“THINGS WE HOLD DEAR”

Brian Kenning

7^th February 2010

 

VALUES:    a set of emotional rules and assumptions upon which behaviors are based

Eg:       Generosity

            Politeness

            Truthfulness

People, families, business have values  ……….    So too churches

They are  -  “Things we hold dear”

 

1.       We value Christ-Centeredness

-          We are church, ekklesla, the called out people of God

-          Christ likeness guides our activities and the way we relate to one another

 

2.       We desire that Jesus’ Love, Mercy and Power shine through all we do

-          Like the “Lovesick Father” (Luke 15) welcoming and forgiving

-          Like the Body of Christ

 

3.      We value being Spirit-led

-          With the Father and the Son – the Spirit is present to renew and recreate

-          We expect the Spirit to take new initiatives

-          We expect the Spirit to inspire individuals and groups of people

-          We expect the Spirit to give fresh words of renewal, challenge, encouragement, guidance

-          It’s the Spirits responsibility to initiate…..

-          It is our responsibility to listen and be responsive

 

4.      We value People

-          Church is a community, a network of relationships

o   Food

o   Small Groups

o   Special Interest Groups

o   On the Road with Jesus

 

 

 

Questions for personal reflection and group discussion:

 

1.      Write your own definition of “values”

 

2.      Name 5 values that are important to you (personally)

a.      Why are they important?

b.      How do you seek to live out these values?

c.       Talk about situations and times when your values have been tested

 

3.      All organisations have values (written or unwritten, acknowledged or implicit).

a.      How does a church develop its values, (ie; what shapes our values as a church)?

b.      What do you think are some of the values of ICBC?

c.       What would you like to be some of our values?

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