Organizational Values
As Network Fellowship develops here are some of the foundational values that influence the way we operate and how we evaluate our progress. We beleive that these statements are more thn just good ideas or pragmatic concepts but are derived direct from Scripture. Therefore, even though sometimes it might seem inconvienient, we cannot ignore these concepts in the name of expediency or tradition. How these values manifest may vary from context to context but we want them to be plainly obvious in the way we conduct ourselves.
Stewardship
To be a steward is to be in charge of resources that do not belong to us. We recognize that all our resources ultimate belong to our Lord and we want to invest them in ways the maximize benefit for our Master. Stewardship is more than just about finances but applies to our time, our homes and any other resources God has entrusted to us.
Multi and intercultural
The Bible makes it clear that we are all one in Christ (Galatians 3:28). However unity does not mean uniformity and in celebrating diversity we celebrate God's creativity and testify to the power of the Holy Spirit that brings us together regardless of our differences. We understand culture both in the sense of people groups and languages but also in the sense of sub-cultures within the larger community.
Priesthood of all believers
Network has been intentionally structured to maximize the need for every believer involved to serve each other and to minister according to their gifts, talents and maturity. "To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father" (Revelation 1:6) The question is not whether we are priests, but rather in what capacity do we serve?
Focused Discipleship
Discipleship is a life long process as God makes good on His promise to faithfully complete the work of salvation He has begun in us (Philippians 1:6). We are also called to take up our cross and serve Him daily (Matthew 10:38-39). Being a disciple involves setting aside our own will and asking what it is that the Lord would have us do.
Multi and intergenerational
We recognize that different stages of life come with their own set of joys and challenges but we also desire to bring all generations together to learn and for mutual encouragement. We adesire to honor and encourage Biblical expressions of family life while integrating children into the life of the church. Verses like 1 Peter 5:5 and Titus 2:3-6 tell us to mentor those who are younger and respect those who are older.
Multiplication
Instead of adding incrementally we desire to replicate exponentially. This increases opportunities for service and participation as well as allowing for a wider range of needs and callings. Multiplication is a principle we can see in Christ's "parable of the sower" (Mark 4:1-20) where the seed is spread liberally across the field in the expectation that the harvest will be multiples of what was sown.