Values

Our values statements below capture some of the special emphases of ECC.

Mind

Because we believe that truth does exist, we are committed to intellectual integrity and a rigorous quest for truth. We believe that when our minds are transformed by the truth, our lives will reflect the practical reality of that truth.

Word

We believe words are a vehicle of truth, a means by which God chose to communicate with humanity. Through careful analysis of the written word, we devote ourselves to discovering truth in the revealed word. Furthermore, since this written revelation was embodied in Jesus Christ, we find that we are transformed by seeking to understand and follow the living Word, namely Jesus Christ.

Gospel

The gospel is the good news of Jesus Christ for all people, the story of God’s redeeming purposes for all humanity, and the restoration of all things through Jesus Christ. This good news is relevant to our entire existence, including body and soul, because God is restoring the entire creation through Jesus Christ. Since we believe in this all-encompassing good news, we are committed to extending the redeeming grace of Jesus to everyone, whether or not they believe the gospel.

Worship

We are committed to worship because we believe that we were created to worship God. Just as the gospel is about all of life, so, too, worship is about living and learning. Through worship we celebrate the glory of God, confess our sins, and experience redeeming grace. In worship we are drawn into fellowship with God, we are united in community with one another, and we increase in our knowledge of God, who created us in his image.

Diversity

We are a congregation of diverse individuals, yet we are united by the good news of Jesus Christ. This good news has been articulated in Scripture and throughout the history of the church in a manner that transcends culture, politics, and denominational differences. As the church, we are committed to sharing the love of Jesus Christ with all people.

Church

We define church as those who are called out of the world, called into community, and sent back into the world. We are called out of our respective local communities to join another community, namely, the Body of Christ. This new community of Christ-followers shares the common goal of living out the good news and sharing the redeeming love of Jesus Christ with the whole world.