Westview Church Core Values
Core Values are the foundational pillars of a congregation. They identify its DNA while also serving as the compass in guiding ministry endeavors. Core Values are not determined, they are a gift from God, discovered through prayerfully seeking His will for us. They therefore are the non-negotiable factors that are the life, and give life, to the congregation’s ministry efforts. Any congregation can only operate within and from their Core Values. If a Core Value is eliminated or not utilized in ministry, the congregation would lose their core identity and cease being the full expression of who God has created them to be.
The Core Values of Westview Church can be encompassed in one word – R.E.A.L.
The word ‘real’ itself accurately articulates the deep and organic impulses of this congregation. Those who call Westview home are given opportunity and space to interweave their own story into the overarching grand narrative of God’s redeeming work in a way that is genuine, sincere and unpretentious. The majesty and messiness of life and faith are not shied away from, but undertaken with a resoluteness to share experiences, learnings, and growth.
The word ‘real’ used as an acronym succinctly summarizes the four pillars (Core Values) upon which Westview’s life and ministry reside.
• Rooted in Scripture
• Engaged in Mission
• Authentic in Relationships
• Lifelong in Discipleship
These four Core Values communicate the instinctive impulses and deepest desires of Westview Church. They dictate who we are and what we do.
Rooted In Scripture
We believe scripture is…
• the ultimate authority and guide in matters of life and faith
• the revelation of God, God’s will, and God’s redemption as testified in the person and work of Jesus Christ
• inspired by the Holy Spirit, alive by the breath of God, and useful to equip the people of God as participants in God’s Kingdom
Therefore we….
• immerse ourselves in the reading and proclamation of God’s Word in personal and corporate worship and pray for God to continue to speak to us through His word
• utilize the witness of scripture in evaluating our current, and discerning our future, participation in God’s mission
• ensure worship and discipleship ministries teach from a Biblical foundation
At Westview we…
• elevate the proclamation of the Word in worship and encourage worshippers to bring their personal Bibles to worship
• study the Word in Governance and Leadership/Staff meetings
• keep God’s word as a focal point in children, youth, and adult discipleship opportunities
Engaged in Mission
We believe mission is…
• the holistic invitation and call for the people of God to participate in the Kingdom work of reconciliation, restoration, and redemption
• seeking world transformation by communicating through word and deed the gospel about Jesus and the gospel of Jesus
• not something we do, but who we always are
Therefore we…
• understand ourselves to be individually and communally sent by God to witness the Gospel through word and deed
• purposefully pursue and are receptive to opportunities of partnership to foster community transformation
• participate in various efforts of redemption locally and globally
At Westview we…
• utilize our facility and grounds to be a welcoming place for many community agencies
• host the local ministry’s food pantry, free medical clinic, and community garden
• intentionally support a broad range of mission ministries
Authentic in Relationships
We believe relationships are…
• the core expression of being made in the image of the Triune God
• fundamental in the full and continuous development as disciples of Jesus
• provide safe, supportive, and empowering avenues to encounter and engage our active participation in God’s will
Therefore we…
• provide diverse opportunities for personal and communal connection
• extend invitations in multiple arenas to share one’s story
• nurture a culture of respect, acceptance, and belonging
At Westview we…
• promote opportunities to share our stories in worship and other arenas
• have a diverse (socio-economical, age, longevity in the church) congregation
• value the importance of living life together in worship, service, and study
Lifelong in Discipleship
We believe discipleship is…
• the journey of growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ
• achieved by abiding in Christ and evidenced by the manifestation of the Fruit of the Spirit
• a never-ending adventure – guided by prayer and supported by Christian relationships – applicable for all in the pursuit of Christ-likeness
Therefore we…
• provide multi-dimensional opportunities of spiritual growth for all ages
• encourage the depth of our knowledge of faith to be expressed by the tangible action with which we live our faith
• keep the gospel of Jesus at the core of our instruction, witness, and worship
At Westview we…
• provide nursery during Discovery Hour so parents can attend
• emphasize the holistic approach to small groups that includes study, prayer, fellowship, and service
• create teams to not only serve specific ministries but also for team members to grow together as they serve
