How to Discover and Articulate Your Core Values

Personal Core Value Exercise Time? Where do you spend your Time? Money? Where do you spend your Money?

Why are Core Values so important? c

“It’s not hard to make decisions when you know what your values are.” Roy Disney

“Who you are, what your values are, what you stand for…They are your anchor…You won’t find them in a book. You’ll find them in your soul.” Anne Mulcahy, CEO, Xerox

Values Discovery Question Why Why do you do what you do?

Why Are Values Important? They determine the direction for the church. They dictate and explain why the church does what it does They form the basis for every decision that you make

Importance of Values “The most important single element of any corporate, congregational, or denomi- national culture, however, is the value system.” Lyle Schaller, Getting Things Done, p. 152

Importance of Values “The twenty-first century leader doesn’t lead by the authority of his position, but by an ability to clearly articulate a vision and core values of his organization or congregation.” Bill Hybels, Willow Creek

What do values do for us? Determine ministry distinctives. Dictate personal involvement. Communicate what’s important. Influence overall behavior. Inspire people to action. Enhance credible leadership. Shape ministry character.

What is a Core Value? The constant constant, passionate passionate biblical core beliefs beliefs that drive drive the ministry.

What is a Core Value? Core Values are Constant The are long lasting and thus change slowly Core values are Passionate They stir your emotions

What is a Core Value? Core Values are beliefs They are convictions you hold to be true Core values drive the church They dictate the church’s actions

What are the Different Kinds of Values? 1.Conscious or unconscious values. 2.Shared or unshared values. 3.Personal or organizational values. 4.Actual or aspirational values. 5.Strong or Weak values.

How Do You Discover Values? 1.Take a core values audit. 2.Analyze the budget. 3.Analyze the checkbook. 4.Analyze the calendar.

What do we do when we discover the gaps between existing and Biblical Core Values? 1.Understand the difference between Aspirational and Actual Values 2.Clearly Define Behavior that will cause the value to move from Aspirational to Actual 3.Communicate the Core Values often and consistently

Jerusalem Church Statement 1. We value biblical teaching (Acts 2:42). 2. We value fellowship (Acts 2:42). 3. We value prayer (Acts 2:42). 4. We value community (Acts 2:44-46) 5. We value Compassion/Hospitality (Acts 2:45) 6. We value worship (Acts 2:47). 7. We value evangelism (Acts 2:47). How Can you Articulate Values? Core Values Statements

Willow Creek Statement 1.We believe that anointed teaching is the catalyst for transformation in individuals’ lives and in the church. 2.We believe that lost people matter to God, and, therefore, ought to matter to the church. 3.We believe that the church should be culturally relevant while remaining doctrinally pure. 4.We believe that a church should operate as a unified community of servants stewarding their spiritual gifts. We value evangelism

Willow Creek Statement 5.We believe that loving relationships should permeate every aspect of church life. 6.We believe that life-change happens best in small groups. 7.We believe that excellence honors God and inspires people. 8.We believe that churches should be led by those with leadership gifts. 9.We believe that full devotion to Christ and His cause is normal for every believer.

Northwood Community Church (two of twelve) 1.CHRIST’S HEADSHIP We acknowledge Christ as the head of our church and submit ourselves and all our activities to Him. (Ephesians 1:22- 23) 2.BIBLICAL TEACHING We desire to teach God’s word with integrity and authority so that seekers find Christ and believers mature in Him (II Tim. 3:16)

CrossRoads Nazarene

What are the Values of a Healthy Church? A Template using the 8 characteristics of a Healthy Church 1.Empowering Leadership 2.Gift Oriented Ministry 3.Passionate Spirituality 4.Functional Structures 5.Inspiring Worship 6.Holistic Small Groups 7.Need Oriented Evangelism 8.Loving Relationships

How Do You Implement Your Values? 1. Identify values misalignments 2. Implement aspirationalvalues 3. Reinforce actual values