CORE VALUES

(These values characterize our particular church life here at Little Bethel and the vision e feel God has given us. As we seek to keep in step with where God is leading us, we are always growing and changing as a Christian Community).

1. We believe that the Holy Spirit is at work today in the church through spiritual gifts and works of miracles. We encourage and allow opportunity for the working of the Holy Spirit in these ways in an orderly, mutually beneficial manner. We seek fresh ways to exercise the spiritual gifts as a regular, balanced part of our lives.
(1 Corinthians 12:11-14, Ephesians 4, Romans 11)

2. We believe in the importance of Evangelism and Social Action in our ministry and outreach. We are commanded in scripture to preach the Gospel of the Kingdom and to baptize, as well as to minister to the poor and oppressed. We believe in holistic ministry to the whole person; spirit, soul, body and relationships.
(Matthew 28:19-20; James 1:27)

3. We affirm with the apostle Paul that all are equal in Christ Jesus regardless of race, class or gender. We seek to live this out in our church life. We seek to live this out in our church life.
(Galatians 3:28; Acts 2:17-18)

4. We affirm women in all aspects of ministry and leadership in the church. "There is neither male nor female in Christ."
(Galatians 3:28)

5. We desire as a Christian community to create a safe, non-threatening place where people will feel welcomed and loved as they investigate the Christian faith and seek solutions to their problems.
(Luke 7:36-50)

6. Our goal is to be church in a "non-churchy" way, exploring new ways of being the church in a culturally relevant way.
(1 Corinthians 9:19-24)

7. We have a strong commitment to ministering to the needs of East Hamilton where God has planted us.
(Matthew 5:15-16)

8. We welcome children in our midst. We want parents to feel comfortable bringing their children here and that it will be a place where they are accepted as an important part of the life of the church.
(Matthew 19:13-15; Mark 10:13-16)

9. At Little Bethel we do not tie adult baptism by immersion to membership. If someone has been baptized as a child and this is valuable to them, then they can bbecome members upon the confession of their faith. They are encouraged to be baptized as adults when they are ready.

10. Little Bethel has a commitment to making small groups a main emphasis in the church and the vehicle through which people can experience Worship, Community/Fellowship, Teaching/Discipleship, Minstry adn Evangelism, Nuture and Pastoral Care.
(Romans 16:3-5; 1 Corinthians 16:19)