Gospel-shaped worship
The gospel is a message that is to be proclaimed and believed (Mark 1:14-15), it is the point of the entire Bible (Gal 1:11-13), and it is worthy of our whole lives (Phil 1:27-30). It is the good news that God saves sinners, through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:1-5).
We believe that we are shaped by this gospel reality afresh, by faithfully gathering each Sunday as the people of God (as well as at other key times during the course of a year). We rehearse it through song and liturgy (Col 3:16-17), we receive it through the preached Word (1 Pet 1:23-24), and we embody it in the sacraments (1 Cor 11:23-26). Everything in the Christian life flows from this weekly rhythm (Acts 2:42-47).
gospel-formed community
The gospel is not just a message to be believed, but a power to be experienced (Rom 1:16-17). For through it God creates and forms a brand new community, made up of former strangers, enemies, and slaves, and in and through the finished work of Christ adopts them as His own (Eph 2:11-13).
Therefore we assemble regularly in smaller groups (Community Groups, Men’s and Women’s Bible Studies, Gatherings of Students), in order to be more fully cemented together as a dwelling place for God (Eph 2:19-22). These groups are a weekly refueling station of sorts, focused more on formation than information, and seeking to help people believe and apply the gospel in all of life. You’ll often hear us refer to them as the “lifeblood” of Northwest, and a place where we hope people experience true community and belonging.
gospel-empowered mission
The gospel is not just a message to be believed, and a power to be experienced, but a call to be on mission; i.e. the mission of making disciples of all nations (Mt 28:18-20, Acts 1:8). In John 20:21, Jesus tells his disciples “As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.”
This happens first and foremost as our church scatters into the communities around us, eating with unbelieving co-workers, volunteering to help in our children’s schools, and participating in community-wide events, causes, and culture (Acts 11:26). But it also happens as we collectively mobilize around particular works of mercy, justice, and church planting (Rom 10:14-15).
When we are successful
when there is…
A growing esteem for Jesus Christ among us (1 John 1:1-3; John 9:25)
A discernible spirit of humility and repentance (1 John 1:5-10; James 4:10)
An abundance of grace and a contending for unity (Ps 133:1; John 1:14-16; Eph 4:1-3)
A genuine devotion to the Word of God and to the local church (2 Tim 3:16-17; Heb 4:12; Col 3:12-17)
A developing interest in Theology and Doctrine (Matthew 22:37; 2 Peter 1:3-8)
when there is
An observable love for God and neighbor (Mark 12:30-31; 1 John 4:12-13)
Evidences of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-24)
Maturing disciples who are making disciples (Mt 28:18-20; 2 Tim 2:1-2)
Men and women experiencing freedom in Christ and leading others to experience the same (John 5:34-36; 2 Cor 3:16-18; Gal 5:1)
when there is…
An increasing desire to serve Christ by serving His Body (Rom 12:3-8; 1 Cor 12:12-31)
Deep, meaningful friendships (inside & outside the church) (John 13:34-34; 1 John 4:7)
A welcoming and gospel-saturated culture (Rom 15:7; Col 3:16-17)