Wednesday, January 21, 2009 Vision and Values Revisited

Andrea and I just spent a few days this weekend with other church planters doing some basic training. We used the opportunity to revisit our vision, mission and core values. We also examined our timeline and the important mileposts we need to achieve as we work toward launch.

As we discussed various aspects of what it takes to develop a vibrant and transformative community of believers, we were reminded that there is a lot of work before us. In fact, we're both overwhelmed and excited!

At the same time, we recognize that it's been a long time since we've first strategized with North Point Ministries. This is a great time to develop a vision and express our mission in our own words - to personalize the same mission and strategy we've been communicating but in a way that directly reflects our hearts.

ENCOUNTER'S VISION:
Freeing people to encounter Jesus Christ
To be something out of the ordinary that catches people's attention so they can encounter God (updated 05-01-10)

ENCOUNTER'S MISSION:
Leading people intro a growing relationship with Jesus
To see people moving forward toward a growing relationship with Jesus Christ (updated 05-01-10)

ENCOUNTER'S STRATEGY:
To create opportunities where people are encouraged and equipped to:

• Encounter God - Growing faith through intimacy with Jesus
• Experience Community - Developing authentic relationships by doing life together
• Engage Culture - Transforming people by investing in trust relationships

ENCOUNTER'S CORE VALUES:

• Authentic — We will be real and transparent in our life struggles and successes in order to remove barriers in our personal relationships with Jesus and others.
• Relational — We believe life transformation happens best in the context of personal relationships.
• Relevant — We will speak into people’s lives with the true relevance of Christ in ways that they can experience God through "touchstones" in their life experience and culture.
• Creative — We know there is life in the creative actions of our God and want people to experience that life as a result of all we creatively do through Jesus.
• Intentional — We believe that when we are purposeful and focused in our actions, we stand a much better chance of being able to accomplish significant things.
• Excellent — We will do the very best that we can with what God has given us because excellence honors God and inspires people.

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