City Church Decatur 6.2.0

OUR MISSION IS SIMPLE

City Church aims to continue the mission initiated by Jesus.

According to Acts 1:1, the accounts of Jesus illustrate what He began to do and teach. This suggests that His followers are called to carry on this work, which remains unfinished. Hence, we define our mission as straightforward: to perpetuate what Jesus began.

OUR CORE VALUES

At City Church, we hold several fundamental beliefs:

• The Church belongs to Jesus

Jesus declared, “I will build MY church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matt 16:18). Acknowledging that the Church is ultimately Christ’s, we recognize Him as the Head of City Church and our model for discipleship. Our focus shifts from rigid expectations concerning behavior to understanding the nature of Jesus and our identity in Him. This perspective fosters a natural inclination toward obedience as individuals find their worth in Christ.

We consistently emphasize Jesus in our preaching and teaching. Our worship and educational efforts center on Jesus, recognizing Him as central to our faith. The gospel of Jesus Christ is paramount—considered the most significant message ever presented. Therefore, all activities and teachings at City Church are firmly rooted in this good news.

• Grace is a way of life

The gospel embodies a message of unmerited and profound grace. It underscores that no actions can earn God’s grace; rather, it is freely bestowed by God through Jesus Christ upon those who are broken. Our world reflects this brokenness, including ourselves. Yet, through Jesus, restoration is possible.

City Church operates under a “come as you are” philosophy, acknowledging that not everyone is okay. We understand that exploring faith in Jesus represents a journey, and we welcome individuals at every stage of this process. Authenticity is both accepted and encouraged; life can be complex, and grace often appears radical.

In our view, living a grace-filled life is essential for those who follow Jesus. Those who receive grace are called to embody it, aligning with Jesus’ teaching that our highest responsibilities are to love God and others. This grace propels us toward those commitments.

• We live intentionally in community

Life at City Church thrives within the context of community. We believe that our experiences are enriched when shared with others. Jesus instructs His followers to do life together, making every individual story significant. Growth unfolds naturally when personal narratives intersect with God’s overarching story and with each other.

The gospel fosters a diverse community comprising individuals from various backgrounds who collectively affirm that Jesus is who He claims to be, offering grace and forgiveness to those in need. We prioritize creating safe spaces where questions are welcomed, doubts acknowledged, and personal growth can occur—embracing diversity as a vital aspect of Christian fellowship.

• We are for our city

Our name symbolizes our commitment to our locality. As followers of Jesus, we intentionally engage with our community for its betterment. We value our cities and strive to love and serve them through partnerships with other organizations focused on promoting well-being and restoration.

Being grounded in the gospel informs our mission to proclaim its message locally, believing that the good news of Jesus brings healing and wholeness. We actively demonstrate this gospel through the grace we extend to others while also seeking opportunities to share its message globally.