1J13 Core/Purpose

• by drawing closer to God daily in authentic worship, seeking His anointing and power in our lives
• by letting Jesus draw others into community with us and with Himself, living through us His revealed and experienced truth in our world.

PRAYER
Intimately listening to and talking with the Creator of the universe; Pouring ourselves out, alone and together, into the deep, soul-seeking relationship God wants; Plugging into Him where He's already working; Listening for His gentle whisper as we wait patiently, faithfully and passionately for Him.
-- 1 Kings 19:9-13; 1 Thessalonians 5:17

GOD'S WORD
Reading, studying and planting God's Word into our hearts and community; Emphasizing heart growth (in spirit/stature/character) and head growth (in truth/knowledge/discernment); Daily time in meditation in scripture; Memorizing scripture, making it a part of daily life; Contemplation of the goodness and holiness of God.
-- 2Timothy 3:16-4:5.

WORSHIP
A union of Desires, Experiences, Emotions,Passions, Ideas, Beliefs, Purpose,Knowledge, and Faith combining as they point to the center focus, Jesus Christ; A sacrifice of praise, where I lose part of who I am in awe of who God is; A lifestyle of praise and prayer; Time spent in lifting up Jesus in spirit (mysterious, spiritual) and truth (experiential, knowledgeable); Lifting Him up in my life, allowing Him to draw others to Himself.
-- John 4:21-24; John 12:32; Psalm 8:1-2; Hebrews 13:15-16.

COMMUNITY
Linking together in common goals, values and challenges, yet reveling in and taking advantage of our cultural diversity; Accepting people as they are before Christ, trusting Him to work in and through their lives; Urging each other closer to the overwhelming grace, mystery and power of the Cross.
-- Acts 2:42-47; James 2:1-13; 1John 3:14-17, 4:7-8, 16-21; 1Peter 2:1.

MINISTRY
Recognizing a need to serve God as we grow in Christ-likeness; Grow an environment where all people can be challenged to serve beyond themselves; Encouragement, coaching, mentoring, ongoing training; Discovery of individuals' gifts, abilities and passions, leading them to plug holes no one else can fill.
-- 1Corinthians 10:11-13; 1Timothy 4:7-16; 2Peter 3:17-18.

REACH OUT
Effectively and intentionally meeting people and building meaningful relationships; Hands-on access to people through their needs, real and perceived, and drawing them to Jesus living in us; A by-product of our growth and worship in the Lord.
-- Matthew 25:31-46, 28:17-20.