Mission and Values

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?”

Values

Christ

  • Truth
    • The “Living” Word of God.
    • Authority and “compass” over all areas of life.
    • Completely relevant for all cultures at all times.
  • Praise and Worship
    • 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
    • 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
    • Recognition that we are interdependent.
    • Open relationships are key: honest, gracious, loving, REAL, genuine.
    • Relationships that go beyond Sunday.
  • Diversity
    • Celebration of multiculturalism.
    • Pursue becoming a church of “the nations.”
    • Conflict is normal-reconciliation intentional.

Cause

  • Prayer
    • Primary means of changing the status quo.
    • Tapping into His Kingdom power.
    • Aligning with God and His purposes.
  • Lost Souls
    • 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
    • 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.
 

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