Identity
We believe action follows being. Therefore, we do not define ourselves by what we do. We are a people of God, centered on the gospel to live in community and on mission together. We see ourselves as a Gospel Centered Family on Mission to the cities; learning to live everyday life with Gospel Intentionality.
Family - We are children of God who live and care for each other as a family. God has always desired a people-an earthly family-who would live in such a way that the world would know what he is like. Jesus said that those who live in his ways and obey his Father are truly his family. Through Jesus we believe we are children of God and brothers and sisters with each other. As family we see it as our obligation to personally care for the needs of one another - both physically and spiritually. We disciple, nurture and hold each other accountable to this covenant life together. We do this through missional communities and Sunday gatherings. (Genesis 12:1-3; John 1:12-13; Romans 12:10-16)
Missionaries - We are sent by God to restore all things to himself. God sent his son, Jesus, to earth to take on human form and live within the culture. He worked, ate and interacted among the people. Living in such a way that those around him could see and experience what God was truly like. Jesus came so that all people, places and things could be restored to a right relationship with God. In the same way, we believe we are missionaries sent into our culture to restore all things to God through Jesus. We live this out as part of a missional community. (John 1:14; 20:21; Colossians 1:19; 2 Corinthians 5:17-21)
Servants - We are servants of God who serve others as a way of life. Being fully God and fully human, Jesus took on the posture of a servant. He gave his life, even unto death, so that others could experience salvation, peace and restoration. Jesus said, "I am among you as one who serves..." All those who follow Jesus are called to serve in the same humility. For us this means joyful submission to God, leadership and to each other, as we serve whomever God brings into our lives. (Matthew 20:25- 28; 25:31-46; John 13:1-17; Philippians 2:5-11; 1 Peter 2:16)
Learners - We are disciples of Jesus who take responsibility for our own development and the development of others. As a young man Jesus grew in both height and wisdom. He learned from local religious teachers, by living in community, and through regular times of listening to God. Jesus called others to follow his ways, to be his disciples and live in obedience to all that God commands. He then sent these followers out to make new disciples. We believe we are also called to be followers of Jesus who take responsibility for our own development and the development of others. This includes both our personal time with God as well as involvement together in training provided by spiritual leadership. (Luke 2:52; Matthew 28:18-20; Ephesians 4:11-13; 2 Timothy 2:2)
This Identity makes all of life sacred because it is placed in relationship to the living God, our heavenly Father. Out of this Identity flows natural rhythms of life.
Rhythms
We chose the name Sacred City to reinforce the fact that all life is sacred. There can be no division between sacred and secular. "Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account" (Hebrews 4:13). This means that our gospel identities produce gospel rhythms in the context of everyday life.
Listen - We set aside regular times to listen to God both backward and forward. Jesus listened to God in prayer to know his Father's will. We are also called to listen to God. We listen 'backward' by regularly interacting with God's word and the son. We also believe he speaks today through his spirit in us and through creation. We spend time actively listening 'forward' to hear what God is saying to us today. We also take time to listen to others stories and help them find their lives within God's story. (Mark 1:35-37; John 16:7-15; Hebrews 1:1-3; Romans 1:20)
Celebrate - We gather together to celebrate God's extravagant blessings. God calls people to regularly celebrate his goodness and grace. We gather weekly in missional communities and regularly as a larger family, to share stories and celebrate all that God is doing in and amongst us. We invite everyone to these celebrations as a way of displaying God's glory. (Leviticus 23; Acts 2:42-47; Hebrews 10:24-25)
Eat - We regularly eat meals with others to invite them into the community of God. Meals are a daily reminder of our common need for God and his faithful- ness to provide both physically and spiritually. Jesus called us to remem- ber him and his sacrifice for us through a meal. When we eat together, we commune around this truth. We regularly eat meals with those not in our immediate family or circle of close friends, discipling them toward a life of dependence on God. (Leviticus 23; Matthew 6:11; 26:17-30; Acts 2:46-47; Romans 12:13)
Bless - We intentionally bless others through words, gifts or actions. God desires that all nations—all people—would be blessed through Jesus. And now, as his Body, we believe we live out this mission as we bless others. We intentionally seek God's direction for who he would have us tangibly bless each week. (Genesis 12:1-3; Ephesians 1:22-23; 2:8-10; 1 Peter 2:12)
ReCreate - We take time to rest, play, create and restore beauty in ways that reflect God to others. After powerfully and joyfully creating the universe, God rested. We were created in his image and therefore were made to joyfully create and rest as well. We regularly take time to rest, play, create and restore beauty in ways that reflect what God is like to our community. (Genesis 1-2:3; Deuteronomy 5:12; Mark 2:23-28; Hebrews 4)