Why values matter?

Having, and adhering to, distinctly stated Core Values regarding the beliefs, preferences, attitudes, practices and behaviors that characterize Charter Oak is essential for maintaining a clear and unified focus on the stated mission and vision. This is essential for maintaining a healthy church. These shared values form the convictions that ground and guide what we do as a church. Values clarify what is most important. They describe who we are, unite us in loving relationships, and inspire and energize us toward accomplishing our God-given mission.

We believe glorifying God is central to all we do. Honoring God is essential for living the Christian life and carrying out the mission of the church. Charter Oak strives to glorify God by doing all things well, taking care to ensure a gracious and respectful environment in all areas of ministry.

Charter Oak Core Values

Transformational Biblical Teaching (2 Timothy 2:15; 3:16-17; Hebrews 4:12)

We believe it is critical to stand firm on the authority and inerrancy of God’s Word, the Bible. Sound doctrine is vital for life transformation. We are committed to understanding the Scriptures as accurately as possible through applying sound principles of interpretation, including historical and biblical context, the purpose of the book, grammatical structure and the author’s intent. Authentically communicating the truth of God’s Word, with practical life application, will lead to renewed thinking, living an attractively different lifestyle and becoming better equipped.

Equipping for Spiritual Growth (Matthew 28:16-20)

We believe the God-given mission of the church is to make disciples, who in turn make disciples. Equipping people to grow spiritually, serve effectively and train others needs to be an organized, intentional process for spiritual maturity to result. This is accomplished through strong biblical teaching, connecting people in small groups for training, helping people identify their God-given giftedness, and guiding them to be engaged effectively in serving where they are best designed to minister.

Empowering People for Meaningful Service (Ephesians 4:11-16; 2 Tim. 2:2)

We believe God has designed every believer to minister and to serve. To be a consistently healthy church people need to be released to do ministry and be fully engaged in the mission of the church. This means ministry leaders are to train and prepare others to be actively engaged in using their God-given gifts in serving. We are especially committed to developing people to serve with our children’s ministry, youth ministry, worship teams, hospitality and small groups.

Inspirational Worship (John 4:24; Psalm 100) 

We believe in striving to glorify God in all we do. Worship is one way we glorify God. Times of corporate worship are meant to direct peoples’ hearts to acknowledge the presence and power of the Holy Spirit at work in their lives, to connect us to God and each other in celebration of being part of the family of God. We intend those times to develop an ongoing attitude of worship as we live out our lives.

Praying Boldly (Ephesians 6:18; Ephesians 3:20-21; Hebrews 4:16)

We believe it is imperative we rely on God’s guidance and power. We cannot fulfill the church’s mission on our own. Jesus said He would build His church (Matthew 16:18). Therefore, encouraging and providing opportunities for consistent individual and corporate prayer is essential for the health and proper focus of the church.

Loving Relationships (John 13:34-35; Romans 12:10)

We believe God designed us for relationships and commanded us to love others. We are committed to extending encouragement, grace, love and acceptance to those in the church and in the community. We strive to create and maintain a loving family atmosphere through showing hospitality, hosting social gatherings and connecting people in small groups. We desire to see individuals and families strengthened by the love shared through the people of this church.

Missional Living and Outreach (Gal 5:14; 2 Cor. 4:5, Acts 1:8)

We believe every believer is called to serve other people as Christ modeled serving. We seek opportunities to lessen suffering in this world by showing compassion, extending grace, lending a hand, and loving and serving others wherever we are.  We seek to be God’s hands and feet working in the world as the Holy Spirit leads to advance the Kingdom of God.   Our desire is to prepare hearts to receive the seeds of the hope of God’s love to take root in a broken world.  We believe every believer should be prepared to share the good news of the Gospel as God provides opportunities as witnesses of God’s grace.

Efficient and Purposeful Structures (Exodus 18:13-23; 1 Corinthians 10:31)

We believe in having well-defined leadership and organizational structures that specify how decisions are made and how things will be done. These structures will promote clear communication, an ongoing process of multiplying leaders, developing strategic ministries and offering growth opportunities. Having these structures will enhance our focus on equipping and empowering people to fulfill our God-given mission.