Values
Values — aka “convictions.”
These are what makes City Chapel unique. The body of Christ is expansive and diverse in Grand Rapids across churches, non-profits, homes, and individuals (Romans 12:4-5), and all of us have our own aspect in the grander mission of God (Matthew 28:16-20). This is who we are in that bigger picture.
Unity &
Reconciliation
"In Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation"
2 Corinthians 5:19
We truly believe that we can achieve much more together than apart. Since we have been reconciled back to God in Christ we are called to share that reality with others.
(art by Joel Schoon Tanis: The Good Syrian)
Desire to
Listen & Learn
"Let the wise hear and increase in learning and the one who understands obtain guidance"
Proverbs 1:5
Connected & Defined — We will be honest with what we believe with convicted civility. All the while, understanding that we don't know everything and learn something from every person and every situation.
Artistry
& Creativity
"For we are God’s craftsmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."
Ephesians 2:10
We want to honor artists and their gifts as a valued offering in the church. To reach people who aren't reached you need to be creative and do what others aren't doing.
(art by Sayde Laine Anderson: How Long, O Lord)
Outward
Focused
"And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’"
Matthew 22:39
Since we believe that it is truly "better to give than to receive," we have a bias toward action. One cannot love their neighbor without doing something about their needs. We call this “Embrace.”
ASPIRATIONAL VALUE
We acknowledge we’re not here yet. We are striving for this by the power of God’s Holy Spirit, learning, growing, repenting where we fall short, and — as with everything — doing this in love.
Revelation 7
Diversity
"After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne"
Revelation 7:9a
We believe that the church should reflect its community. When it strives to truly have every tribe, nation, and person represented it is at its best. The more homogenous your church is the more blindspots to the gospel you have.