Our values

We anchor everything we do in the foundational values of Relational Mission. Doctrinally, we stand word-based, grace-filled, and Spirit-empowered, letting the absolute authority of Scripture and the gifts of the Holy Spirit guide our community. Our leadership remains servant-hearted and structurally supported by local elders and Ephesians 4 ministries. Finally, our mission is local church-focused yet holistically expressed, driving us to cross boundaries, build genuine friendships, and actively plant multiplying churches across Europe and the globe.

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1 Doctrinal Values

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1.1 Word based

We believe in the absolute truthfulness, sufficiency and final authority of Scripture. This value is expressed through the Bible having the central place in governing doctrine, practice, ethos and patterns of church life.

 

Colossians 1:25; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Timothy 4:1-5

 

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1.2 Grace filled

The message of grace and the gospel is central to the Christian life and local church. Grace ought to be expressed in relation to salvation, church life, relationships and leadership style. We see our salvation as a work of God from start to finish.

 

Ephesians 2:8-10; Acts 11:23; Colossians 1:6b

 

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1.3 Spirit empowered

We believe that all the gifts in Scripture are available and desirable today for building the local church and extending the Kingdom of God. We believe every believer should be filled with the Spirit as part of God’s desire to empower us for Christian life and witness.

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Ephesians 5:18; Acts 1:7-8; Galatians 3:1-5; 1 Corinthians 12:1,4-7

 

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2 Leadership Values

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2.1 Elders in each local church

The Holy Spirit appoints elders recognised by the church and apostolic ministry. Church government is not a democracy nor an autocracy but rather a theocracy. Elders’ main functions involve leading, feeding, guarding and guiding the church. We see eldership as the calling of qualified men who oversee the local church in its shared endeavour.

 

Acts 20:28; Ephesians 4:11-12; 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13; 1 Timothy 3:1-7

 

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2.3 Ephesians 4 ministries

All Ephesians 4:11 gifts are valid today and help bring churches to maturity and to equip men and women to fulfil their God-given ministry. Eldership teams are encouraged to invite Ephesians 4 ministries to help bring their local church to maturity. Local elders are the final human governing authority in a local church. However, the local elders are encouraged to invite and then to receive clear apostolic input and authority.

 

Acts 14:21-23, 20:28; Titus 1:5; James 5:14; Ephesians 4:7-16; Romans 16:1-16

 

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2.3 Servant hearted

Christian leadership, in its essence, is a call to be an example not an exception. Following the example of Jesus, Christian leaders are meant to serve others not be served. Christian leadership should be godly, transparent and accessible. Christian leadership exists to multiply ministry, not monopolise it. Christian leadership ought to seek partnership and collaboration with other gospel-shaped leaders, rather than to demonstrate isolation and individualism.

 

Mark 10:42-45; 1 Corinthians 4:1-2; 1 Timothy 3:1-7; 1 Peter 5:1-4; Titus 1:5-9

 

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3 Missional Values

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3.1 Local church focused

We regard the local church as central to the mission and purposes of God. The local church should be the primary focus for Ephesians 4 ministries. Ephesians 4 ministries exist to serve the local church, not the other way around.

 

Ephesians 3:10-11; Matthew 16:18

 

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3.2 Expressed locally, globally & holistically

We desire to see local churches effectively and fruitfully engaged in local Kingdom mission. We desire to see local churches caught up on a global apostolic Kingdom mission. We desire to see local churches involved in holistic mission, engaging with all sectors of society, particularly the poor and the marginalised. Normally local fruitfulness and effectiveness leads to a wider sphere of ministry, rather than the other way around.

 

Acts 1:8; Matthew 28:18-20; Galatians 2:10

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3.3 Contextual freedom

We recognise that our core values will need to be contextualised and applied differently in different contexts. Sound contextualisation means translating and applying our core values without compromising the essence of the values themselves.

 

1 Corinthians 9:19-23. ■

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