Core Values

We put a distinct phrase on our signage and publications. It simply states: “Gathered for Worship; Scattered for Mission.” This summary statement helps to remind us of what we are all about. The basis for this statement is taken from two well known directives from Jesus to believers.

The first is referred to as “the Great Commandment” found in Matthew 22:37-40:
Jesus said to him, "'You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.' This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets."

The second is referred to as “the Great Commission” found in Matthew 28:18-20:
And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

Using these two directives as our guide, there are four core values that we have arrived at, providing a framework for the life and ministry of The Church at Cedar Springs.

1. Love God - God’s love for us is the basis for everything and the best thing that we can ever connect with. To connect with this love ourselves and to facilitate others doing the same is vitally important to us. It is what motivates us in our corporate services as we encourage participatory worship and teach personal relationship to the Word of God. Loving God also becomes the basis for life-changing principles that we teach and encourage such as: daily personal prayer, worship and Bible reading.

2. Grow Together - As God draws us to Himself and connects us with His love, He also connects us with each other. In fact, we will never fully connect with God without forming relationships with each other. We have come to believe that the kind of growing together we need to experience happens best in the context of small groups. A variety of small group contexts are a regular part of what we do, with the goal of assisting our members to experience deepening relationships and personalized and application-oriented Bible teaching.

3. Serve People - A maturing Christian outlook is rooted in service and contribution. As we ourselves are equipped and served, we also learn to serve and contribute to the needs of others. Each of us possesses unique abilities and access to spiritual gifts; we need to learn how to put these things into action. We endeavor to help our members to recognize what these abilities and gifts are and encourage participation in ministry areas that coincide. These opportunities may be in one or more of a growing number of ministries here at The Church at Cedar Springs.

4. Reach the World - Whether we are talking about our local neighborhood or some neighborhood across the globe, God wants His love and message to reach and include. Each of us as individuals need to join in this Great Commission. We can accomplish more together than we can on our own. As willing participants we need to become aware of people within our spheres of influence and participate with the Holy Spirit in sharing God’s love and gospel message with them. We work hard at facilitating these opportunities both locally and abroad.