THE CORE VALUES OF CORNERSTONE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

(WHAT WE VALUE)

What are core values? Core values are often unwritten assumptions that guide our actions. They demonstrate our convictions and priorities and are confirmed by our actions, not just our words. Values are not a doctrinal statement; they are convictions that determine how our church operates. They provide the foundation for formulating goals and setting the direction for the church‘s ministry. In sum, they are the key statements that reflect the distinctives of Cornerstone Presbyterian Church.

Naturally, because we are a collection of diverse individuals, we all have slightly different values with regard to how we go about serving Christ. Yet certain common values unify our efforts and define our distinctives. We can summarize our core values using the following 9 statements.

  • We believe the Bible is God's inspired truth, and provides hope and instruction for every aspect of life.
    This includes the concept of gospel-teaching for life change -- Romans 12:7, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, James 1:23-25.
  • We believe genuine loving and caring relationships are essential to a healthy, fruitful life and ministry.
    This includes the concepts of love-driven ministry, ministry accomplished in teams, and relationship building -- 1 Corinthians 13. Nehemiah 3, Luke 10:1, John 13:34-35.
  • We believe in an authentic spirit of worship, incorporating relevant contemporary and traditional styles.
  • We believe prayer, both corporate and individual, must be an integrated and active part of everything we do.
  • We believe in sharing the life-changing gospel of Jesus Christ in creative and culturally- relevant ways in our church and in the communities where we live and work.
    This includes the concepts of relational evangelism and evangelism as a process -- Luke 5:30-32, Luke 15, Matthew 18:14. It also includes the concept of sensitively relating to our culture through our facility, printed materials, and use of the arts -- 1 Corinthians 9:19-23.
  • We believe planting like-minded churches in other communities is the best way to reach unchurched people with the gospel in the Lehigh Valley and around the world.
    This includes the concepts of empowerment, servant leadership, strategic focus, and intentionality -- Nehemiah 1-2, Romans 12:8, Acts 6:2-5.
  • We believe a commitment to a lifestyle of consistent spiritual growth and the development of a Reformed Christian worldview is vital for all members, best achieved through small group participation, a structured discipleship path, mentoring, and other Christian education ministries.
    This includes the concepts of personal authenticity, character, and wholeness -- Ephesians 4:25-26, 32, Hebrews 12:1, Philippians 1:6. It also includes the concepts of discipleship, vulnerability, and accountability -- Luke 6:12-13, Acts 2:44-47.
    Lastly, this includes the concepts of stewardship, servanthood, downward mobility, and the pursuit of kingdom goals -- 1 Kings 11:4, Philippians 2:1-11, 2 Corinthians 8:7.
  • We believe every member has a unique and personal design to be discovered, developed, and deployed for ministry.
    This includes the concepts of unity, servanthood, spiritual gifts, and ministry callings --1 Corinthians 12 and 14, Romans 12, Ephesians 4, Psalm 133:1.
  • We believe God is worthy of our best. Therefore, a growing spirit of excellence, integrity, and purpose should permeate all our ministries
    This includes the concepts of evaluation, critical review, intensity, and excellence -- Colossians 3:17, Malachi 1:6-14, Proverbs 27:17.