Why do we need values?  Don’t we already agree on these things anyway? What would this set of values do for us? How would we use these value statements? How are values different from our mission, vision, and statement of belief?

Values are a quality, a standard, something deemed important or worthwhile, something intrinsic and at the core of functioning. They are our highest priority; they are our deeply held and driving forces. They differ from the mission, vision and statement of belief, as values are more foundational constructs that arise from our mission, vision and statement of belief - and give support and rise to our actions. Values have the following characteristics or attributes:

·      “Who we are”

·      They are tools to accomplish our mission, vision, and bring our statement of belief to life

·      It identifies the foundation upon which we build our actions and interactions

·      It creates a culture

·      What identifies us

·      An essence that is seen in all we do and essence (quality) that is seen in each of us

·      It’s the way we behave

·      It improves a feeling of congregation and our interaction with one another

·      They are concepts around which you can feel and you resonate

·      They are often a feeling and when you see them in action

·      They tend to be nouns, verbs, adverbs and adjectives

·      They oftentimes may be abstract, but when you see them in action, you can name it! (Matthew 7:16 – “By their fruits you will know them.”)

Woodside Church's Core Values

and associated Bible Verses

1.     LOVE

a.      Bible passages:

                                                              i.      John 13:34

                                                           ii.      1 Corinthians 13:4-7

2.     RESPECT

a.      Bible passage:

                                                              i.      Romans 12:10

3.     FAITH

a.      Bible passages:

                                                              i.      Hebrews 11:1

                                                           ii.      James 2:17-18

4.     INCLUSIVITY

a.      Bible passage:

                                                              i.      Galatians 3:28

5.     DIVERSITY

a.      Bible passages:

                                                              i.      Romans 12:4-8

                                                           ii.      Romans 10:11-13

                                                         iii.      1 Corinthians 12: 14-21

6.     CREATIVITY

a.      Bible passages:

                                                              i.      1 Peter 4:10

                                                           ii.      Psalms 150

                                                         iii.      Psalm 98: 4-6

                                                         iv.      *Jeremiah 18:2-3

                                                           v.      1 Corinthians 7:7

7.     SOCIAL ACTION

a.      Bible passages:

                                                              i.      James 2:17-18

                                                           ii.      Micah 6:8

                                                         iii.      Matthew 25: 39-40

                                                         iv.      Luke 10: 30-37