Values
Values matter.
Our values shape our identity and influence our choices. We often underestimate the significant role values play and question the gap between who we aspire to be and our true selves.
Since its inception in 2007, Water City has acknowledged the significance of identifying the values that define who we are.
BELONGING
Jesus starts his ministry by extending the invitation – “Come and follow me.” These aren’t empty words.
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, you are welcome.
While simply being together is not the endgame, we understand that belonging frequently comes before believing. Sadly, belonging is often withheld until belief can be demonstrated. We know that for some, faith in Jesus comes alive quickly, while for others, it develops gradually. There is no “one-size-fits-all” approach for the Good News of Jesus to take root in our lives. We are all in process.
BECOMING
God loves you. Right where you are. Just as you are.
and
God loves you too much to leave you right where you are and just as you are.
Both of the above statements are true. The life of a Christian is marked by change. The Bible challenges believers to fix our attention and affection on Jesus. St. Clare of Assisi rightly reminds us, “We become what we love and who we love shapes what we become.” Each Christ follower is to cooperate with the mysterious work of the Holy Spirit – that of leading, convicting, refining, and renewing. We are like clay in the hands of the Master Potter, being lovingly shaped into the beautiful likeness of Jesus.
STORY
Stories matter. Since the beginning, we’ve used stories to help make sense of the world around us.
Your story matters. Every part of it— not just the accomplishments or highlights, but also the disappointments and broken places. We believe that every single person, no matter how battered by life, is made in the image of God. Try as we may, however, we cannot rewrite our stories on our own. Thankfully, the “Author of Life” produces his best work when he reworks and incorporates our rough drafts into His grand story of redemption.
MOVEMENT
The life of a follower of Christ is marked by both Orthodoxy (correct belief) and Orthopraxy (proper action). In Scripture, we see multiple examples of Jesus exposing the religious leaders who took pride in knowing the “right answers” but failed to live by them. Instead, God’s desire has always been that we believe in what is good and act accordingly. “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8)