Overview
If you have not yet read our Vision & Mission statements, then please start there. The article below is better understood with that context in mind, as we'll break down the individual pieces of the two statements.
In order to understand our values, one must first understand where they originate. Unlike many secular organizations, our values are not based on our human experiences, sensations or sentiments about what might feel right, or even what modern culture may say, as we believe those sources are imperfect and can be misleading. Rather, our values come from the inerrant word of scripture.
We believe that the Bible, 66 books verified in canon, are the divinely inspired and inerrant word of God. These have been preserved over the years in ways that humans could not have coordinated over thousands of years.
Fully Surrendered
We wholly depend upon the power of the Holy Spirit – made available to us through faith in Christ – to entirely transform and continually grow us.
"I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing."
John 15:5
Authentic Relationships
We forge deep, authentic relationships and communities in which all people can be fully known and experience the grace and transforming power of Jesus Christ.
"But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin."
1 John 1:7
Courageous Faith
We live and declare an unashamed allegiance to the biblical, historical, and orthodox truths of the gospel no matter the cost.
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes..."
Romans 1:16-17
Missional Living
We deploy our lives, resources, and gifts for God's glory and the advancement of the gospel.
"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."
1 Corinthians 10:31
Values Seen In Our Vision & Mission
Let's use scripture to break down DCCA's Vision & Mission statements. First, our vision makes a pretty broad aspirational statement about what we feel called to become. We first must acknowledge that our vision is a lifelong endeavor.
The Body of Christ in Unity
Paul talks about how the body of Christ is the church. Not a building mind you, but rather the collective inseparable body of all believers, the people:
"Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it." – 1 Corinthians 12:27
We also see truth of how we are to be in unity with other believers in the body of the church:
"I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought." – 1 Corinthians 1:10
Of course, the key here is to let God's love do the heavy lifting, since we humans have no control over who is or isn't convinced of scriptural veracity:
"My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends." – John 15:12-13
Being Transformed by God
Finally, we are called to be transformed by God, not by the world:
"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." – Romans 12:2
Our Mission in Action
We can also examine the Mission statement, which is a collection of activities that all roll up to one theme – conveying truth. Only God's word can cut through opinions to distinguish between right and wrong, meaning that scripture is still alive and applicable today:
"For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." – Hebrews 4:12
Love with Truth
We also hold dear to the act of conveying love with truth. This is tricky today, as the culture has taught us to live in the extremes, and reflexive with our judgements rather than reflective. So much of today's culture now equates the word love with the word acceptance. We know however that true care and a desire to love deeply isn't saying what makes someone comfortable, but rather can include admonishment that may be hard to hear. These equally hard truths come out for someone when you truly care about them, and show actual love.
The Good News!
We also know that the story doesn't end with hard truths, but rather redemption! There is amazing news on the other side of those hard truths about how wonderfully and intentionally made each and every person is. It is God's design and desire to know each of us intimately, including you.