Our Values (original) (raw)

• About Apologetics Index
• About the Apologetics Index Team
• Our Values
• Statement of Faith

The publishers of Apologetics Index hold to the following core values:

1. Kingdom focused
We believe the kingdom is both now and not yet. We believe that God can and does work in supernatural ways in our lives and in our world. Our goal is to build the kingdom of God, not personal or corporate empires. We believe the Church is God’s agent for extending His kingdom.

2. Biblically based and worshipful
We believe in the authority of Scripture. Our approach to the Bible prioritizes transformation over information – we seek to apply God’s Word to real-life situations. We value experience of God in worship, both individually and in community.

3. Grace oriented
We believe in the power of the God’s grace to transform lives, and reject attempts to legislate the Christian life through human rules, especially in gray areas. We embrace diversity, respecting differences of belief in non-essentials. We deal with issues redemptively rather than judicially. We aim at righteousness and emphasize values and principles, avoiding legalism and rule setting.

4. A dynamic view of the Holy Spirit
We position ourselves between the Pentecostal and anti-Charismatic poles of “everybody has to,” “nobody can.” We seek to avoid a theology of excess and a theology of reaction. We hold an evangelical view of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. We seek the Holy Spirit’s empowering without dictating how that should occur.

5. Purpose centered and people minded
We are a mission movement with specific purpose and vision, yet we want to do this in a way that values people and relationships. While serious about accomplishing our tasks, we’re willing to laugh at ourselves, maintaining a light-hearted element to our relationships and gatherings. We are committed to healthy families and value children in our midst.

6. Developmental and gift-based
We believe that each person is a unique contribution to the kingdom of God, and it is our desire to see our staff develop to their God-given potential. We emphasize the process of Life-Long Development (LLD) for leaders, encouraging giftedness discovery, decentralized ministry, inclusion of women in leadership, and discovery and fulfillment of life purpose.

7. Facilitative in Leadership
We have clear lines of authority and a specific mission mandate, vision, philosophy and strategy, yet we are adaptable in how these are worked out, realizing that there are many cultural and personal variables. We are flexible but focused, seeking to empower our staff to fulfill their calling. We are committed to a team approach to ministry.

8. Entrepreneurial
We recognize that church planting is both an art and a science. We strive to do things well, but are willing to be innovative and take calculated risks. We step out in faith, trusting God to provide in supernatural ways.

9. Balancing the strategic and the supernatural
We seek both spirituality and practicality. We believe that people’s problems could be demonically inflicted or psychologically induced or a combination of the two. We believe in prayer meetings and planning meetings. We want to be spiritual without over-spiritualizing.

10. Authentic and transparent
We value “realness” over performance. We seek to be humble, vulnerable, approachable, open, and teachable.

Note: These are the Core Values of Christian Associates International (CAI), a church-planting and missions organization. Apologetics Index is not associated with CAI. However, we fully support these values and as much as possible try to incorporate them in our online and offline ministry, including in our House Church.