as demonstrated by our commitment to the authority of the Bible, the centrality of prayer and the pursuit of holiness.
Our denomination’s passion for God is expressed first by our affirmation of the Bible as the authoritative, inerrant and inspired Word of God. Our faith and doctrine is grounded in the Bible and the Bible guides denominational decision making. Our passion for God is further expressed by our commitment to the centrality of prayer in the corporate life of our church. Prayer will be the “first work” of our denomination’s conferences, commissions, and committees. Steadfastness is our commitment to the Bible and prayer will manifest itself in a denomination marked by holiness of heart and life. That which we say and do corporately will define us as “a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God.” (2 Timothy 3:16; Colossians 4:2; Philippians 4:6-7; 2 Timothy 1:8-9; 1 Peter 1:15; 2:9-10)

as demonstrated by evangelism and acts of mercy on a local, national, and global scale.
Our denomination’s purpose is to know Christ and make Him known. We will endeavor “to make Christ known” in the least reached communities of our world by acting, in Christ-like mercy, to alleviate human suffering and by proclaiming, with the Holy Spirit’s power, the good news of salvation. The many varied components of denominational work must contribute to one common goal: “to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:16-20; Micah 6:8; Romans 1:14-17; Matthew 9:35-38)

as demonstrated by the training and development of men and women for mission and ministry.
The most important resource that God has given to the church to accomplish His mission is people. Our denomination will be committed to training and developing lay and pastoral leaders whose distinguishing attributes will be a burning passion for God and a missionary zeal to reach the lost. The attitudes and actions of a servant will be the standard by which we train, develop and evaluate leaders. Leaders will be trained to train others so as to multiply the number of servant leaders available for mission and ministry. (Philippians 2:5-11; Mark 10:45; Ephesians 4:11-12; 2 Timothy 2:2; 3:16-17)

as demonstrated by changed lives through culturally sensitive churches and denominational institutions.
Our denomination’s mission is to raise up healthy churches that will proclaim Christ to a hurting world. When a church is healthy, lives are being changed by Christ, and the culture in which the church ministers is Biblically impacted. Our resources of time, talent and money will be directed to churches that are committed, in word and action, to becoming healthy communities of faith. We are also committed to the health of our denomination’s institutions believing that they are partners with the church in knowing Christ and making Him known. (Acts 2:42-47; 4:32-35)

as demonstrated by the networking of churches and the Evangelical Congregational Church and the larger Kingdom of God.
It would be an expression of pride to think that we are able to fulfill God’s purposes on the earth apart from others whether they be other believers, other E.C. churches, or other denominations. We are called to work together to proclaim the Gospel to a hurting world and to help that world submit to Christ’s lordship. Our denomination and its churches will participate in and/or establish networks designed to cultivate unity and interdependence in the body of Christ and to fulfill God’s purposes on earth. (John 17; 1 Corinthians 12:12-13; Ephesians 4:11-16)