Values are the shared convictions that guide the actions
and reveal the strengths of our church. Values light a fire.
Values are filters for decision making and springboards for
daily action. Think of values not as what we do, but "Why
we do what we do."
You can hear what New Beginnings values in frequently used phrases. Here are some examples that provide a window into WHY we do what we do:
These words verbally portray what motivates us. NBLC’s core values are Grace, Growing, Community, and Generosity.
Grace
We have received eternal life and the forgiveness of our sins by G-R-A-C-E: God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense. While many churches describe themselves as "purpose driven," we say we are "cross-driven." After all, the love of Christ clearly portrayed upon the cross is what compels us (2 Corinthians 5:14). This vertical grace (from God down to us) finds expression in our horizontal relationships. As it says in Colossians 3:13, "Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." Many newcomers to NBLC have expressed how NBLC’s grace emphasis is refreshing. This is often expressed with the phrase, "We’re all people in process." Most importantly, our gracious culture flows from the means of grace, or God’s Word and Sacraments (Scripture, Baptism, and Holy Communion).
Growing
One might ask, "Do you mean we value growing as individuals, or as a congregation?" And our answer is, "Yes!" NBLC exists for our ‘not yet’ members. We Pray daily for unchurched family and friends to know Christ, Care for them by spending TIME together, and Share the gospel by inviting them into our faith family events. We all want more of our family and friends growing in grace with us. And we each want to GROW in grace as God’s children. We understand that God loves us just as we are, but God loves us too much to leave us this way (Philippians 1:6). And so we "work out our salvation with fear and trembling," knowing that it is God who works in us to will and to act according to His purpose (Philippians 1:12-13).
Community (through "Groups")
NBLC began as a church of Connect Groups meeting in homes throughout the community. Even now we have a growing number of Team Groups that work as part of the body of Christ to live out God’s mission (1 Corinthians 12:12-14). We often quote the expression, "Many hands make light work!" So whether in ministry teams or in Connect Groups, we function better through accountability and camaraderie.
Generosity (Giving)
"You are bad for the banking business," stated NBLC’s loan officer. He said this because NBLC has paid off previous loans early (first for our property, then our building, and then our first expansion!). Those attending our church are generous. NBLC set the generosity-precedent at our very first worship service by giving away the entirety of our first offering to another church plant in Kansas City. We’ve given people, equipment, and money to our daughter churches and plan to keep up this sacrificial behavior. God sowed this generosity into our hearts; we give because God first gave (John 3:16 and 1 John 4:19).
You can hear what New Beginnings values in frequently used phrases. Here are some examples that provide a window into WHY we do what we do:
- "We serve not so that God will love us, but because He loves us." An example of Grace motivation.
- "We’re all people in process." An example of Grace and Growing.
- "Better late than never." "Don’t let what you can’t do keep you from doing what you can do." An example of Growing.
- "I didn’t feel like coming, but I’m so glad I did." An example of Community.
- "We give that others might live." An example of Generosity.
- "We exist for our ‘not yet’ members." An example of Growing and Generosity.
These words verbally portray what motivates us. NBLC’s core values are Grace, Growing, Community, and Generosity.
Grace
We have received eternal life and the forgiveness of our sins by G-R-A-C-E: God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense. While many churches describe themselves as "purpose driven," we say we are "cross-driven." After all, the love of Christ clearly portrayed upon the cross is what compels us (2 Corinthians 5:14). This vertical grace (from God down to us) finds expression in our horizontal relationships. As it says in Colossians 3:13, "Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." Many newcomers to NBLC have expressed how NBLC’s grace emphasis is refreshing. This is often expressed with the phrase, "We’re all people in process." Most importantly, our gracious culture flows from the means of grace, or God’s Word and Sacraments (Scripture, Baptism, and Holy Communion).
Growing
One might ask, "Do you mean we value growing as individuals, or as a congregation?" And our answer is, "Yes!" NBLC exists for our ‘not yet’ members. We Pray daily for unchurched family and friends to know Christ, Care for them by spending TIME together, and Share the gospel by inviting them into our faith family events. We all want more of our family and friends growing in grace with us. And we each want to GROW in grace as God’s children. We understand that God loves us just as we are, but God loves us too much to leave us this way (Philippians 1:6). And so we "work out our salvation with fear and trembling," knowing that it is God who works in us to will and to act according to His purpose (Philippians 1:12-13).
Community (through "Groups")
NBLC began as a church of Connect Groups meeting in homes throughout the community. Even now we have a growing number of Team Groups that work as part of the body of Christ to live out God’s mission (1 Corinthians 12:12-14). We often quote the expression, "Many hands make light work!" So whether in ministry teams or in Connect Groups, we function better through accountability and camaraderie.
Generosity (Giving)
"You are bad for the banking business," stated NBLC’s loan officer. He said this because NBLC has paid off previous loans early (first for our property, then our building, and then our first expansion!). Those attending our church are generous. NBLC set the generosity-precedent at our very first worship service by giving away the entirety of our first offering to another church plant in Kansas City. We’ve given people, equipment, and money to our daughter churches and plan to keep up this sacrificial behavior. God sowed this generosity into our hearts; we give because God first gave (John 3:16 and 1 John 4:19).