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OCC Values
A Commitment to Biblical Authority
We believe the Bible is GOD’S1 inspired Word, the divine and only rule for Christian
faith and practice. The words of Scripture take precedence over church traditions
or human opinions. We are committed to equipping believers, in a way that
ministers grace and urges obedience in every sphere of life, through the clear,
accurate and expository preaching and teaching of GOD’S Word.
(2 Timothy 3:16-17; James 1:22-25; Acts 2:42-47)
A Commitment to Prayerful Dependence
We believe in the necessity and effectiveness of private and corporate prayer,
understood as conversing with the Father. Prayer is the life-line with our
all-powerful GOD. It is a key discipline in our relationship with GOD empowering
the believer to fulfill his or her calling of GOD. We depend on prayer in the
conception, planning, and execution of all our ministries and activities.
(Philippians 4:6-7; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18; James 5:13-18; Acts 2:42-47)
A Commitment to Passionately, Authentic Worship
We desire to acknowledge GOD’S supreme value and worth in our personal lives
and in the corporate worship of our church. We believe worship to GOD is not
restricted to a single form, but rather is expressed in accordance with our personal
gratitude of and praise to GOD. We must maintain sensitivity to how GOD directs
an individual to respond in worship to GOD in the corporate setting, recognizing
that worship is our response to GOD’S work in our life. This includes the
expression of our gifts and talents for the Kingdom of God, and surrender to HIS
will. (John 4:24; Romans 12:1-2; Acts 2:42-47)
A Commitment to Experiential Grace
We believe no one can earn GOD’S grace, it is a free gift given out of HIS love. In
the same fashion that GOD is willing to accept anyone who comes to HIM, we
strive to maintain a “come as you are” attitude. Recognizing that each one of us
has flaws, and GOD’S grace is at work in us, the church labors to be a non-
judgmental extension of GOD’S love and grace.
(Ephesians 2:8-10; Romans 2:11; James 2:1-13)
A Commitment to Intentional Evangelism*
We believe that lost people matter to GOD, and, therefore, ought to matter to the
church2. We will make every effort to intentionally develop relationships with
unchurched and lost people sharing with them the Gospel of Jesus Christ and
growing them into maturity in their relationship with GOD. Further, we will
maintain a sensitivity to the leading of the Holy Spirit to share the Gospel of
Jesus Christ at other opportunities. (Matthew 28:18-20)
A Commitment to the Headship of GOD
We believe the effectiveness of our ministry is based upon the placement of GOD
in the forefront of all we do, as the first and final Authority. Our chief focus is
on the will of the Father, not that of man. Our entire premise is that we must
operate in obedience, through surrender and submission, to the will of GOD. We
desire to keep in step with GOD, not run ahead, behind or in a direction other
than what GOD desires. We are in complete dependence upon GOD for the
direction, ability, and power in accomplishing HIS purposes for our lives.
(Ephesians 5:23-24; John 5:19)
A Commitment to Spiritual Growth
We believe that each one who has entered into a personal relationship with
Jesus Christ is called to mature in that relationship, becoming more like Christ.
This process includes the discovery and freedom to exercise those natural talents
and spiritual gifts which the Holy Spirit has given to the individual believer. We
believe that a direct result of our growth in Christ is a resultant growth of GOD’S
Kingdom, in this church and other local bodies.
(2 Peter 1:3-8; Ephesians 4:11-16; Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 2:42-47; Hebrews 5:11-14)
A Commitment to Authentic Relationships
We believe that the spiritual journey was never meant to be done in isolation,
rather within community. Therefore, we desire to intentionally cultivate deep,
abiding relationships with GOD, believers in the body of Christ, and those who are
part of a lost and dying world. Our objective is authentic, real and intimate
relationships of accountability which emanates GOD’S love, grace, and truth. This
is accomplished through intentional investment of time and openness with one
another.
(Hebrews 10:24; 1 Corinthians 12:12-27; 2 Corinthians 6:11-13; Acts 2:42-47)
Footnotes:
*denotes an aspirational goal, which we will be striving to integrate into the regular life of the church
1. The utilization of the all capital “GOD” is a symbolic representation of the triune Godhead, all inclusive of: 1) the Father,
2) His Son, Jesus Christ, and 3) the Holy Spirit.
2. Value statement of Willow Creek Community Church, South Barrington, IL
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