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Our Purpose and Values
“The purpose of Autumn Ridge Church
is to develop disciples of Jesus Christ
who love God and serve people.”
The biblical mandate for making disciples is found in these verses:
All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. (Matt 28:18-20)
Jesus’ description of a disciple is found in the following verses:
Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question:
"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?"
Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." (Matt 22:23-40)
Autumn Ridge Church has identified six core values that are essential to making disciples of Christ who love God and serve people. Three values flow from the theme of loving God; three flow from the theme of serving people.
Loving God
Scripture – a disciple who loves God will cherish and obey God’s Word.
Worship – a disciple who loves God will worship Him with daily devotion and corporate celebration.
Discipleship – a disciple who loves God will participate in the spiritual disciplines that yield spiritual growth.
Serving People
Community – a disciple who desires to serve people will value meaningful spiritual relationships with other believers for prayer, encouragement and accountability.
Service – a disciple who desires to serve people will seek to understand their unique giftedness for service and will work to strengthen their skills for ministry both within the church and outside the fellowship.
Compassion – a disciple who desires to serve people will mirror God’s heart for the world, seeking social justice and showing compassion to all of God’s creation.