STATEMENT OF CORE VALUES

Introduction

The Church of the Lutheran Brethren has adopted a Statement of Faith. It states in precise language what we as a church, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and in community with each other, have declared to be our common belief. It is our charter, our constitution, and our most fundamental document. From this statement flows another one, a Statement of Core Values. In it we state our passions and our desires. As the Statement of Faith declares our core beliefs, our Statement of Core Values explains how we desire to live out our faith.

Core Values

The Bible

The Bible is central in our congregations and in our households. The Word of God is the focus of our worship services, the textbook for our teaching ministries, and the foundation of our daily lives. Whether we are preaching, teaching, singing or just talking, we want to be people of the Word.

The Gospel

The Gospel is our treasure and our joy. We want the Good News of God’s grace to us in Jesus Christ to be the centerpiece of our mission. All people need the Gospel. God’s children need to hear it again and again. The Good News is God’s power, which saves us, draws us together and motivates us for service.

God's Law

We revere God’s Law. The Law of God cannot save us, but it is necessary for our salvation. We need to see our sin and be driven to the cross of Christ for forgiveness. We need to be reminded that we cannot earn God’s love or merit His blessings. We need the ethical guidance that God’s Law gives. We dare not make up our own morality.

God's Word and His Sacraments

The Word and the Sacraments are God’s precious means of grace. The Word teaches us, Baptism washes us, and the Lord’s Supper nourishes us. In our sacramental life together we are brought again and again to the crucified and risen Jesus Christ, who alone is the source of our salvation.

Fellowship

We cherish the love and fellowship of God’s people. We need each other. We need the spiritual gifts, which the Holy Spirit imparts to His people. We experience God’s peace as we worship and work together, forgive one another, and bear one another’s burdens.

The Mission Field

We long for people to trust in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, to come to know Him in a personal way. We are called by the love of Christ to share His Gospel. Our mission is as local as our neighborhood and as universal as the whole world

Prayer

We seek to be people of prayer. Whether in public worship, small groups or in our personal lives, we want prayer to be foundational. Prayer supports and propels us in our mission. We desire that prayer be as essential in our ministries as breathing is to our physical life.

Synodical Council
November 2-3, 2006