“We at Whetstone Are Committed to These Values:”

1. The importance of a personal relationship with Christ.
1. No one else can believe for you
2. You must be born again – we believe in heaven and hell, forgiveness and judgement. Receive Christ as Savior, or reject Him. Response of faith is crucial!
2. Scriptural authority.  (“We are a Bible Believing Church”)  2 Tim 3:16-17
1. The Bible is the inspired and reliable revelation of God, completely trustworthy in all matters of faith and practice.
2. God has given us many sources of wisdom and insight (tradition, gifted teachers, common sense) that we ought to develop and pursue, but Scripture stands above them all.
3. Each of us needs to be growing in our understanding and application of the Bible.
3. Worship is our vital response to God’s greatness… acknowledging that He is far greater than we. Hebrews 10:24-25, John 4:23-24
1. While we are traditional in style, we want to be contemporary in spirit.
2. We will gather together weekly, and on special occasions, to give this offering to God.
4. Power of prayer; the only way to accomplish God’s work is by God’s power, and prayer is key. 1 Thes 5:17, Luke 18:1; in the garden, “Watch and pray that you not fall into temptation”
5. Ministry of all believers; each Christian is called by God and powered by the Holy Spirit to do God’s work. The work of God will not be fulfilled unless each of us do our part. Ephesians 4:11-12

6. Congregational structure; God speaks to and through all believers, therefore each one’s voice is important to us. Related to this is congregational autonomy; we will work together and join with other congregations to proclaim God’s Kingdom, but each has its own unique connection to Christ the Head. 1 Cor 1:5-8.

7. Christ’s command to Love one another; we are a family of faith.
1. Every member of the family should be known by name, and feel included.
2. We show special care to those with special needs (i.e. shut-ins, sick).
8. We recognize all congregations that exalt Jesus as Lord to be part of our wider family.

9. Christ’s commission to reach out to our community and world. Mt 28:19-20
1. We will reach out our neighbors and neighborhood in witness, inviting them to join in the family.
2. We will reach out to the poor and needy in Christian compassion.
3. We will reach out to the world in supporting Christian missions.

10. Ministry to children and youth; knowing that the church is always only one generation away from extinction, we value youth and will reach out to youth, striving to bring them fully in to the family of faith.  Matt 19:14