemnation and tradition. Grace does not cancel holiness.
  5. Every believer is vital to the health and success of church. We need each other, love each other, help each other, serve with each other.  Leaders are crucial for understanding and accomplishing the church’s mission.
  6. The focus of worship is to meet and engage God with our hearts, souls, minds, and strengths.
  7. The goal of discipleship is to enable Christians to live by faith – abide in Christ, walk by the Spirit, know the Father, care for people – and be transformed into the Lord’s likeness.
  8. The objective of ministry is to bless the people of the community where we live so they experience the love of God and have the opportunity to enter his Kingdom and have abundant life. Ministry actions should touch people who have deep needs and help them meet Jesus.
  9. Spiritual transformation and active ministry happen best in small groups of people. Widespread unity and vision advance in a large group.
  10. Following Christ requires us to live beyond ourselves, outside our comfort zones, uncontained by our understandings, preferences or resources – we live by faith.