As a church, there are certain values that we hold true and of great importance. These values are measurements of every aspect of our church, our ministries, and our actions. Though these values may be expressed in various ways, these values must remain as our foundation in the philosophy and practice of Redeemer Community Church. Gospel-centered Teaching
The central message of Scripture is the beautiful story of redemption found in the person and work of Jesus Christ. All of Scripture points to Jesus and His sufficiency for all areas of life. Therefore, faithful exposition of Scripture is essential to our spiritual health and growth. Scripture should be ingrained in the fabric of every aspect of our church and our lives. Gospel-centered preaching provokes us to seek worship, community, service, and mission. (Is. 55:10-11; 2 Tim. 3:16-4:5)
Gospel-centered Worship
The end of all matters is the glory and renown of God. Therefore, our worship is to encourage us, but ultimately it is to exalt God. Gospel-centered worship means that worship is centered on the glory of God, not the preferences of man. Through the Gospel, we are free to enter into the very presence of God. Worship is our response to God’s revelation of Himself. Worship cannot be limited to a particular place or time. Our lives are the very expression of our worship. (Is. 6:1-8; Ps. 145; Col. 3:1-17)
Gospel-centered Community
Though we are called to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, that relationship is neither individual nor private. The Christian faith is not to be lived in isolation. As the Church, we are the Body of Christ; individual members united together through faith in Christ. We were created for community and connection with God and with others. Our church is not merely a place to attend, but a people to whom we belong. In other words, we “do” life together. (Acts 2:42-47; 1 Cor. 12:12-31; Heb. 3:12-13)
Gospel-centered Service
Service or ministry to others is the overflow of worship and community. As we recognize the grace and mercy extended to us through the Gospel, we want to extend the same grace and mercy to others. Following Jesus is not limited to believing what He said, but includes doing what He did. Jesus went to the lost, the hurting, the broken, the outcast, the needy, the forgotten, and the unlovable. If we want to be like Jesus, then we must serve others in humility and sacrifice. (John 13:1-20; 2 Cor. 8:1-9:15)
Gospel-centered Mission
The command given to the Church is to “Go and make disciples of all nations.” Therefore, we must go from the doors of our homes to the streets of Oneonta, to the surrounding areas of Blount County, to the nations proclaiming the Gospel. As followers of Jesus, we are called to missional living. In others words, missions does not merely occur on short-term or long-term mission trips, but missions occurs in our homes, at our work, at our school, among those with whom we have daily interaction. We were redeemed for this purpose: to make much of Jesus within your spheres of influence. (Matt. 28:18-20; Acts 1:8; 2 Cor. 5:11-12)
