The Values of Bethel | Ekklesia

In this sermon, we explore the concept of "bumpers" in our spiritual journey, much like the bumpers used in bowling to keep the ball on track. These bumpers, or core values, are essential in guiding our church's mission to love God, love people, and make disciples of Jesus Christ. Let's delve into these ten core values that serve as our spiritual bumpers, ensuring we stay on course.

1. Gospel Saturation

At the heart of our mission is the Gospel. As 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 reminds us, the Gospel is not just the entry point into Christianity but the foundation of our faith. Gospel saturation means that the message of Jesus permeates every aspect of our lives, from our preaching and singing to our daily interactions. We are called to grow deeper in the Gospel, allowing it to shape our identity, purpose, and hope.

2. Prayerful Dependence

Prayer is the lifeline of our spiritual journey. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us to replace anxiety with prayer, bringing everything to God. At Bethel, prayerful dependence means living by prayer, not as a last resort but as our first response. It is through prayer that we find strength, wisdom, and peace, trusting in God's presence even in challenging times.

3. Scripture Rooted Teaching

2 Timothy 3:16-17 emphasizes the importance of Scripture as the foundation of our teaching. At Bethel, we are committed to letting the Bible shape our ideas and guide our lives. Scripture rooted teaching means faithfully expositing God's Word, allowing it to transform us and equip us for every good work.

4. Spirit Led Living

Galatians 5:16, 25 calls us to walk by the Spirit, living in obedience to God's leading. Spirit led living is about surrendering to the Holy Spirit's guidance, allowing Him to empower and transform us daily. It means seeking the Spirit's direction in every decision and trusting Him to lead us in the right way.

5. Christ Centered Community

Acts 2:42-47 paints a picture of the early church as a Christ centered community. At Bethel, we strive to create a fellowship defined by our unity in Christ. Christ centered community means pursuing real relationships, sharing life together, and supporting one another in our spiritual journey.

6. Intentional Hospitality

1 Peter 4:9 encourages us to be hospitable without complaint. Intentional hospitality means seeing people as image bearers and welcoming them into our lives. At Bethel, we aim to create a culture where everyone feels seen, known, and loved, extending genuine invitations to belong.

7. Compassion for the Broken

James 1:27 reminds us of the importance of caring for the vulnerable. Compassion for the broken means stepping into pain and loving the hurting with the hands of Jesus. At Bethel, we are committed to creating a culture of care, where the broken are welcomed with dignity and embraced.

8. Mission Fueled Multiplication

The Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 calls us to make disciples of all nations. Mission fueled multiplication means reproducing the life of the Gospel in new disciples and churches. At Bethel, we measure success by our sending capacity, reaching both locally and globally with the Gospel.

9. Intentional Discipleship

Colossians 1:28-29 emphasizes the importance of intentional discipleship. At Bethel, we take spiritual growth seriously, investing in purposeful relationships that help one another grow in Christ likeness. Intentional discipleship means committing to the patient work of cultivating hearts toward Jesus.

10. Family as a Foundation

Deuteronomy 6:6-7 highlights the role of the family in spiritual formation. Family as a foundation means that discipleship starts at home. At Bethel, we prioritize equipping parents to disciple their children, recognizing the home as the primary context for spiritual growth.

These core values serve as the bumpers on our spiritual lane, guiding us toward our mission to love God, love people, and make disciples of Jesus Christ. As we journey together, may we stay on course, united in purpose, and filled with joy as we pursue the calling God has placed on our church.