Values

Crafted values help us review and evaluate our corporate and individual lives. Values describe what is important and primary. A value should have corresponding practices.

  • To be a devoted and loving people (Matt. 22:37-40; Matt. 5:44; John 13:34-35);
  • Communion with God: sharing in the relationship of the Trinity (John 17; II Cor. 13:5; Psalms; Eph. 2:19-22).
  • Reconciliation: loving, unified, relationships. Among other identities, the Church is a community united in Christ and must make every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Ps. 133; John 13:34-35; Acts 2:42-47; Phil. 2:1-11; Ro. 12:1-21; Eph. 4:3).
  • Servant Leadership - honoring others above ourselves; raising others up (Mk. 10:41-45; John 13:1-17; Phil. 2:1-I Pet. 5:1-7).
  • Honoring the Body of Christ - “all who call upon the name of the Lord, their Lord and ours” (I Cor. 1:2; John 17; Eph. 4:3-6).
  • Spiritual Formation (Matt. 28:18-20); Eph. 5:1-2; Phil. 2:1-18; Eph. 4:7-16).
  • Honoring all generations & cultures without class or racial distinction (Eph. 2:11-18; Rev. 5:9-10).
  • Recognizing the spiritual gifts and vocation of all believers (I Cor. 12-14; Rom. 12).
  • Equipping every member for the work of their ministry calling (Eph. 4:11-12).
  • Discipleship  (Matt. 28:18-20).
  • Authority: God’s delegated authority through our leaders & Bishop (Matt. 28:18; Mk. 10:41-45; Heb. 13:17; Eph. 4:7-16: ; I Peter 5:1-7).
  • Slowing down – taking time to live in communion with God and others (Psalm 46:10).
  • Simplicity – finding joy in reducing the clutter of material possessions (Luke 8:11-15).

Practices

  • The Daily Office Scriptures; Morning & Evening Prayer: BCP (Book of Common Prayer)
  • Spiritual disciplines: slowing down, prayer, silence, solitude, simplicity, fasting, meditation, contemplation, study, service, submission, confession, worship, guidance and celebration are among the disciplines we seek to practice. 
  • Liturgical worship – Christ, our Passover, is the center of our worship via ancient liturgy
  • Free-form worship gatherings, small and large: non-liturgical expressions including contemporary and spiritual songs, prophetic exchanges, intercessory prayer, and healing prayer often accompany such gathers.
  • Being creative in the arts & the craft of life  
  • Small Group Gatherings facilitating spiritual family and leadership development
  • Friendships through mutual hospitality, availability and vulnerability
  • Serving among the poor (Gal. 2:10) - currently serving Gordon Parks Elementary School, and homeless initiatives.
  • Strategic missions – current nations of involvement are Zambia, Nigeria, Uganda & Jordan
  • Generosity (2 Cor. 9) - “more blessed to give than receive” - St. Aidan's tithes 10% outside Kansas City
  • Caring for one another (John 10)
  • Encouraging the operation of the gifts of the Holy Spirit to edify the Body (I Cor. 12-14; Ro. 12; Eph. 4:7-13)
  • Equipping every member for ministry (serving in the church & the world) (Eph. 4:7-13)