VISION
MISSION STATEMENT
We seek to be a “city within a city”* (an alternate Chicago) that passionately loves Jesus CHRIST, intentionally engages in authentic COMMUNITY, radically advances the CAUSE of Jesus.
*The imagery of a “city within a city” comes from the words of Jesus in Matthew 5:14-16. Jesus tells his followers that they are a “city on a hill” whose visible behavior, character, and lifestyle shines out and shows the rest of the world the glory of God. What does it mean for Christians (the Church) to be a “city set on a hill” that the world can see?
It means that we are to be an alternate city in every city (New Community’s desire is to plant alternate “cities” locally and globally), a countercultural, alternate society of people who model the way life works in the kingdom of God. The implications are far reaching! This is more than just gathering for meetings—to hear a sermon, sing a few songs and go home. Being an alternate city means we ask, “What should we look like as a church?” If we are going to be an alternate city within a city, the makeup of the church ought to reflect the makeup of the surrounding city! We are to reach out and bring into our Christian communities all kinds of people (racially, culturally, socio-economically, etc.) in the city. Being an alternate city means that we model alternate ways of doing life. Again we ask, “How do we use our money, sexuality, and power? How do we treat the poor? How do we think of art, commerce, and education?”
VISION STATEMENT
The writer of Proverbs wrote, "Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint" (29:18). Because of a lack of a clear vision and God-given calling for their lives, many in my generation are lost and perishing. It is this reality and the burden to see it change that has given birth to the vision of a multiethnic church plant that will reach the young people of Chicago-land area.
We envision a church that will be intentional about sharing the good news of Jesus Christ to thousands of unchurched young people from all different ethnic backgrounds in the greater Chicago-land area, many of whom will accept Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.
We envision a church that will be committed to developing our people-new believers as well as growing believers-into becoming functioning followers of Jesus Christ, living out the Great Commission daily in their homes, schools, workplaces, and abroad.
We envision a church that will be deeply committed to social justice. We believe that our generation is hungry to be part of something greater than themselves. We envision a church that will be deeply involved in the life and activity of the surrounding communities. We want to be used by God to minister to the homeless, the poor, the fatherless, and widowed. Because God´s heart breaks for them, we want our hearts to be broken for them. We want to be His hands and His feet.
We envision a church that will be committed to seeking genuine reconciliation. We believe that it grieves the heart of God to see barriers among race, class and gender. Because Christ has broken down walls for us, we see a church that will make it a priority to be committed to breaking down dividing walls between people.
We envision a church where worship is Christ-focused, passionate, alive, and relevant. We recognize that we have been created for the very purpose of worshipping Him. We envision worship inspiring our people to desire the very heart of God, seek to glorify His name, and make Him known.
We envision a church that values genuine relationships, and as a result will value small groups. Small groups will be an integral part of building relationships, encouraging one another, and challenging one another to a deeper walk with Christ.
We envision a church that will model the biblical principle of the priesthood of all believers. We believe that every member of the body of Christ has been given unique gifts and talents to serve the church. We see a church where people are helped to discover their gifts, and then equipped to serve in areas that they are passionate about.
We envision a church that will be committed to developing, equipping, and eventually sending out our people as church planters, missionaries, and church workers all over the world- making an impact for Christ and His kingdom!
This is our dream -- this is our vision! When we live out our vision, we will see New Community...Loving CHRIST with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength; Loving one another in the context of biblical COMMUNITY; and loving our "neighbors" (anyone who is in need) as ourselves through holistic CAUSE ministries. We're about CHRIST, COMMUNITY, and CAUSE!
VALUES
CHRIST
- Truth
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- The "Living" Word of God.
- Authority and "compass" over all areas of life.
- Completely relevant for all cultures at all times.
- Praise and Worship
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- We celebrate our new life in Christ.
- Recognition that we were created for worship.
- Passionate, Spirit-filled, diverse expression of God's worth.
- Life Change
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- Embrace the process as people grow at their own pace.
- Embrace the joy and pain of the journey.
- Transformation in an environment of encouragement, and ongoing training.
COMMUNITY
- Authenticity
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- Recognition that we are interdependent.
- Open relationships are key: honest, gracious, loving, REAL, genuine.
- Relationships that go beyond Sunday.
- Diversity
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- Celebration of multiculturalism.
- Pursue becoming a church of "the nations."
- Conflict is normal-reconciliation intentional.
CAUSE
- Prayer
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- Primary means of changing the status quo.
- Tapping into His Kingdom power.
- Aligning with God and His purposes.
- Lost Souls
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- Build intentional relationships with those lost without Christ.
- Adapt to the language and culture of communities we reach.
- A community of faith that "Invest and Invite."
- Social Justice
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- Reflect God's heart for the poor, the homeless, and the marginalized.
- Embrace "holistic" ministry to meet physical, and spiritual needs.
- Participate in the "glocal" obedience of the Great Commission.
