Grace

The life of a Christ-follower begins when we discover that the One we call Lord is a God of grace, and that Divine love is a free gift to all.  It cannot be earned.  It is not deserved.  And it can never be taken away.  Living in the light of this gracious gift enables us to experience the transformation into Christ-likeness that God desires for each one of us. 

Groups

Because it is not good for humanity to be alone, we have been set in community.  At SHPC, this community is best experienced through participation in small groups where people can love, learn, reach and serve.

Gifts

Everyone has been given specific gifts that are essential for the body of Christ to function and thrive.  In addition, the use of such gifts brings great fulfillment to our individual lives.  Each one of us is called to discover our specific gifts, and further, to use them for edification of the community of faith. 

Giving

Rather than living a life of accumulation, followers of Jesus are called to be generous givers.  All that we have - time, talent, and treasure- are God’s, and we have been blessed with these gifts in oder to bless others.

Our Core Values

1. 1.Growth in Christ is not an option for believers, it is the norm.  [Ephesians 4:14-16, 2 Peter 3:14-18]
   

Because faith is active and dynamic, followers of Jesus Christ are to be constantly growing and maturing in their walks with God.  Passive or inactive faith is an oxymoron.

2.  Corporate worship is vital to the life of the individual and to the body.  [1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, Psalm 66:1-4, Psalm 95]

As a faith community,  one of our primary functions is to come together to remember, celebrate, glorify, and listen to what God is saying and doing in the world.  We seek to avoid empty ritual, but rather desire to create a worship experience where people can have a meaningful encounter with the living God.

3.  Transformation occurs through prayer, and the faithful preaching, teaching and study of God’s word.  [Romans 12:1-2, 2 Timothy 3:16-17]

SHPC seeks to do more than simply pass on information, but is a community seeking transformation.  We believe that prayer is more about changing us than changing our circumstances, and that wen we engage God’s Word, transformation occurs.

4.  Adherence to scripture, the traditions of our faith, and cultural relevance, are all important for the church of the 21st century.  [1 Corinthians 9:19-23, 2 Thessalonians 2:15]

We are a community that values both the historic traditions of our faith, as well as newer expressions of faith that are growing out of life and ministry in the 21st century.  We want to give renewed meaning to ancient rituals, and at the same time remain open to the ongoing reforming work of God’ Holy Spirit.

5.  Small groups are the primary means by which loving relationships are established and spiritual growth occurs.  [Acts 2:44-47, Luke 6:12-13, John 13:34-35]

We believe that a life of faith can be lived out most completely only in community!  To that end, we desire to help people to find a small group where they can SAIL.  SAILing involves being part of a group seeking Spiritual Transformation, Authentic Relationships, Intentional Shepherding, and Loving Service.

6.  Each believer is spiritually gifted by God to play a unique and vital role in the body, and the stewardship of these gifts is the responsibility and joy of each believer.  [Psalm 133, 1 Corinthians 12:12-31]

Because we believe action is what separates belief from opinion, SHPC strives to grow people who are deeply involved in ministering to our community.  Each one of us has been given gifts, skills, talents and abilities to be used toward this end, and we seek to help people discover ways in which they might be involved in participating in the Kingdom of God which is “at hand”.

7.  Unreached people matter to God and must matter to our church.  [Matthew 18:12-13, Luke 5:30-32]

Jesus had a heart for all people, but His life and ministry reveals special concern for “lost” people - people who have been alienated by the community of faith and pushed aside by the culture.  SHPC seeks to be a place that reaches out to these “dechurched” and “unchurched” people.

8.  Excellence honors God and inspires people.  [Galatians 1:6-14, Colossians 3:17]

God values and receives all that we give, which prompts us to want to offer our very best.  And since we know that people are drawn to quality and that which is done well, we want all that we do to reflect the character and nature of the Divine.