Core Values As a church grows in spirituality and fellowship with its church family, certain beliefs begin to form the personality of that church. Sellersburg United Methodist Church believes in the spiritual development of all those seeking to know God. They support each other, serve those in need, and are committed to growing the church with joy and fellowship. By establishing these Core Values, they maintain their focus for the future “To win the unchurched to Christ, to welcome all seekers to the kingdom of God, to disciple for service all who attend, to deploy the laity for ministry and bathed in prayer: all for the glory of God .” 1. The Spiritual Discipline Value: And they were continually devoting themselves to the apostles teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. (v. 42) There are certain disciplines that Christians will want to be devoted to. We will become disciplined in our reading and studying of the Bible, the source and authority of our faith. We will participate regularly in the worship, life, and ministry of the church. We will take Holy Communion often to remember, relive, and re-tell the essence of our faith. We will pray on all occasions for the power of God to be released through persistent prayer. 2. The Supernatural value: And everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles." (v. 43) We are not just another earthly club or organization. We believe in the supernatural. We live in the midst of a spiritual battle. But we know the victory has been won through our risen Lord. Our mission is spiritual and can only be accomplished by the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. We should expect to see God work in mysterious and miraculous ways. 3. The Unity value: And all those who had believed were together, and had all things in common. (v. 44) We are all on the same team. TEAM is an acronym for TOGETHER EVERYONE ACCOMPLISHES MORE. We have only one adversary. Satan. We are all united by our faith in Christ, our vision, our mission, and our core values. When we are all rhythmically paddling the boat, there isn’t time to rock it. To maintain unity we must constantly put the mission of the church ahead of our personal agendas. 4. The Servant value: …and they began selling their property and possessions, and were sharing them will all, as anyone might have need. (v. 45) We are most concerned about others. We serve, we give to any and all who are in need without judging them. Having a servant’s heart, we constantly have an eye on how we can reach the unchurched through worship, outreach, and service. We do this generously and sacrificially. We are not called to do ministry as cheaply as possible but as effectively as possible. Jesus is our example. He said. "I did not come to be served, but to serve and give my life as a ransom for many." His was a costly gift. This is the attitude we are to lead and serve within the church. 5. The Commitment value: And day by day continuing with one mind in the temple. (46a) It costs everything to follow Jesus. At the heart of our response to Jesus Christ is a commitment to make Him Lord of our lives. When we make that commitment, we inherently make another commitment to the Body of Christ. As United Methodists we have vowed to be committed to Sellersburg United Methodist Church with our attendance, our gifts, our service, and our prayers. 6. The Joy value: …and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and having favor with all people. (46b-47a) It is joyful to be a Christian. It is joyful to be involved in the life and ministry of the Church. The church’s atmosphere should be filled with joy and excitement. A boring, lifeless atmosphere does not honor God nor attract the unchurched 7. The Praise value: …praising God… (v. 47a) Our lives are to be an offering of praise to God. The way we live, the words we speak, the attitudes we hold, the thoughts we think are all to bring praise to God. All this is said and done in the church is for God’s glory and praise. If what we do doesn’t bring God praise, it doesn’t need to be said or done. Our worship celebrations are the primary place and time for corporate praise to be given. Because we are praising God, these celebrations must be done in a contemporary, creative, excellent, and authentic manner. 8. The Growth value: And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved. (v.47b) Churches committed to living by the previously stated values will be healthy churches. Healthy churches are growing bodies of Christ. This growth will be seen in new professing Christians, in increased spiritual hunger, in greater numbers of willing servants, and in an increased number of joyful tithers. This will be the result of our commitment to His values and principles.