Christ-Centered
(Hebrews 12:2; John 1:1; John 14:6)

The disciples were first called Christians at Antioch (Acts 11:26). This is one of the first places where a community of people sought to follow the leading of Jesus and live in a new and radical way. We too submit ourselves to Christ’s leading, his authority, his agenda and his values.

Authentic Spirituality
(Acts 15:22-35; Psalm 63:1; Matthew 6:6-8)

The first community at Antioch had a difficulty – there were both Jews and Gentiles. These two groups were incompatible and their traditions and practices clashed. The goal was to find unity under Christ and to focus on a relationship with God rather than mere religious practice. As a result they sought to hold onto the good and get rid of the bad. Whatever was a barrier was thrown out, and whatever aided the community in growth, unity, and an authentic focus on God was retained.

In much the same way, we are committed to being as culturally relevant as possible while still keeping the gospel message biblical and Christ Centered. As appropriate, we will value change, cultural relevance and authenticity in an effort to find and keep godly unity and maintain a sincere devotion – much as the early church did.

Inclusive Community
(Acts 2:42-47; Acts 11:20; Ephesians 4:1-16)

The church at Antioch was the first recorded church in the Christian era where one group of believers specifically targeted and reached out to a different culture, ethnicity, and demographic. We are committed to doing the same. We are committed to being ethnically and culturally diverse.

Missional
(Acts 13:1-3; Acts 1:8; John 4:34-36)

This is one of our dearest values. We believe that the gospel is not simply a message on paper, but a calling to participate in. We believe what Jesus said when he told the disciples, “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you." We endeavor to put the calling of God above comfort and the growth of the Kingdom of God above our desires. We will avoid a consumer approach to church and strive to be active participants in God’s grand story of redemption.

We will make it our purpose and ambition to obey Jesus and “be [his] witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” We see the task of being missional witnesses as taking place in three spheres: living for others at home (in Bend), in our backyard (Central Oregon), and abroad (the nations).

Lastly, we will be willing to take the best of what God gives us and in turn give it away out of our passion for others and our sensitivity to God’s leading – much as the original Antioch church was willing to send out Paul and Barnabas (the two primary leaders) at the prompting of God (see Acts 13). This is what drives our ambition to plant churches and to turn our congregation outward rather than inward.