Grace Bible Church’s values can be expressed in the acronym G.R.A.C.E.
‘G’ - Graceful
(Gospel-centered Discipleship) As believers, we are never outside of the grace of God, because it was won by Christ’s performance and is not dependent upon our own (Philippians 1:7, Romans 5:1-2). Scripture teaches that this grace includes God’s favor and acceptance of us and also His power to transform us. Believers grow and mature through grace, not moralistic self-improvement. Apart from Christ, we can do nothing (John 15:5). Therefore, the church is called to create dependent disciples, not spiritual achievers. The fullness of grace taught in the Bible does not undermine truth, but empowers it; does not excuse us from obedience, but compels it (John 1:17; Titus 2:11). God’s underserved favor toward us includes His loving us by challenging us with truth and moving us toward humility and maturity.
‘R’ - Relational (Community) The gospel reconciles God to man for personal, enjoyable and fruitful relationship. It also reconciles man to man in a way that reflects our new relationship with our Father. This heart of the gospel is lived out as one person loves and cares for another, offering the peace He offers us. We believe, therefore, that ministry which flows from the gospel is done with the hope of building relationship for the purpose of loving each other. Practically speaking, our focus should be on people, not programs; outreach should look toward drawing people into genuine, caring relationships. We are committed to deepening community through small groups and team ministry (Galatians 6:2, 1 John 3:14).
‘A’ - Attractive (Relevant) We are called to be “salt” and “light”; to be in the world without being of the world; to become all things to all men so that by all possible means we might save some (I Corinthians 9:19-23). To bring the gospel to the world around us, as he church is obligated to do, involves two-way communication. It requires that the message not only be given, but that it be heard and understood as well. While we will not compromise the truth we believe is found in Scripture, we are zealous to communicate that truth in a relevant, practical, and accessible way to our modern culture. Since the arts are a window into the soul of our society, we are committed to understanding the art it creates as well as using quality drama, music, and visual arts ourselves to convey the gospel.
‘C’ - Confessing and Conceding (Weakness and Prayer) The gospel generates humble confidence. We are not called to pretend we have our act together, but we are called to total reliance on Christ. Because Christ secured for us the full acceptance and assistance of God, we are able to be realistic and honest about our sinfulness and our weaknesses. We can be assured that His power is not most evident when we are strong and successful, but rather when we are dependent. In our weakness, God is glorified and we become stronger in faith and grow in character. Therefore, confessing our sin and conceding our weakness does not leave us hopeless. In fact, it drives us to be people who pray wholeheartedly and with confidence in God’s power (II Corinthians 12:7-10, Hebrews 5:7, Luke 11:1-14, II Corinthians 4:7, )
‘E’ - Evangelistic (Outward focused) The evangelistic church portrayed in the book of Acts is profoundly deeper and broader than we tend to witness today. Our goal is to pursue that model.
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It was outreaching, not ingrown (Acts 5:42; Acts 6:7). Evangelism was the whole church, not simply a program. The church did not create evangelist programs, but evangelistic people. The gospel was not something to be hoarded for personal comfort but to be spent on others. It was not an event to be possessed by a particular culture or race, but forced the church to cross cultural boundaries. Their goals was not decisions but disciples.
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It was practical and relational. Acts of love, kindness, and mercy were united to the church’s witness. Good deeds and good news were inseparable.
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It was genuine (Acts 6:3; 5, 8). Evangelism was a sincere overflow from the heart, not performance. It was internally not externally compelled. When the good news captures a heart, it’s uncontainable!
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It was corporate (Acts 6:3-4). The whole church, and not just the leaders were involved. All contributed their own gifts in a team effort. Even worship led to evangelism.