Our Core Values give meaning to all that we do as the Vineyard Church in Billings, Montana. They drive our purpose, define what is central to us, position the Vineyard in the larger Body of Christ, and remove ambiguity in our mission. Core Values remind us of what we are for, and to what we give our time, energy, and resources, as a Church family.
In the Vineyard, we see Jesus’ teaching on the kingdom of God as the overarching and integrating theme of the Scriptures. We root our theology in these teachings on the kingdom of God, embracing an ‘inaugurated eschatology’ – where God’s beautiful future is breaking into our present experience.
Our lives are not our own. Everything is about Jesus. Very little, if any of it is about me, you or us. God’s plan, revealed in scripture, testifies to the reality that all things have and will work for the reconciliation of creation back to the Creator through the redeeming work of Jesus.
Scripture:
Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation, for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see- such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him. He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together. Christ is also the head of the church, which is his body. He is the beginning, supreme over all who rise from the dead. So he is first in everything. For God in all his fullness was pleased to live in Christ, and through him God reconciled everything to himself. He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of Christ’s blood on the cross.
Colossians 1:15-20 NLT
What this looks like in practice:
• We keep our egos in check
• We purposely think “this isn’t about me”
• We pursue God’s vision, mission and direction over our own
• We are open to the promptings of the Holy Spirit
• We look for Jesus in other people
Our lives are not our own. Everything is about Jesus. Very little, if any of it is about me, you or us. God’s plan, revealed in scripture, testifies to the reality that all things have and will work for the reconciliation of creation back to the Creator through the redeeming work of Jesus.
Scripture:
Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation, for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see- such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him. He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together. Christ is also the head of the church, which is his body. He is the beginning, supreme over all who rise from the dead. So he is first in everything. For God in all his fullness was pleased to live in Christ, and through him God reconciled everything to himself. He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of Christ’s blood on the cross.
-Colossians 1:15-20 (NLT)
What this looks like in practice:
• We keep our egos in check
• We purposely think “this isn’t about me”
• We pursue God’s vision, mission and direction over our own
• We are open to the promptings of the Holy Spirit
• We look for Jesus in other people
As a community created by and for Jesus, our purpose and mission is what Jesus asked us to do—disciple the nations. Each of them and all of them, and yes, even here in Montana.
Scripture:
Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
-Matthew 28:18-20 (NLT)
What this looks like in practice:
• We know our neighbors
• We practice hospitality
• We operate with compassion
• We willingly talk with people about Jesus and what He is doing in our own life
• We go when called
• We invite and include people in the things we do, especially those who don’t know Jesus
• We remain teachable and engaged in the process of becoming like Jesus
Every person matters to Jesus and to us. We want each person to have significant relationships in which they really know each other because no one is disposable. God pursues each of us with passion and persistence.
Scripture:
But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.
-Romans 5:8 (NLT)
What this looks like in practice:
• We focus on belonging and becoming rather than behaving to belong
• We welcome people with hospitality and cheerfulness
• We take the initiative in meeting people
• We make time for people
• We pray for people
• We listen
Stepping into the missional call of Jesus includes being discipled by Him and by others. We work together to recognize selfishness and remove it from our lives as we seek to follow Jesus on the trail he blazed for us. This is a continuing action.
Scripture:
Then, calling the crowd to join his disciples, he said, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me.
-Mark 8:34 (NLT)
What this looks like in practice:
• We see the needs of others before our own
• We recognize that we are in process and so are others
• We don’t make comfort-based decisions
• We remain teachable and are active in being discipled through relationships, classes, and service
• We practice spiritual disciplines to grow in our relationship with God
Grace is the emotion of like that God has for each of us. We want to like each other as well— cheering for, encouraging, being kind to and advocating for people.
Scripture:
Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”
-John 13:35 (NLT)
So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son. He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding.
-Ephesians 1:6-8 (NLT)
Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.
-Romans 12:9-10 (NLT)
What this looks like in practice:
• We are kind
• We withhold judgement and think the best of others
• We are thoughtful and think about what others are going through
• We encourage each other
• We are quick to forgive
• We work to not take offense
• We kill our egos
The economy of God reflects that we get to give. As we seek to align our will with His, we recognize that all that we have is from Him and has a missional role in the Kingdom.
Scripture:
For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford, but far more. And they did it of their own free will. They begged us again and again for the privilege of sharing in the gift for the believers in Jerusalem. They even did more than we had hoped, for their first action was to give themselves to the Lord and to us, just as God wanted them to do.
-2 Corinthians 8:3-5 (NLT)
Heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons. Give as freely as you have received!
-Matthew 10:8 (NLT)
What this looks like in practice:
• We seek the Holy Spirit to direct our resources
• We understand that all we have came from Jesus, and therefore belongs to him
• We give cheerfully and sacrificially to the Church and to people in need
Faith is a community endeavor, and the Body of Christ works when all parts of the body are working in concert with each other. Our presence worshiping together and participation in the life of the Church matters.
Scripture:
Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.
-Hebrews 10:24-25 (NLT)
What this looks like in practice:
• Sundays together are a priority
• We engage in the life of the Church by being with the Church
• We use Small Groups and serving together in ministry to grow as a body of believers.