Core Values

Core Values

Our Core Values affirm what is ultimately meaningful to the Community of Christ. These values express who we are. They are something like our movement's ‘personality profile’ or our ‘theological DNA.’ Our core values communicate the heart of our tradition. With them we declare how our encounter with God has shaped us, and what we sense God calling us to be.

The Centrality of Jesus Christ

Jesus' life, ministry and teachings, his death, resurrection and living presence are the foundation of our movement. Our scriptures and worship point to him; his proclamation of the kingdom has kindled in us a desire for the world’s transformation. [1 Corinthians 8:6]

Connected in Community: The 'Fellowship of the Saints'

Christ’s presence among us forms deep bonds of community. This is evident in the kinship we feel with church members we have never met before. We are a worldwide fellowship knit together by the Holy Spirit. [1 John 1:3]

The Experience of the Prophetic Spirit

The Holy Spirit's power: inspired the prophets, anointed Jesus at his baptism, and empowered the church at Pentecost. The church affirms that the Spirit of God continues to call, challenge, change, and direct us today. [1 Thessalonians 5:19-20]

The Worth of All Persons

Christ’s death for all means that every person is loved by God, no exceptions! The church is called to affirm the worth of people, to be an inclusive fellowship, and to work for human well being in every setting. [Matthew 10:31; John 3:16-17; Romans 15:7]

The Ministry of All Members

We uphold that each member of the community has been called to share in the church's ministry. The Spirit blesses and empowers each one (no exceptions!) with gifts that are needed to bring about God's purposes for the world. [Romans 12:4-8]

The Consecration of Our Whole Lives

We yearn to offer the whole of our life to the cause of Christ. How we treat the world's people and resources, our gifts and talents, our strengths and weaknesses, our possessions and time, matters to God. [Romans 12:1]

The Transforming Impulse

In our church's experience, the Christian life is about more than getting ready for heaven. It is about working with God's Spirit to transform the world into God's kingdom on earth. [James 1:27; Titus 2:11-14]

Expectation of New Things

God continues to surprise us, leading us into new paths of service and revealing new truths about the world, ourselves, and God's work. [Isaiah 43:18-19; John 16:12-13]