Our posture in community
Our posture is open and biased towards the other. practically This means we are intentionally available to one another and live in proximity to one another.
This results in:
a. A community of hospitality
b. A community of Welcome
c. A community of Intersection (3rd space)
d. A community of sacrifice:a life lived intentionally for the other
Our actions in community
Our actions are expressed in the open table of welcome. We recognize that for many, people need to belong before they believe. Therefore we intentionally:
a. Extend the arm of friendship to all who come.
b. In mutuality we recognize the intrinsic value and worth our friends share with us as people who are created in the image of God. We offer them a seat at the table.
c. Foster a community of Love. Life lived sacrificially with regard to our actions towards each other and tangibly in acts of justice outwardly in our neighbourhood. (Guard each one’s dignity song)
Our voice in community
For many, to be heard is akin to being seen. This foundational need is often overlooked in our neighbourhood and sadly it is often overlooked in many people’s faith journey. We are spoken to without being heard. Our voice in community starts by listening.
Understanding this we have a bias of:
a. Open and robust dialogue. Particularly open and honest about doubt and struggle in the context of our faith journey.
b. Unapologetic Gospel dialogue. Recognizing that to be truly seen and heard is found in the person and work of Jesus Christ.
c. When we are both seen and heard we are free to worship unapologetically.
d. This type of speech results in an environment of acceptance and fosters honest and authentic spiritual and community formation
Our authority in community
As a local Church our guiding authority is derived from:
a. Being solidly grounded in the Biblical scriptures
b. Rooted in the history of the church
c. Expressed sacrificially in community
Our power in community
Our power in community is sourced in the sacrificial death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. It is his spirit in us that enables all of what we do.
In practice that means we are:
a. A praying community
b. Connected and empowered in the Spirit as the body of Christ represented on the DTES