Values
At the core of every church is Jesus’s command to go and make disciples. How that command gets lived out in the life of each individual church is very different. We are excited to share with you the core of who God is calling us at Great Oaks to be as we live and love our community. It is out of this core that all of us are empowered to live out the Gospel of Jesus at work, in our community, and homes.
Core Values
Unassuming Authenticity…
Because we genuinely love people the way they are
The heart of the Gospel is Jesus died for everyone
We want to give everyone space to experience the love of Jesus
We lead with grace and compassion to be open to what we don’t understand.
”Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. “
“And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart.”
Unimaginable Transformation…
Because Jesus loves us too much to let us stay the same
- The Gospel is the power to change all hearts
- Transformation can happen when and where we least expect it
- Following Jesus is a lifetime of growing through the transforming power of the Holy Spirit.
Unhindered Faith…
Because Jesus calls us to live courageously
- Jesus promises us peace not ease
- We will take courageous steps of obedience because we are not alone
- Living an unapologetically Gospel-focused life requires Spirit-led faith
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.”
“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.”
Unending Development…
Because every person has a God-given purpose
- Every one of us is a unique individual with unique talents, skills, and gifts
- A community that invests in and develops the next generation of disciples
- Understanding our unique purpose requires a community around us
Untamed Excitement…
Because fun over time builds relationships
- True celebration is driven by the joy we find in our relationship with Jesus
- Throwing parties for the community matters because it builds bridges to the Gospel
- We want to celebrate what God celebrates (new life, steps of faith, baptisms, etc.)
“We were filled with laughter, and we sang for joy. And the other nations said, “What amazing things the Lord has done for them.” Yes, the Lord has done amazing things for us! What joy!”
“For they have given a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she has.”
Uncommon Generosity…
Because God can do a lot with a little
- Our generosity to others is rooted in our gratitude for God’s grace in our lives
- We will be generous with time, money, facilities, and talents
- We strive to offer generosity that exceeds the expectations of others
