Purpose and Core Values

 

 

 

Mission Statement (Why we exist)

 

The mission of Cross Lutheran Church and School is to call people to walk with Christ, equip them to live like Christ, and send them to work for Christ. 

 

Motto: “Inviting  – Equipping – Sending”

 

CORE VALUES: (This is how we want to be – our guidelines and boundaries)

 

1. God speaks – we listen. (John 17:17  “Make them pure and holy by teaching them your words of truth.” NLT)  The Bible is God’s Word and absolute truth.  The Bible is our one and only authority for teaching and practice.  The Word of God will be a focal point of our worship, our ministries and our lives.  We will teach it, preach it, study it, listen for God’s direction and obey it.  He’s God, we’re not.

 

2. Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life.  (John 14:6 “Jesus told him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.’” NLT) The only way to a right relationship with God is through what God has done for us in Jesus Christ.  This is what makes us different from every other religion.  We will proclaim this distinction and make it our goal for everyone to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. (Colossians 1:28-29 “So everywhere we go, we tell everyone about Christ. We warn them and teach them with all the wisdom God has given us, for we want to present them to God, perfect in their relationship to Christ. I work very hard at this, as I depend on Christ's mighty power that works within me.” NLT)

 

3. God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense!  (John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” NLT)  Since we have experienced God’s unconditional love and grace in Christ, we will share the same with all people. We will respect, value and care for people.  We strive to build a community reflective of God’s mercy and grace – demonstrating God’s empathy and forgiveness with positive, encouraging and welcoming attitudes in our worship services, our ministries and our daily lives.

 

4. Pray, pray, pray.  (1Thessalonians 5:16-18 “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.” NIV)  In Christ we have access to God through prayer.  We strive to keep this line of communication open to God at all times, closely connecting this to core value #1 and God’s communication with us.  We believe in the power and blessing of prayer.  (Hebrews 4:16 “So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it.” NLT)

 

5. Do it well and cheerfully.  (Colossians 3:23-24 “Work hard and cheerfully at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and the Master you are serving is Christ.” NLT).  We strive for excellence in all that we do.  Planning, preparation and execution of our mission and ministry should reflect our desire to give our best because of what He has done for us.

 

6. Everyone’s a missionary.  (Matthew 28:18-20 “Jesus came and told his disciples, ‘I have been given complete authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’" NLT)  The mission of our church and school is to invite people to walk with Christ, equip them to live like Christ and to send them to work for Christ. We strive to get the right people in the right ministries for the right reasons as we work together as the Body of Christ in this place and time.

 

7.   Don’t go alone.  Cross is a great place to belong and a great place to grow.   The congregation is committed to being a church that models authentic biblical community through a ministry of small groups in which every individual is cared for and encouraged in his/her daily walk with God.  (Hebrews 10:25 “And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage and warn each other, especially now that the day of his coming back again is drawing near.” NLT)  Teamwork and mentoring are encouraged as we carry out our tasks of serving the Lord together.

 

8.   Speak the truth in love.  (Ephesians 4:15 “Speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.” NIV)  When we have a grievance with one another, we will follow the guidelines of Matthew chapter 18.  We will model honesty and integrity in words and in action.  We will strive for an environment that encourages improvement without harsh criticism.  We will allow and encourage everyone to share their opinions.  We will repair the damage we are responsible for and work continually to improve the attitude and environment of our church culture. Be nice, say thank you and please.  Show respect and appreciation for each other.

 

9.   Share.  (Hebrews 13:16 “And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” NIV)  We strive to be good stewards of all God has given us.  We will set an example of tithing with our church income, and encourage whole life stewardship of time, talent and treasures. We will reach out to one another in times of need.  We will look for ways to serve our community and the world by sharing the good things God has given us with those in need.  Our goal is to be other-oriented rather than self-oriented.

 

10. Do all for God’s glory and trust in His timing.  (Psalm50:15 “Trust me in  your times of trouble, and I will rescue you, and you will give me glory." NLT) We must daily submit to God’s will and God’s timing for our lives and our ministries, remembering, this is not about us – it’s about Him.