Values of a LIFE Community
Purpose: Moving each person towards Christlikeness
Vision: To become a church where all are cared for and developed as disciples of Christ
LIFE is an acronym that defines the values of a LIFE Community – below is the biblical mandate, description and practical expression of each element of L-I-F-E.
L: Living for Christ
“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” ~ Colossians 2:6-7
“Living for Christ” occurs through Spiritual Formation: All LIFE Communities will be centered in the Scripture to encourage and develop each member as they further explore the Truth of God’s Word and its’ transforming power.
I: Inviting to Jesus
“Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” ~ Matthew 28:18-20
“Inviting to Jesus” takes place trough Evangelism: Each community will be an “open group”, practicing an “open chair” approach to extending the love of Christ to those around them.
Reproduction: As these empty chairs are filled and a group grows beyond the point of individual love and care, the group will split into two groups. At this point, the trained apprentices would then take over the shepherding and leading of the new LIFE Community.
F: Fellowship in Christ
"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” ~ John 13:34
“Fellowshipping in Christ” takes place when we Care: As the LIFE Community begins simply doing life together, new levels of care are developed and inspired amongst the community. These would include care for one another through prayer, love, sharing of burdens, encouragements, etc.
“From Him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” ~ Ephesians 4:16
Volunteerism: This new found love and care for one another naturally leads to the community volunteering back into the life and function of the church body.
E: Engaged With Christ in Extending His Kingdom
“When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore to send out workers into his harvest field.” ~ Matthew 9:36-38
We each “Engage with Christ in extending His Kingdom” by Extending Compassion: LIFE Communities are encouraged to look around them to identify who is hurting and broken and find ways to extend the love and compassion of our Savior to those who need Him most.
“For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way…” ~ Colossians 1:9-10
Local and Global Mission: Each LIFE community will find a person or organization that is engaged in extending God’s Kingdom on earth and become actively involved in supporting them through the groups ongoing encouragement, prayer, resources, etc.
Reproduction: As these empty chairs are filled and a group grows beyond the point of individual love and care, the group will split into two groups. At this point, the trained apprentices would then take over the shepherding and leading of the new LIFE Community.
For more information please contact Hailey Domeck or Kent Sterchi, 407.423.3441 x1497.
Frequently Asked Questions
LIFE Community Interest Form