Important Update:
We will be moving to only online services through the end of January.
CRC's Values and Priorities during this challenging time.
Emerging Core Values
- Humility – in the midst of an unprecedented situation, none of us are experts, and we should be wary of too much certainty or confidence. Instead, this situation provides a great opportunity to model Christian humility in the spirit of Isaiah 55:8-9 and Philippians 2:5-11.
- Patience – regardless of when we meet together again in large groups, we are the church and God is God. Therefore, we can be patient. In a culture that has grown to value instant gratification, we can model counterculture patience. We don’t have to rush anything as though our identity is at stake. We can be patient with a reopening process that is slower and more clunky than we’d prefer. We can live into Hebrews 10:25 in a multitude of other ways.
- Flexibility – flexibility for two reasons: (1) because none of us have ever done this before. We are having to rethink how we “do church” and we’re making it up as we go. We have to be flexible and graceful in the face of new experiments. (2) because this thing could change rapidly as things evolve, and it could change in either direction: further opening or further closing. We need to be flexible as we experiment, learn, and adjust.
- Grace – we want to extend grace to one another as each person has a different view of what’s safe and what ought to happen. We have an opportunity to live into 1 Corinthians 8:9 by making sure our sense of freedom is not a stumbling block for others. We need to understand that different perspectives are legitimate and be careful not to judge others for the approach they feel they must take—an approach that is undoubtedly evolving.
- Sacrifice – in a culture that idolizes self, we have a tremendous opportunity to think and act on behalf of others. If Christ could carry a cross, we can certainly wash our hands more often and wear masks once in a while.
- Unity – we live in a hyper-partisan world. In the first few weeks of this new situation, it seemed like the pandemic might help bring us together. However, the last few weeks have proven otherwise. We have an opportunity to model something different—in the words of Paul, to “lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” (Eph. 4:1-3)
Ministry Priorities
- Relationship – we are made in, through, and for relationships. This time has led to increased isolation. We want to foster relational connection as best we can, even if we cannot get together. Moreover, we want to foster relationship with God through various means
- Discipleship – Although our Sunday morning gathering is vital to our life together and we long for its return, we also know it serves a greater purpose: making more and better disciples of Jesus. We can still be doing many other things to serve that purpose. In fact, this is a great time to challenge any mental models wherein the church is a building.
- Communication – the whole body suffers if there’s a lack of communication. Even if we don’t know the path forward, we can communicate that ambivalence. Moreover, communication can help craft the narrative. We all tell ourselves stories about how things are unfolding. It’s important to tell gospel-centric, empowering stories.
- Outreach - this pandemic has provided the opportunity for us to see ourselves and at times to confess our tendency toward our own self-interests and self-preservation. This is a time in which God is calling us to serve others, to be sensitive to the needs of those around us and to act. "Whatever you do to the least of these, you do unto me." (Jesus)
- And of course: God’s Word. We want it proclaimed and taught in as many ways and places as possible. How can we exalt God’s Word at this time?