Core Values
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Contextual Brethren Life – We are guided by traditions and values that shape our identity as a Brethren church, but we want to apply these traditions and values in ways that fit our context.
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Prophetic Multiculturalism – We desire to be a community marked by healthy, integrative multiculturalism. This is a prophetic commitment, which looks to the future when those “from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and tongues” give praise to God (Rev 7:9).
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Intentional Christian Hospitality – We open our lives to others, seeking opportunities to provide for their care and safety, just as Christ first sought us. In the same ways that Christ still pursues us, we pursue the total well-being of one another.
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Dynamic Corporate Worship – We recognize worship as a pattern of living in which our whole lives bring glory to God (Rom 12:1); yet we also use the term “worship” to refer to the many activities we engage in when we gather together. Such times together propel us forward into greater commitment to Christ.
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Biblical Spiritual Formation – We are committed to being transformed into the likeness of Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit. We come under the authority of the Bible as we do this, allowing it to change our lives so that we become more like Jesus
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Empowering Servant Leadership – We believe that leadership should be both empowered (by God and by one another) and empowering (by equipping and releasing one another to minister). Following Jesus’ example, leaders at Smoky Row consider themselves servants of both God and the people around them.
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Needs-Oriented Outreach – We are committed to communicating the Good News of Jesus both nearby (evangelism) and farther away (missions). Such outreach focuses on meeting the real needs and the felt needs that people have.
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Kingdom-Building Stewardship – We recognize our responsibility to act as stewards of all that God has given us. The ultimate goal of our stewardship is to extend God’s Kingdom (or reign) throughout creation. This commitment to stewardship extends to all areas of our lives.