Our Core Values
Gospel Saturation
By gospel saturation we mean that we keep the person and work of Jesus preeminent in our personal and corporate worship.
The Apostle Paul told Pastor Timothy to keep a close eye on his doctrine (the core teachings of the faith that make true disciples of Jesus). So we, too, keep a laser focus on Jesus and his gospel, believing the gospel to be for salvation and sanctification. This is us loving God with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength.
Personally, this means we commune daily with Jesus and constantly take in the gospel through spiritual disciplines. We read the scriptures, listen to gospel sermons, read gospel books, and talk about the gospel with our friends.
Corporately, we preach and sing the gospel, we center our group discussions around the gospel, we practice the sacraments often, and we share the gospel with our neighborhood.
Gospel Love
By gospel love we mean a love for one another not based on performance or merit but based on the bond Jesus has given us.
In the New Testament, gospel love is called “Agapē.” It’s a uniquely Christian love as it flows down from Jesus and through us to others not as an emotion but an action.
Personally, this means we’re dedicated to seeing all people as Jesus see’s them - image bearers worthy of value, dignity, and honor.
Corporately, this means we embrace disagreements on secondary issues. Within each disagreement is a chance for gospel love. Jesus said if you love everyone who is just like you, you’re no different than the rest of the world.
We also sacrificially serve one another in the church using our spiritual gifts to build up and nourish the body of Christ, as this is what Jesus has done for us.
Gospel Mission
By gospel mission we mean that we love Jesus and we love everybody, so we want to share the Jesus with everybody especially those we’re living around on a daily basis.
Jesus was sent to us by the Father and in the same way we are sent by Jesus to the world. Jesus came to make disciples and our goal is to make disciples. Jesus established the local church, so as a local church we primarily do this locally.
Personally, this means we see the mission field as everywhere people are whether that’s our work, school, or coffee shop.
Corporately, this means we’re on mission locally in the Poe Mill Neighborhood. All of our evangelistic efforts as a body take place in and for the souls of our neighborhood. We will never outgrow the neighborhood or move past the neighborhood. However, if Jesus allows, we aim to send missionaries to West Greenville and beyond in order to reach everyone we can.
Gospel Generosity
By gospel generosity, we mean that we freely give our time, talents, and treasures in response to what Jesus has given to us. Also, this means that We don’t give to get a blessing. Giving IS the blessing.
Our sinful nature is often deceived by a sense entitlement.
The gospel reminds us that everything belongs to Jesus. He shared his life with us and shared in death for us. Additionally, he has freely given us all things. Thus we freely give.
Personally, we cheerfully give in some way to those in need and to the church. The Bible says that where our treasure is there are hearts will be also.
Corporately, this means that not all of the energy and resources given to our church is for our church. We seek to support the neighborhood with benevolence ministries, fellow churches who find themselves in need, and missionaries on the foreign field.
Gospel Authenticity
By gospel authenticity we mean that we are free to be transparent about our need for Jesus and his work in our lives.
Jesus came to earth as a savior because people need saving. Jesus died for sinners and that means he died for us. It has already been exposed that our righteousness is non-existent, so we should feel no need to polish our stories up or hide our failures.
Personally, we don’t pretend to know everything. We embrace that we’re all still learning. Thus we can talk openly about our doubts and questions. We ask one another for prayer concerning our spiritual health.
Corporately, we lead through our weakness. You don’t have to look perfect to lead at Griggs. In fact, we believe that your imperfections will demonstrate the grace of Jesus and make a great impact on the lives of the congregation.
Gospel Service
By gospel service, we mean that We do not see the church as somewhere to be served, but somewhere to serve.
Jesus came to serve. We see this in his earthly ministry and in his death on the cross. He has served us so abundantly that we couldn’t begin to pay him back. Thus the natural response is to pay it forward. We seek to serve one another and Jesus’ church without expecting anything in return in response to what Jesus has done for us.
Personally, this means we seek to identify the spiritual gifts that the Holy Spirit has given us and use those to contribute strength to the church. We know that Jesus is already working, we are looking to align ourselves with that work.
Corporately, we make it easy for people to get involved in our various ministries and outreaches. We emphasize calling over performance which gives people space to make mistakes and grow in their callings.
