1. A new, eternal life in Christ as a child of God is the foundation of every good thing that will last. A close and personal relationship with Christ is our life; nothing else can substitute for it. Galatians 3:26-29, John 1:12, John 15:5, John 17:3, Colossians 2:6, Hebrews 10:22

2. It is God's purpose that all of His people be conformed to the image of Christ, displaying His purposes, life, attitudes, and relationship with His Father in our lives. Ephesians 4:15, 2 Corinthians 3:18, Romans 8:28-29, Philippians 2:5-8; John 14:10-21, John 15:12-17, John 1:14

3. God intends His people to study the Bible, Old and New Testaments, under the guidance of His Spirit. Through study of the scripture by the Spirit of God, we come to know God more clearly and understand His purposes and ways more completely. Any person who stands against the teaching of the Bible in teaching or action, even if they claim the immediate guidance of God, is mistaken and in sin. John 8:31-32, John 20:31, 2 Timothy 3:14-17, 2 Peter 1:19-21, 2 Peter 3:15-18, Psalm 1:1-3, Psalm 19:7-11

4. Christ has called us to be his people - a "Third Race" - not separated ethnic churches. The church must be the people of God operating in the unity of His purpose under His headship of His Son. Galatians 3:36-38, 1 Peter 2:9-10, Philippians 1:27, Romans 12:5, John 17:20-23, 1 Corinthians 12:12-13, Ephesians 1:10

5. Honest, serving compassion is witness of Christ's unconditional love. Service offered in love to "the least of these" is the natural result of developing Christ's heart and is the beginning of evangelism as heart needs are addressed. Matthew 8:16-17, Matthew 22:29, Matthew 25:40, 1 Peter 2:12, 1 Timothy 6:17-18, 1 John 3:16-17

6. A God-given personal identity and purpose - a mission in life - is the beginning of personal change, accountability, and responsible living. People need to know acceptance and love from God and his people. We are each created with a purpose and a place in Christ's kingdom. Ephesians 2:10, John 15:16, Psalm 139:13-16, 1 Corinthians 12:7

7. God's people must be an uncompromising light in a compromised world. We must ask ourselves, "How should I live because of who I am in Christ and in the light of his calling?" Our commitment must be to Christ and His body above all else - whether career, culture, or comfort. Matthew 5:14-16, Luke 9:23-25, Romans 12:1-2, 1 John 1:15-17, 2 Corinthians 5:14-15

8. Deep relationships of trust with a few individuals - as Christ with his disciples - are what is necessary to make disciples of Jesus. Impersonal "at arms length" ministry will not accomplish God's purposes; personal acceptance and love form a foundation of trust on which truth can grow. John 13:34-35, Matthew 4:19, Acts 4:13

9. Leaders and disciples are best equipped for servant ministry by developing character, humility, healthy relationships, experience, knowledge, and skills through practice in ministry, mentoring, and teaching in the local body of Christ. Ephesians 4:11-16, 1 Peter 2:1-5

10. It is vital that God's people pass on the good news, teaching, and ministry preparation that we have received to others, who will reliably minister and equip a new generation of ministers. Reproducing oneself in 2 disciples of Christ who will reproduce themselves is more important than leading multitudes of people to make a profession of Christ without extended discipling that leads them into discipleship and ministry. Matthew 28:18-20, 2 Timothy 2:2, Acts 1:8