Sandbox

If you played in a sandbox as a kid, you know that sandboxes were a lot of fun as long as they had four sides (so the sand didn’t just spill out everywhere) and you liked the people you were playing with.

Ministry is a lot like that. When we define who we are and where we’re going and put clear sides on our “sandbox” so that we’re not spreading ourselves to thin, our ministry is better. At CEFC, the four sides of our sandbox are our mission (why we exist), our central focus (how we accomplish our mission), our core values (the things we refuse to give up while getting there),  and our culture (what characterizes us).

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Our mission at CEFC is bringing all people into healthy relationship with Jesus and one another. Relationships are central to the way we do ministry. We learned it from Jesus.

Our core values are our non-negotiables. These are the things we so strongly believe in that they are a part of our ministry here at all times. Because we want to see everyone grow up into mature disciples of Christ (Ephesians 4:11-13), we use the acronym “GROW UP” for our core values:

  • Growth in our walk with Christ
  • Relationships characterized by love
  • Outreach to our neighbors and beyond
  • Worship that’s relevant and reverent
  • Unified ministry where everyone serves Christ
  • Prayer as vitally important in all areas of life and ministry

Our central focus is how we accomplish our mission. Our central focus shows up in every activity and ministry we do as a church; it is nurturing healthy relationships that equip the church to follow Christ.

Culture is our DNA as a church. This is what you can expect from us:

  • We live the gospel.
  • We value people.
  • We expect teamwork.
  • We grant trust.
  • We focus on the future.
  • We honor God.

Within our sandbox, we have a lot of room to live, play, serve, work, and minister in the unique ways God wired us to do so. But we stay within these four walls of the sandbox because this is who we are.