There are three simple relational values that describe who we are.
All three of these values have come about as we have invested time with one another developing friendships, talking, praying and processing what is important to city ministers.
1. Transformational PRAYER
Prayer that reveals God’s heart, uniting and empowering us to serve.
2. Authentic RELATIONSHIPS
Relationships which are the evidence of abiding in Him and our commitment to relational Christianity.
3. Intentional MISSION
Mission which can be seen expressing the heart of Jesus in practical service to our entire community.
TRANSFORMATIONAL PRAYER
Nehemiah 1:1-11shows us a man of God in prayer. Not just any type of prayer but transformational prayer. This is prayer that moves him out of the comfortable life of the palace into the midst of the distress of his country and countrymen. His love for God so fills his heart that he is willing to be the answer to his own prayer.
Transformational Prayer: Demonstrates our love for God.
Prayer that reveals God’s heart so we serve Him strategically.
Prayer that unites us as leaders in our desperation to seek God for our nation.
Prayer that releases God’s agenda that gives us wisdom and clarity of direction.
Prayer that empowers us to action that accomplishes His will in our lives.
AUTHENTIC RELATIONSHIPS
John 15:12-15 shows Jesus clarifying the type of authentic relationship He had with them and that they are to have with one another. They are no longer servants but friends. Like Nehemiah, these men become friends of God and He reveals His heart and plans for them to carry out.
Authentic Relationships: Expresses our love for each other.
Deepens our relationship with God.
Releases God’s blessings wherever we go.
Express God’s character, heart and purpose.
Identifies us as followers of Christ.
Brings much need healing and reconciliation amongst leaders.
INTENTIONAL MISSION
Nehemiah3:1-32 shows us people motivated by the model of servant leadership shown by Nehemiah. They now share a common vision and have the passion or fuel to press through all kinds of opposition. They work as a team, systematically, with intentional mission until God gives them success and the walls of the city are restored.
Intentional Mission: Serving the city for God.
It expresses God’s heart for every family and part of our community.
Fulfills the purpose of the church to seek and to save that which is lost.
Restores vision to the church to serve in all sectors of society.
Nehemiah models sacrifice that is worth following.
Counts the cost and serves intentionally until the work is done.
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The church though needs to smarten up and just be nice to each other. I’ve been to too many churches that treat each other the same as the world. No, I’m serious. Be nice or don’t go to church. And that’s why I don’t go. So many hearts are aching or absent from church because of what they have gone through. I’m just starting to go back to church but not without my reservations. Comment if you’ve been through that.
Church is like family, and also like the family business. Sometimes you need relational space to grow; sometimes the corporate direction is not all it could be; ultimately, it’s still family. Bend don’t break – keep praying for things to line up with the Lord’s perfect will, try not to become embittered by all the junk in the meantime. transformation is painful.