Sights and Insights
I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us then who are mature be of the same mind; and if you think differently about anything, this too God will reveal to you. Only let us hold fast to what we have attained. Brothers and sisters, join in imitating me, and observe those who live according to the example you have in us. – Philippians 3:14-17 (NRSV)
As you may have heard, we will be having a strategic planning survey over the next few weeks. The goal of the survey is to help give a sense of direction as we transition back to longer-term ways of doing things. Among the concrete goals of this process will be to identify some core values of the St. Matthew community. Some of the questions in the survey will ask you to identify some core values. This may be a new way of thinking about a sense of congregational identity for some people, and so it may be hard to think of what counts as a core value.
Core values are guiding principles for the life of the congregation. Any decision made should take those values into consideration, seeking a clear sense of how that decision reflects those values. The core values reflect what the organization stands for and how it intends to live out its commitments.
To help give a sense of what core values might be, here are the six core values that the New Jersey Synod lists, along with its explanation of the values (you can find this on the Synod website).
FAITHFULNESS
Rooted and nurtured in relationship with God through Word and Sacrament, we follow Jesus for the sake of the world. Daily prayerful discernment and striving for excellence in discipleship move us forward into God’s future.
GENEROSITY
To live is to give. Giving beyond expectation or reason can reflect the grace and compassion of the One in whose image we are made.
RESPECT
This is about justice: justice for each child of God, honor especially for the least, and respect in all relationships so that they are life-giving, grace-filled, safe, and create peace, as the Creator intended.
DIVERSITY
All of God’s children together express the wonder and majesty of creation. Life in community, fully and richly inclusive and marked by unfailing hospitality, is a sign of God’s Kingdom.
CHANGE
The Gospel is about transformation, stirred by the power of life over death. Hope-filled people can change; hopeless people cannot.
INTERDEPENDENCE
Synod literally means to walk together. Our journey together is experienced as accompaniment, committed to collaboration, marked by multiplication, and blessed with synergy as we engage in God’s mission.
What do you see as the core values of your faith? What do you see as the core values of St. Matthew as a community of faith? Hopefully this example can help you think about what you see as core values of your faith and our community. From there we can begin discerning what values mark St. Matthew and will guide its decision-making.