Operational Values
for Healthy Leadership Teams

1) Shepherding:

Everybody is cared for by somebody, and nobody cares for more than about 10 people. We are realistic about a leader's limited span of quality care as the group grows larger. We express this in the picture of every person having one hand up (being mentored by a Paul) and one hand down (mentoring a Timothy) (1 Peter 5:2-5; 2 Timothy 2:2)

2) Marriages:

We encourage couples to serve together in ministry as a team. By serving as a team, couples offer their unique mix of spiritual gifts, personality and abilities to that ministry. Serving in leadership should contribute to stronger marriages (Mark 10:9)

3) The Hub of ministry:

Small groups are the hub of everything. We make it a high priority for every member to find and actively participate in a small group. This is where we experience basic Christian community, care for one another and reach out to our community. We believe that lifechange takes place best in the context of a healthy group (Acts 2:42-47)

4) Fewer and Finer Commitments:

We will shepherd our lay leaders so that they do not burn out from over-commitment. We will pay close attention to the unique age and stage of life of each of our leaders. The way we do the work of God should not destroy the work of God in us (Matthew 11:30)

5) Gender Based Accountability:

Men's and women's discipleship groups are sub-sets of co-ed small groups where gender based accountability takes place. At the small group, the men and women can separate into separate rooms for gender specific accountability. Seting up other times for the men and women to meet is also an option if time permits (2 Tim 2:2; Titus 2:3-4)

6) Leader Multiplication:

We multiply healthy leaders, so that we can multiply healthy groups. The primary responsibility of each small group leader is to mentor and develop another leader.

7) Gift Based Ministry:

Small groups provide a relational-leadership-development-environment where every spiritual gift can be exercised for the benefit of God's church. Helping people identify God given spiritual gifts and calling is one of the most gratifying experiences for any leader.

8) Every Member a Missionary:

We equip, empower and enable every Christ follower to impact his/her unique sphere of influence (Matthew 28:18-20)

9) Corporate Worship:

Every leader is expected to participate in weekly corporate worship services (Hebrews 10:24-25). Worship drives everything.

10) Stewardship:

Leaders support the ministry through tithes and offerings. If leaders are not faithful with worldly wealth, why would God entrust them with the true riches, the souls of people (Luke 16:11)?