This Sunday we began a conversation about core values, and I invited us to do some thinking around two specific questions:
- What are your own non-negotiables? Consider making a list. (I’ve actually never written a formal list myself and will attempt to do so over the next few days. Stay tuned. More blogging material for later this week.)
- What are the non-negotiables for Genesis? I’ve included the original list of core values the church was founded on. Which one resonates with you the most? Are these core values still being lived out 15 years later, or have we changed our emphasis and/or self understanding? In my sermon, I chose to put some new language to some of the core concepts expressed below. I did so, in part, to find my own way through them. In hindsight, I think it was my attempt to own them on a deeper and more personal level.
Open Chair – By designing an environment that welcomes the outsider such that diversity is valued, differing points of view may be heard without reproach and the unchurched person is our valued guest.
Extended Hand – By connecting our gifts with the hurts and hopes of the community and world in life-changing ways.
Community – By creating a congregation of small groups in which every participant will be equipped for the maturing of their spirit, find a place of belonging and express faith in action.
Celebration - By celebrating worship that communicates Christ’s Good News in creative, engaging forms with a finger to the pulse of today’s culture.
okay, heard your message and
okay, heard your message and i will admit - unsure of question. found a link on facebook highlighting a speech ( you can access it on my profile page) . the thought entered my mind - this is non-negotiable; respect, dignity, acceptance, courtesy, compassion for every human.then another non-negotiable; sacredness of creation, the holiness of GOD'S fingerprint in all. the prayer of worship manifested in stewardship.maybe this is not the discussion, but you know what happens when someone asks my opinion.keep bloggin, sister.charlie