Mission & Core values
John 10:27
“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” (NLT)
“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” (NLT)
CORE VALUES
These Core Values are the navigational points that help guide every aspect of our church. These values help us walk a path that leads to life.
As we learn how to more fully follow Jesus, these values become part of our very lifestyle. We do not follow these values out of any sense of religious duty but out of devotion to Jesus.
GO
OUT STRATEGICALLY
The follower of Jesus has an outward focus. We are to live our lives in a strategic way so others can see the reality of Jesus in us. Our lives should make people thirsty for spiritual truth. We are to be intentionally involved in helping others become followers of Jesus and our other’s centered lifestyle is a reflection of this.
Matt. 5:14-16 “You are the light of the world—like a city on a
hilltop that cannot be hidden. 15 No one lights a lamp and
then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed
on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house.
16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see,
so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” (NLT)
hilltop that cannot be hidden. 15 No one lights a lamp and
then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed
on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house.
16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see,
so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” (NLT)
How can I grow in this value?
- Spend time thinking about how your lifestyle reflects Jesus
- What are strategic ways you can love others, meet a need, say a kind word, encourage someone, build someone up, and lend a helping hand without expectation of reward?
- Before people become followers of Jesus, they first see Jesus in others. How can you show others Jesus as you go out into this world?
GROW
UP INTENTIONALLY
Physical growth happens automatically but spiritual growth must be intentional. Spiritual growth is a combination of knowing God’s word with increased obedience. It is a commitment to understanding more truth and the application of truth to your personal life. Spiritual maturity is a reflection of how much you follow not how much you know. As we depend on God for increased understanding of truth and His power to help us obey, the mystery of spiritual growth takes place. He causes the growth in us.
Eph. 4:13 “This will continue until we all come to such unity
in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be
mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full
and complete standard of Christ.” (NLT)
in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be
mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full
and complete standard of Christ.” (NLT)
How can I grow in this value?
- Develop the habit of reading God’s word every day. Get a bible app on your phone and begin a reading plan
- Attend weekend services, classes and other opportunities at Foothills to increase your knowledge of God’s word
- Always attend a class or service with the intention to apply what you’ve learned
- Ask God as you read and as you attend classes how He wants you to live out what you learned
GIVE
GENEROUS CONSISTENTLY
Financial generosity is a characteristic of every follower of Jesus. Generosity is more a reflection of our heart and character than the amount we give. Without generosity, our hearts will serve another master besides Jesus. Our loyalties become divided and we serve material things. Therefore, we grow in a lifestyle of consistent giving to our local church to walk in obedience and help further advance the Kingdom mission.
II Cor. 9:6-7 “Remember this – a farmer who plants only a few
seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously
will get a generous crop. 7 You must each decide in your
heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly
or in response to pressure. (NLT)
“For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.”
seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously
will get a generous crop. 7 You must each decide in your
heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly
or in response to pressure. (NLT)
“For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.”
How can I grow in this value?
- Begin the habit of giving each month
- Make the habit easy – through e–Giving, or utilize the giving envelopes at the back of the auditorium
- Be consistent with your giving but let it grow over time
- Trust God by allowing it to grow to 10% of your income. The word tithe means 10%. Watch God’s provision as you trust Him with generosity
- Listen for God’s prompts on your heart to give at other times
WORSHIP
GOD PASSIONATELY
To worship God is to love Him. To worship God passionately is to love God passionately. Worship is not singing songs. Worship is a heart issue. The songs we sing are simply a reflection of our heart. We worship God when we sing; we worship God when we serve others; we worship God when we enjoy nature; we worship God when we love our family; and, we worship God when we follow Him in obedience. Worship (love) is a lifestyle.
John 4:23 “But the time is coming—indeed it’s here now —when true
worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth.
The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way.” (NLT)
worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth.
The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way.” (NLT)
How can I grow in this value?
- Tell God you love Him every day
- Thank God for specific ways you see Him work and for the blessings in your life
- Thank Him for the beauty of nature, the blessing of family and the joy of serving others
- Worship Him in song whether it is during a weekend service or worship songs you listen to yourself. Reflect and worship God for the truth you sing
WORK
ENTHUSIASTICALLY
Doing work in the Kingdom of God should be a joyous experience done with enthusiasm. Every follower of Jesus is uniquely gifted and shaped to serve. When we do work that matches our gifting and our design, it’s natural to serve with enthusiasm. As every person does their work, the influence of the church in our world is multiplied and the Kingdom of God advances.
I Cor. 15:58 “So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable.
Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know
that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.” (NLT)
I Cor. 12:7 “A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other.” (NLT)
Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know
that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.” (NLT)
I Cor. 12:7 “A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other.” (NLT)
How can I grow in this value?
- Get involved in one of the many ways to serve at Foothills
- Go through our SHAPE profile to better understand how God designed and gifted you
- Keep experimenting with different ways to serve until you find something that lights up your enthusiasm
LOVE
OTHERS RECKLESSLY
The love described in God’s word is reckless. God’s love for us was so reckless He became man and died on a cross for us. As His followers, we are to love others as He loved us. This means love is at times sacrificial, others oriented and radically different then the world. Love is the distinguishing characteristic of followers of Jesus.
John 13: 34-35 “So now I am giving you a new commandment:
Love each other.
Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.
35 Your love for one another will prove to the world
that you are my disciples.” (NLT)
Love each other.
Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.
35 Your love for one another will prove to the world
that you are my disciples.” (NLT)
How can I grow in this value?
- Consider who you need to forgive and don’t allow bitterness to grow in your heart. Unforgiveness kills love in our hearts
- Evaluate how you talk about people. Are there unloving habits you need to remove from your life such as gossip, slander, and unloving social media posts?
- Who can you love recklessly? Who has God put around you who desperately needs to see God’s unconditional love? What loving things can you do to show them?
PRAY
ALWAYS PERSISTENTLY
Prayer for the follower of Jesus is a lifestyle, not a duty. Persisting in prayer is our ongoing dialogue with God throughout our day. We persist in prayer regardless of our circumstances or agendas. This commitment to pray grows our awareness of His presence with us and deepens our dependence on Him.
Eph. 6:18 “Pray in the Spirit at all times and on
every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in
your prayers for all believers everywhere.” (NLT)
every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in
your prayers for all believers everywhere.” (NLT)
How can I grow in this value?
- Start your day with prayer. Set aside a specific time each day
- Confess your struggle with sin daily. Daily ask and receive His forgiveness
- Create some visual prayer prompts to remind you to pray during the day
- Learn to see emotional reactions like stress, fear, and even anger, as prompts to pray