1. EVANGELISM for the sake of TRUE EMPOWERMENT

Ultimately, we desire to bring people into Jesus’ kingdom. Concrete personal and community change happens when people rely on Jesus Christ. The empowerment of the Spirit of Christ is essential for long-lasting change that has eternal significance.

2. MERCY for the sake of GOSPEL INTEGRITY

We appreciate the impact of small steps. Our investment and relationships in the neighborhood help us to know when a person or family has needs that would otherwise remain unknown by churches or social services. We are responsive – deeply, creatively, and resourcefully – to the particular needs of individuals and families around us. We allow interruptions into our personal lives, such as welcoming sponsored residents into the house and mentoring them.

3. AVAILABILITY for the sake of FLEXIBILITY

We do not over-schedule ministry or our lives. We strive to keep some part of our lives open for the unexpected. In prayer, we seek to make ourselves available to God and respond to His leading.

4. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT for the sake of JUSTICE

We desire our neighborhood to be a safe, healthy place. We desire our neighbors to care for one another and to have forums to voice concerns about the neighborhood and the city. We believe this is essential, not only for us to form relationships and to gain credibility in witness for Christ, but also to call people into responsibility for each other, to empower people into places of growth, and to address injustice on a small scale.

5. RECONCILIATION for the sake of WITNESS

Jesus said that the world will know his reality by our unity. Given the cultural, ethnic, and racial diversity in the household, we are aware of the interest the neighborhood will take in us as well as the potential for conflict between us. Thus, we actively try to understand each other better and seek to resolve conflict according to biblical teaching. We do not shy away from healthy discussions.

6. SIMPLICITY for the sake of GENEROSITY

We are mindful of Jesus’ teaching on wealth. We cheerfully allow each other respectful use of our own possessions. We also seek to be generous with the backyard and the basement, as well as to create hospitable spaces on our floors.

7. FUN for the sake of REST

Intensity can take its toll. We are aware of our need for refreshing and enjoyable times, both with each other and apart. We also value times that our sponsored residents and neighbors can enjoy us and each other.