Empowered by the Holy Spirit, these core values bring clarity to the things that matter most at River Church. They guide how we achieve our vision, influencing major leadership decisions, as well as everyday ministry plans. They even help us navigate staffing and budget issues. In short, they keep us focused on the unique call God has given us as a local church.
WORSHIP
Worship is a lifestyle, not just a church service!
SPIRITUAL GROWTH
Discipleship is to become more like Jesus.
APPLICATION OF SCRIPTURE
Teaching is for encouragement, challenge and life change.
LIFE GROUPS
We need to grow larger and smaller at the same time.
SERVICE
There is a place for everyone to volunteer on a ministry team.
RELEVANCE
We change methods, but never the message.
FAMILIES
While all families are different, all families can be spiritually strengthened.
POOR
the poor matter to God, so they matter to us.
HOSPITALITY
We are a family expecting guests.
INVEST AND INVITE
Every person matters to God.
THE BIBLE
The Bible is God's word to all people. It was written by human authors under supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. Because it is inspired by God, it is truth without any mixture of error.
GOD
God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. God has externally existed in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God, called the "Trinity".
JESUS CHRIST
Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is co-equal with the Father. Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on a cross. He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended into Heaven's glory and will return again to earth to reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
THE HOLY SPIRIT
The Holy Spirit is equal with the Father and the Son as God. The Spirit is present in the world to make humankind aware of their need for Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. The Spirit provides Christians with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. Christians seek to daily live in the power of the Spirit.
HUMANS
Humankind is made in the image and likeness of God. We are the supreme object of God's creation. Although we have tremendous potential for good, we are marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called "sin". This attitude separates humans from God.
SALVATION
Salvation is a gift from God to all people. We can never make up for sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ, as God's offer of forgiveness can we be saved from sin's penalty. Eternal life begins the moment one believes in Jesus Christ by faith.
ETERNITY
We are created to exist forever. We will either exist eternally separated from God, or in union with God, through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is hell. To be eternally in union with God is eternal life — Heaven.
For more information about the Free Methodist Church click here.