Our core values
Establishing proper values is of the utmost importance as it determines how you live out your purpose and vision. In light of this, the gospel is, in a very real sense, our only value. The gospel is the good news that Jesus is the king and saviour of the entire universe. In the gospel, we see ourselves as we really are – far more flawed and sinful than we ever believed; but we also see that God extends love and grace in Jesus so that we are far more loved and accepted than we ever dared to imagine. This new identity in Jesus transforms every relationship, including our relationship with our city. We seek to bring this message to Hamilton as we talk about Jesus, demonstrate the reality of the gospel in service to the city and live as examples of what God can do with human lives.
We are committed to the Bible. The Holy Spirit directs us through God’s Word, the Bible. Scripture is not just a philosophy, worldview, or even a collection of religious truths. It is a beautifully compelling story that invites each of us to be a part of God’s ongoing personal involvement and redemption of His world.
Word Led
We are committed to believing, teaching, and living out of God’s free grace. We are empowered by the Holy Spirit through the Gospel that tells us about the unexpected reality of forgiveness and new life in Jesus through his life, death, and resurrection. This undeserved good news of grace is to inform every movement of our lives as we celebrate in praise and worship of God.
Grace Centered
We are committed to the practice of prayer. Prayer is practical reliance on God to embolden, lead, provide, and protect. It is one of the most important and powerful things we can do as we come before the creator and keeper of the universe to pray for our church and city, asking for a transformation towards peace, wholeness, and renewal.
Prayer Dependent
We are committed to each other. God joins us together in the person and work of Jesus. The death and resurrection of Jesus broke down the walls that separated us from God and others. His gospel now unites us in a community of reconciliation and peace,. The church is, as St. Augustine put it, a “city within a city” that demonstrates what true love, joy, hope, peace, and freedom can look like.
Covenant Community
We are committed to our city. We believe that our church community exists for the good of our city, to celebrate and encourage its many points of beauty and work to serve it in its broken places. We believe the gospel has the power to renew and transform our city. To this end, we seek to be a “counterculture for the common good” of the city as we bring the city of God to the city of Hamilton.
City positive
We are committed to deeper and wider ministry. The church belongs to the city and must reflect its wonderful diversity. Therefore, we desire to plant small groups, chapel sites, and churches throughout our city and beyond.