Mission, Vision & Values
Mission
Our mission at New Life is simple… We exist to:
BRING
To bring people into a loving relationship with Jesus
BUILD
To build each other up for the purpose of the Gospel
SERVE
To serve in our calling
Our Vision
Our vision at New Life Church is to leverage our resources to start, restart, and revitalize Jesus-centered, active churches in every Kootenay community by 2035.
We believe in the power of community transformation through the Gospel, and we're committed to ensuring that every city and town in the Kootenays has access to vibrant, life-giving churches that make a lasting impact.
Values
Pioneering
We won't be afraid to tread first on new terrain with faith alone for the next steps of God's calling.
Just because no one else is doing it doesn't mean we won't – as long as we are prayerfully obedient and not in sin.
The pioneer always has to work a little harder, has to be a bit braver, and be willing to go – even if none have gone yet.
Scripture: Jeremiah 29:11
"For I know the plans I have for you"—this is the Lord's declaration—"plans for your well-being, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." (CSB)
Equip the Called
You don't need to have it all figured out for God to use you. We train in the field.
Cleaning up your life is not required to come to Jesus. He calls you first, and then the process of "figuring it out" happens afterward. God doesn't need our abilities – just our obedience.
Scripture: Revelation 22:17
“Both the Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ Let anyone who hears say, ‘Come!’ Let the one who is thirsty come. Let the one who desires take the water of life freely.” (CSB)
Vision Forward
We are good stewards of our resources and we do a lot with a little.
We'll be sure to honour God to the best of our abilities, using the blessings He's given us without waste. At the same time, God lives outside our comfort zone. Following Him naturally comes with discomfort. At times, that means His calling is based on His resources and not ours. So, in faith, we'll follow.
Scripture: 1 Peter 4:10
“Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve others, as good stewards of the varied grace of God.” (CSB)
We Don't Take Ourselves Too Seriously
Why can't it be fun? We have faith, and also humour.
The work of ministry is a serious and important thing. Nothing matters more. However, we won't become sticks in the mud. God gave us laughter and joy. We'll be sure to have these present in our ministry work.
Scripture: Matthew 11:29-30
“Take up my yoke and learn from me, because I am lowly and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (CSB)
Radical Grace
We will be a refuge for restoration. God meets you where you're at, but He doesn't leave you there.
You're never too far gone to be outside the bounds of God's love. Grace is getting what you don't deserve. Where you're going is the focus, not where you've been. There is an expectation that if you meet with God, life won't be the same. Stagnation isn't something God is into. Where you are is not where He'll leave you.
Scripture: Romans 8:38-39
“For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (CSB)
Scriptural Integrity
We won't shape the scriptures to our lifestyle, but rather have our lifestyle be shaped by the scriptures.
If you don't bend your life to the Bible, you'll try to bend it to fit your life. Sometimes, scripture is uncomfortable, but it's the Word of God, and we can't change that. Scripture is the ultimate authority. We work our best and hardest to understand and apply it for what it says – not what we want it to.
Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:16-17
“All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” (CSB)
Happily Inconvenienced
Just because it's not on our schedule, that doesn't mean it's not on God's.
We allow Holy interruptions and bring our best attitude into every situation. We have ideas for the day, and how things should be. Sometimes, we're not as in sync with the Holy Spirit as we think we are – that's okay. Just gracefully pivot when you realize that's you.
Scripture: Isaiah 55:8-9
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, and your ways are not my ways.” This is the Lord’s declaration. “For as heaven is higher than earth, so my ways are higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (CSB)