Gospel Driven:

We believe that the good news of Jesus Christ impacts individuals, families, the church and the culture to bring the power of freedom and lasting change. Therefore, Grace Church strives to be a Christ-centered and gospel-focused church that believes and brings the good news of power and freedom in the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ. We affirm that the gospel is good news:

 

 

 

• The gospel is the good news that when we rely upon Jesus and his work for our relationship to God, Kingdom power comes upon us and begins to radically change us into the likeness of Jesus Christ

• The gospel is the good news that the power of God’s kingdom has come in the person and work of Jesus Christ to renew all things

• The gospel is the good news that the power of God has entered into history to reconcile the whole world

Reformation:

True reformation begins with the reconciling power of Christ’s gospel working in the hearts and lives of his people. The gospel provides Christ’s transforming power to reconcile individuals, families, the church and the community to God through reforming hearts and minds. Reconciliation means that Christ is present with His people to provide freedom, identity and respect.

• The presence of Christ frees us from both self-righteousness and self-condemnation
– He liberates us from the bondage of sin (ungodliness) that once controlled us and separated us from God
– He liberates us from self-serving motives (moralism) that once drove us and kept us from true freedom

• Christ gives us a radically new identity through the Holy Spirit who takes up residence in our hearts

• Christ’s presence gives us a welcoming and respectful attitude toward those who do not share our beliefs

Adoration:

Gospel reformation provokes a deep love and adoration for all that Christ is, all that Christ has done for us and in us, and through us. The gospel is the good news of Christ’s transforming presence that deepens our love for God, inspiring genuine worship and igniting faithful service.

• The love of Christ is the constraining influence of our devotion to Him

• The sacrifice of Christ is the compelling inspiration for our gratitude

• Christ’s transforming presence motivates and moves us to genuine worship and faithful service in His Kingdom

Community:

The Gospel is the good news that all of God’s promises are “yes, and Amen” in Christ. In the Gospel, Jesus has fulfilled all of God’s covenant promises to and for His people. The biblical term “covenant” describes a Christian’s sacred relationships with the Triune God, His Church and one another. At Grace Church, these loving relationships characterize how we want to learn, live and serve. The good news of Christ’s transforming love compels the body of Christ to love one another, to intersect and impact our community and the world with Christ’s love.

• The Gospel unites people who could not get along without its healing power

• The Gospel creates a kingdom community of sacrificing servants
– Christ provides both giftedness and strength to meet individual needs

• He provides both grace and mercy for helping the poor and needy

• He provides both desire and opportunity to provide justice for the powerless

• The Gospel transforms culture through his covenant community.
– The Gospel impacts the arts, business, government, media and the academy

• Christ’s church works to help Christians’ engagement with culture

• Christ’s church helps Christians work with excellence, distinctiveness and accountability in their professions

Equipping:

As Christians grow deep in their understanding of how the Gospel transforms and frees them, Christ’s transforming work makes everyone’s calling “the work of ministry.” Christ’s call makes that service joyful and fruitful for the glory of His Name.

• Christ calls everyone to the work of ministry
– The work of ministry consists in both word and deed services
– The work of ministry operates both inside and outside the church

• Leaders work to equip everyone for the work of ministry

• Mobilized members carryout the work of ministry
– discipleship and meeting needs within the church
– meeting needs through word and deed ministry outside the church

• The Gospel makes the work of ministry delightful and fruitful for the glory of Christ