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Everyday we make hundreds and thousands of choices about how to live our lives. It is these choices that in many ways make us who we are. How do we make those decisions? On what are they based? Is it simply what is most convenient or expedient? Or is there something deeper, more important that guides us in these decisions? And if there is, what are those fundamental principles and beliefs that serve to guide our choices? These are what are known as core values.
Individuals have them. So do organizations. For many, they remain unstated and unclarified. But when they remain unclarified, our decisions seem to be haphazard. We may decide this way one day and another way the next. But when we take time to clarify our core values, then our decisions become effective. We become consistent and our efforts become more fruitful. Instead of taking two steps forward and one step back, we actually take three steps toward our goal.
It is for these reasons that your Region Board took an afternoon to meet, discuss and pray about what the core values are that guide us in our common and shared ministry. This was the culmination of a year in which every Board meeting had significant time devoted to the discussion of who we are and who we should be as a Region. We recognize that this list is not comprehensive, but we think we have listed what we believe the most significant core values of this organization should be. These values will serve to guide our board as it seeks to work together to build the kingdom of Christ. So as you read these essays, consider whether you personally agree or disagree with these stated core values for our common work together. Consider what is missing or what needs to be modified. Consider how you might reorder or prioritize them. Perhaps you will even wish to use them as a study guide for your Sunday School Class or Board of Deacons. And remember, these are not statements about who we are, but statements about who we want to become through the power of Christ Jesus in our midst.
Click to read about each Core Value
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