Our Values

Our Mission

Journeying as a community in Christ.touching lives with His love.

Journeying Together

Living is a journey, not a destination. This life journey with God needs nurturing to grow, and together we will travel as supportive and caring witnesses to the Word.

Hebrews 12:1 - Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

• We learn the Bible together - hearing, studying, and applying God's Word to our lives
• We grow together - striving to become more like Jesus as we connect with God and each other
• We partner with each other - because we know we can do more together than we can alone
• We recognize that everyone is at a different juncture in their faith journey - we encourage one another to take steps to deepen and enrich their faith at their own pace
• Living out our faith is a journey, not a destination - our journey together continues until we reach our heavenly home . and then our journey begins anew

Engaging Experiences

Our loving God is seeking to connect with us. His Word is the foundation of our connection with Him, and through His Spirit, we offer relevant, up-to-date experiences that touch hearts and lives and build our connection to God and each other.

Ephesians 1:18-19a - I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe.

1 Cor. 9:22b-23 - I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. 23 I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.

• Our community is powered by God - His love, His energy, and His light nourishes, sustains, and energizes us so that we reflect and release that love, energy, and light in numerous directions
• We engage hearts and minds through innovative experiences - in worship, music, Bible studies, fellowship, and small groups - which praise God and connect us to Him and one another
• We provide numerous opportunities for application of individual talents - through classes, networking relationships, worship, mission and service work, and small group activities
• We anticipate, adapt, change, and progress so we never stop sharing the love of Christ in fresh, relevant, and enriching ways
• Everything we do is designed for maximum impact - to touch people in meaningful and life-changing ways, all for the sake of His glory
• We look to the future - faith is always God-pleasing and always moves us forward

Being Christ-Centered

Christ is the Word who became flesh to give us life. Everything we do is from Him, for Him, and with Him.

Philippians 3:8 - What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ .

Ephesians 3:17b-19 - And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power together with all the saints to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge - that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

John 14:6 - Jesus answered, I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

• Our community exists for God - for His plans, His purposes, His glory
• Faith in Jesus Christ is our core - His love for us motivates us to love others and live lives of significance for Him
• GVLC is a place where people experience God
• Every program, worship service, and activity is focused on pleasing God
• Every class and Bible study is designed to help us become more and more like Christ
• Our programs and activities focus on a practical application of God's Word to everyday living
• We take pleasure in having God on our minds, in our hearts, and a part of our conversations
• Everything we do is based on God's Word, which shapes our beliefs and actions
• We believe the Word of God is culturally relevant
• We are passionately motivated by knowing the truth that Jesus Christ is the hope for our world

Discovering Significance

Every human being is uniquely designed by God with special gifts and talents. Together we discover and develop these gifts and talents and align our God-given design for His purpose and maximum significance.

Romans 12:6a - We have different gifts, according to the grace given us.

2 Peter 3:18 - But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.

• We value the unique God-given talents and gifts of every Christian in order to discover opportunities to serve God and others
• Our programs, worship, and activities are designed to help people progress in their faith journey and discover their spiritual gifts and talents
• We believe that each person is uniquely designed by God. Every member of our community is encouraged to discover and align their God-given design with their individual talents, interests, and needs.
• As we apply our God-designed significance, we work in unity to serve His purposes, reach others for Christ, and serve God and others in our community and throughout the world

Embracing Each Other

Every life-journey has times of joy and struggle. God has touched our lives so that during these times, we might hold each other close, celebrating joys and sharing struggles.

Romans 12:15 - Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.

Matthew 5:16 - In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

• We believe that all people matter to God
• We express, display, and demonstrate Christian love in relationships with others
• We rejoice when members in our community prosper and succeed. We are thrilled when God allows us to have a small part in the great good He is doing for them.
• We provide a refuge and support system for our community. We provide compassionate care and support for those in need.
• We believe people grow best in their relationship with God when they are connected and in relationship with other Christians.
• We value authentic, heart-felt, honest friendships
• GVLC is a community of open hearts, open minds, and open eyes