Our Core Values
Every church may have the same Mission, but the reason all churches are different is because they have different Core Values. Our Core Values are what make us unique. They are the deep, central, unchanging values implanted in us by God that shape who we are and drive us into ministry. They are as follows:
1. We deeply believe that anointed, biblical teaching is the catalyst for transformation in individuals’ lives and in the church.
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” - 2 Timothy 3:16-17
2. We deeply believe that lost people matter to God, and therefore, ought to matter to our church.
“Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.” – Luke 15:7
3. We deeply believe that prayer connects us to God’s purpose, peace and power for life and ministry.
“The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desire of those who fear him; he also hears their cry and saves them.” - Psalm 145:18-19
4. We deeply believe that loving relationships should permeate every aspect of church life.
“and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you” - 1 Thessalonians 3:12
5. We deeply believe that our Gospel presentation should balance word and deed, in a faithful and culturally relevant manner.
“What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him?” – James 2:14
6. We deeply believe in the principle of free will association with like minded partners, affirming in humility that it will take more than this church to accomplish God’s purposes in the world.
“Therefore we ought to support people like these, that we may be fellow workers for the truth.” – 3 John 1:8
7. We deeply believe that the local church is the ideal context for and primary agent in the development of Christian leaders.
“So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.” – 1 Peter 5:1-3
8. We deeply believe in the priority and importance of corporate worship. We need to sit together under God’s Word and to be led by the Holy Spirit in transformative and engaging response through songs, offerings and acts of confession.
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” – Hebrews 10:24-25
These Core Values are the deep, abiding passions and convictions that govern the activities and priorities we feel driven to pursue within the parameters of the Great Commission mandate. We believe that these Core Values were planted in our DNA by God himself; the Bible says:
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:10. ESV)
God made us what we are with specific works and activities in mind that we should walk in them. That has a lot to do with why our church looks a little different than other Gospel believing, Great Commission following churches in this city. It isn’t a matter therefore of “which church is better”; if you are a newcomer to Orillia and searching for a place to connect, the issue is more along the lines of “where do my passions, gifts and commitments most obviously align?” Core Value alignment is very important when considering a new church home for you and your family.