Core Values

CORE VALUES

MOOSE CREEK BAPTIST CHURCH

Three words must resound as the core values of this church are considered:

INTENTIONAL (that is, things are done on purpose)

STRATEGIC (that is, with wisdom)

MISSIONAL (that is, with focus)

That being said, the core values of Moose Creek Baptist Church are:

MISSION MINDED – “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matt 28:19-20).

C.S. Lewis said, “You have never met a mere mortal.” As we interact with people, we need to be constantly aware of the lostness of man--his total depravity. When we contrast that lostness with the love of God and how He demonstrates His love to us (Rom 5:8), we should be motivated not only to live the gospel, but to share it.

The church’s motto is, “Everyone we meet needs to know Jesus or know Him better.” Those who don’t know Christ need to know Him; those who do, need to know Him better. We need to be sensitive to opportunities God gives us to share His love. If the motto be true, then that means there are no chance encounters, only divine appointments! In relation to others, how can you help them know Jesus or know Him better?

CHRISTLIKE CHARACTER – “For those whom He foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, in order that He might be the firstborn among many brothers” (Romans 8:29).

Looking at Scripture reveals that Jesus was born in Bethlehem and He grew in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man (see Luke 2:52). Knowing that God’s goal for your life is Christlikeness (see Rom 8:29) helps us understand some of the ‘whys’ in life. Christ is self-described as meek (gentle) and humble (Matt 11:29). God gives us many opportunities to display our true nature; if we’re careful to observe them, we should be humbled and turn to Him for direction!

God even gives a list of characteristics that He works on through His Spirit. As you review the list, note how Christ perfectly manifests these characteristics and ask God to help you become more like Jesus. The characteristics are love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control (Gal 5:22-23).

BIBLICAL AUTHORITY – “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work” (2 Tim 3:16-17).

God’s living word (Heb 4:12) reveals doctrine (for right belief), correction (for wrong belief), instruction in righteousness (for right behavior), and reproof (for wrong behavior). Taken to heart, God’s word affects both our character (who we are) and our conduct (what we do) (see also 2 Peter 1:3-8). The Bible is not given for knowledge alone, for that makes arrogant (1 Cor 8:1). The Bible is given for life-change (James 1:22; 1 John 3:18).

We need to master God’s word so that it can master us!

CARING RELATIONSHIPS – “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:34-35).

A preacher once said, “You may be the only Bible some people ever read.” That thought actually comes from 1 John 4:12 (“No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us.”) and makes clear that our actions can help people see God—or not! Jesus said we’re to let our actions show before all men so that they can see them and glorify God the Father (see Matt 5:16).

We are to love one another, no doubt! And we’re even prompted to show extra favor to those of the faith (Gal 6:10). Sometimes Christians can be harsh and judgmental; we’ve got to be careful to remember that our conduct is always to be Christlike. Sinners do sin! And so do Christians—without exception (just look in the mirror). When a brother or sister falls, help them up (Gal 6:1-3). Weep with those who weep and laugh with those who laugh (Rom 12:15). And be sure to leave vengeance to God (Rom 12:19), for there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Rom 8:1).

So Moose Creek Baptist Church’s core values can be found in our initials, MCBC:

Mission minded

Christlike character

Biblical authority

Caring relationships