Someone said, "What I like about Trinity Church is that everyone has enough self-esteem to be who they are, and enough self-esteem to let everyone else be who they are, as well."
MINDSET: the experience of an authentic ongoing relationship with Jesus Christ, the historic teachings of His Body the Church, and our shared life as His disciples conditions how we live day to day. How we live out our lives conditions what we believe, and vice versa.
NETWORK ORGANIZATIONAL MODEL: We don't have much of a hierarchy or lots of committees or commissions. We're more like an ecosystem, with many interrelated groups like Vestry, St. Agnes' Guild, Kyakers For Christ, Study Groups, Supper Clubs, Youth Group, Choir, Altar Guild, Sunday School, Nursery (Catechesis of the Good Shepherd), Hospitality House, Forum, and so forth. When something big happens at Trinity, it generally happens as part of the whole, not by decree from a higher-up person or committee.
PEOPLE/GROUP ORIENTED, but everyone is encouraged to participate as they feel most comfortable.
PUBLIC SPIRITUALITY: talking about our faith is a key part of our life together, and acting it out is essential!
COMMUNITY-BASED SPIRITUAL FORMATION: there isn't a series of lectures classes you have to take but rather your spiritual growth occurs by participating in the life of the Church on all levels.
DISORDER-TOLERANT: in some churches the unexpected causes big problems, but nothing works perfectly smoothly in life, and equally so from time to time someone might forget to show up to read the Lessons on Sunday, or a baby might get fussy. We're all flexible enough to take intitiative or not be disturbed by a little noise or uncertainty. That's sort of like life really is, isn't it?
Leaders: are spiritual guides and fellow passengers on our walk with Christ.
-Authority is diffused/interconnected/relationship-driven
-Value diversity. One size does not fit all. The individual is respected.
-Lead by listening/conversing
Preaching … the sermon is one part of worship experience, not all of it.
-The Preacher is a teacher of Scriptural wisdom for Kingdom living. Every person is encouraged to think for him or her self.
-The Preacher emphasizes the explanation of what truth is and how to apply it.
-The Bible’s message is central to everything we do
Evangelism happens through relationship/trust/example
-Evangelism is rooted in relationship. Personal experience is our primary example
-Evangelism is a conversation, not a lecture
-The Church is a mission for spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ in a variety of ways
-Evangelism Model: Fellowship/Conversation/Ministry/Belief & Invitation to Commitment
Discipleship is holistic in our church community.
The Bible is our compass in life and also a means to experience God
Discipleship is holistic faith and action
Spiritual formation occurs through experience and participation, not just classes
Prayer is central to our relationship with God
