Priority of Mission
Ministry to/for unchurched and/or church wounded.
For evaluation: “Does it target unchurched persons, particularly those with previous exposure to some version of Christianity?”

Being a Pioneer
Not following others but originating new approaches.
For evaluation: “Is it ORIGINAL? RELEVANT?”

Agape Love
Treating every person as God’s priceless diamond!
For evaluation: “Is it KIND? COMPASSIONATE? SENSITIVE? HELPFUL?”

Grace and Non-judgment
Accepting people as they are.
For evaluation: “Is it emotionally SAFE?”

Passion for “WOW”
Specifically in care for people/doing the little things.
For evaluation of NEW idea/ministry: “Is it WOW?”
For evaluation of EXISTING idea/ministry: “Is it BETTER?”

Genuine
Being human, down-to-earth, authentic, real, true.
For evaluation: “Is he/she/it CREDIBLE?”

Core beliefs and core values represent who we are in the deepest sense, which the stated mission is an expression of what we do and why. Unlike ministries and programs, core ideololy is not subject to change due to changing contexts, potential growth opportunities or possible negative repercussions. Core ideology is not "created." It simply exists. It is intrinsic to the very nature of the organization.

The central importance of core ideology for any church or Christian organization cannot be overstated! Core ideology is the basis of "unity of mind, spirit, purpose, and love." It allows people of widely diverse cultures, backgrounds, personalities, gifts and abilities to work together and learn from each other. Core ideology is what makes the organization distinct. Indeed, in a very real sense, people join the core ideology more than the church or organization.

Anyone considering attending and/or getting involved with Sanctuary Christian Ministries - starting a Sanctuary Group, becoming a PAL, planting postmodern missional churches, etc. - need look no further than the core ideology to discern for themselves their compatibility.

What Core Ideology is NOT

Core beliefs and values are just that: CORE. They are not a complete set of doctrinal statements on every facet of Christian theology. Indeed, there are a great many other deeply held values and beliefs within the Sanctuary community and its leadership, not all of them equally shared or, in some cases, shared at all. We have people on both sides of many "hot" theological issues that continue to divide the church. However, we all share a common passion about what is CORE, that is, what matters most.