Missional Rhythm

In an effort to live out our identity we find it helpful to consider “rhythms” of life that help us express our relational mission. These rhythms are:

Story-formed: We understand, experience and intersect with God’s Story
God has been unfolding his Story since before time began. We believe we are participants in the Story and need to understand it and see how our lives intersect with it. Therefore, we regularly reacquaint ourselves with the Story by interacting with God’s Word. We look for ways and times to tell the Story often. We also take time to listen to others stories and help them find their lives within God’s Story.
(Genesis 1:1-2; John 1:1; Psalm 1; 2 Timothy 3:16-17)

Listen: We will set aside regular times to listen to God both backward and forward
Jesus listened to God in prayer to know his Father’s will. We are also called to listen to God. We listen ‘backward’ by regularly interacting with God’s Word–the Story and the Son. We also believe he speaks today through his Spirit in us and through creation. We spend time actively listening ‘forward’ to hear what God is saying to us today.
(Mark 1:37; John 1:1; Hebrews 1:1-3; John 16:7-15; Romans 1:20)

Celebrate – We will gather together to celebrate God’s extravagant blessings
God’s calls people to regularly celebrate his goodness and grace. We gather weekly as a larger family, and weekly in smaller groups to share stories and celebrate all that God is doing in and amongst us. We invite everyone to these celebrations as a way of displaying God’s glory.
(Leviticus 23; Acts 2:42-47; Hebrews 10:24-25)

Bless – We will intentionally bless others through words, gifts or actions
God desires that all nations–all people–would be blessed through Jesus. And now, as his Body, we believe we live out this mission as we bless others. We intentionally seek God’s direction for who he would have us tangibly bless (add strength to) each week.
(Genesis 12:1-3; John 14:7-9; Colossians 2:9-10; Ephesians 1:22-23; 1 Peter 2:12)

Eat – We will regularly eat meals with others to invite them into the community of God
Meals are a daily reminder of our common need for God and his faithfulness to provide both physically and spiritually. Jesus called us to remember him and his sacrifice for us through a meal. When we eat together, we commune around this truth. We regularly eat meals with those not in our immediate family or circle of close friends, discipling them toward a life of dependence on God.
(Leviticus 23; Matthew 6:11; 26:17-30; Acts 2:46-47; Romans 12:13; Hebrews 13:2; 1 Peter 4:9)

ReCreate – We will take time to rest, play, create and restore beauty in ways that reflect God
After powerfully and joyfully creating the universe, God rested. We were created in his image and therefore were made to joyfully create and rest as well. We regularly take time to rest, play, exercise, and create beauty in ways that reflect what God is like to our community.
(Genesis 1-2:3; Deuteronomy 5:12; Mark 2:23-28; Hebrews 4)