We all have values, those things that are important to us, that inform our decision-making and guide us in the way we live our lives. With this in mind the following are the values that inform and guide us as a ministry here at St. Philip as we seek to live out our calling together as the Body of Christ:
Identity (Head) – Connecting people to God through Jesus and His love
Our identity, individually and collectively as a community of faith, is based in Jesus and all that He has done for us. He defines our lives and gives us meaning! And as such we see ourselves and the world differently than we once did. This value is symbolized by a head because as we speak of this truth in love, “we will in all things grow up into Him who is the Head, that is, Christ.” (Eph 4:15)
Community (Heart) – Connecting people to one another as the Body of Christ
As the Body of Christ we have been gathered to live our lives together in community with God and with one another. We don’t have to go it alone, for in Christ we now are part of the family of God. And as such we encourage and uplift each other with God’s love. This value is symbolized by a heart because in Christ we live a new reality, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also must love one another.” (John 13:34)
Empowerment (Feet) – Connecting people to their unique calling in life
Each of us has a calling in this life, not only who we are in Christ through His love, but also who we are to be in Him for the sake of others. It is as we discover our unique gifts, passion and strengths (GPS) that have been given to us that we begin to see how we are to live out this calling. This value is symbolized by feet as Jesus calls each one of us to “Come, follow me.” (Matt 4:19)
Synergy (Hands) – Connecting people to each other in service as the presence of Jesus
No one has all the gifts to do it all in life. We need others to partner with to make up for where we are individually lacking. That is what the Body of Christ is all about – we are better together! We seek to connect people with similar passions to each other and the resources they need to make a difference in our communities and the world. This value is symbolized by hands, as through us, Jesus continues to reach out with His love to a world in need. (Rom 12:5, 1 Cor 12:12)
Impact (Voice) – Connecting people to our world in relevant and transformative ways
Each of us sees the needs in our communities and world and desire to make an impact, yet we aren’t always sure where to begin. It begins by speaking up and sharing the need. As followers of Jesus we seek to step into God’s moving by serving a purpose greater than ourselves in order to change the world one person at a time for the sake of the Kingdom. This value is symbolized by a voice, for God has a message of love that He wants us to share with the world. As we share this Good News, Jesus speaks through us to give hope and bring life to all. (John 3:16-17, Rom 10:17)