TOGETHER WE AGREE AND BELIEVE

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2 TOGETHER WE AGREE AND BELIEVE ALL 66 BOOKS OF THE OLD AND NEW TESTAMENT ARE 1 TRUE, SELF-ATTESTING, DIVINELY-INSPIRED AND REQUIRE OUR SUBMISSION IN ALL AREAS OF LIFE. IN 1 GOD IN 2 3 PERSONS HE IS THE CREATOR AND SUSTAINER OF LIFE. HE IS PERFECT AND ETERNAL. TO HIM BE ALL HONOR, GLORY, AND PRAISE FOREVER. IN JESUS CHRIST MIRACULOUSLY CONCEIVED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT, AND BORN OF A VIRGIN. HE IS BOTH FULLY GOD & FULLY MAN. HE LIVED A PERFECT LIFE, DIED ON A CROSS, WAS BURIED AND THEN AROSE. HE ASCENDED INTO HEAVEN AND IS SEATED AT THE RIGHT HAND OF THE FATHER AS OUR HIGH PRIEST AND MEDIATOR. 3 IN THE HOLY SPIRIT HE CAME TO GLORIFY CHRIST AND TO APPLY THE SAVING WORK OF CHRIST TO OUR HEARTS: HE CONVICTS US OF SIN DRAWS US TO THE SAVIOR 4 DWELLS IN OUR HEARTS GIVES US NEW LIFE EMPOWERS AND GIFTS US FOR SERVICE INSTRUCTS AND GUIDES US TO TRUTH SEALS US FOR THE DAY OF REDEMPTION

3 5 WE ARE ESTRANGED FROM GOD AND CONDEMNED BY SIN. OUR SALVATION IS WHOLLY DEPENDENT UPON THE FREE GIFT OF GOD S GRACE. GOD GRANTS RIGHTEOUSNESS THROUGH FAITH IN CHRIST ALONE FOR SALVATION. ONLY THOSE BORN OF THE HOLY SPIRIT AND THAT RECEIVE JESUS CHRIST BECOME CHILDREN OF GOD AND HEIRS OF ETERNAL LIFE. JESUS CHRIST WILL COME AGAIN TO THE EARTH PERSONALLY, VISIBLY, BODILY, TO JUDGE THE LIVING AND THE DEAD AND CONSUMMATE HISTORY AND THE ETERNAL PLAN OF GOD. JESUS CHRIST COMMANDS ALL BELIEVERS TO PROCLAIM THE GOSPEL THROUGHOUT THE WORLD AND TO MAKE DISCIPLES OF ALL NATIONS. THE GREAT COMMISSION CALLS US TO OBEDIENCE TOTAL COMMITMENT TO CHRIST AND A LIFE OF SELF-DENYING LOVE AND SERVICE 6 7 THE CHURCH IS COMPRISED OF ALL PERSONS WHO, THROUGH FAITH IN CHRIST AND THE INDWELLING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, ARE UNITED IN THE BODY OF CHRIST. THE CHURCH FINDS HER VISIBLE, YET IMPERFECT EXPRESSION IN LOCAL CONGREGATIONS WHERE THE WORD IS PREACHED IN PURITY THE SACRAMENTS ARE ADMINISTERED WITH INTEGRITY SCRIPTURAL DISCIPLINE IS PRACTICED LOVING FELLOWSHIP IS MAINTAINED

4 AN THE OF FO CHUR GLORIF MAKING D WHO KNO GROW I

5 MISSION REST HILL CH IS TO Y GOD BY ISCIPLES W CHRIST N CHRIST D GO FOR CHRIST

6 AS ORGANIZED ORGANISM WE ACCOMPLISH THAT MISSION THROUGH A SHARED CULTURE. STRONG FOUNDATION FROM WHICH THE VISION CAN THRIVE FRACTURED INCOMPLETE INVERTED WHILE THE BULK OF OUR ORGANIZATIONAL WEIGHT IS IN OPERATIONS AND STRATEGY, THE MISSION DETERMINES OUR TRAJECTORY AND IS OUR POINT OF IMPACT. OUR CULTURE IS WHAT HOLDS THOSE COMPONENTS IN CHECK

7 WHAT FOLLOWS IS A JOURNEY inviting you to share in a culture that values, upholds, and promotes RELATIONAL RHYTHM INTELLIGENT DESIGN SAVVY STEWARDSHIP

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9 RELATIONAL

10 FIRST & FOREMOST WE RESERVE PRIORITY SPACE INDIVIDUALLY AND COLLECTIVELY TO GROW OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH CHRIST THROUGH PRAYER, WORSHIP STUDY, SOLITUDE

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12 RELATIONAL RHYTHM TURNS THIS INTO CHAOTIC MESSY ENERGY AND WORK OVER TIME, COLLABORATION AND COUNSEL WITH CHRIST AND OTHERS

13 THIS BECOMES A SPACE WHERE PEOPLE CAN EXPERIENCE JESUS AND HIS CHURCH IN A TRANSFORMATIONAL WAY THIS IS NOT SOLELY AN ORGANIZATIONAL VALUE, IT IS A PERSONAL AND PASTORAL ONE

14 THE NUCLEUS OF HOW WE CONNECT WITH ONE ANOTHER IS THROUGH: COLLABORATION AN OPEN-MINDED APPROACH TO WORKING OUTSIDE OUR OWN HEADS + Builds Trust Generates Momentum Engages in Healthy Conflict Innovates Elevates Best Solution Congruence Burns Bridges Slows Progress Avoids Conflict Maintains Elevates Easiest Option Group Think * Collaboration is often co-opted by inclusion. It s not agreeing to find an option, but seeking outside influences to find the best solution.

15 + Replicates Clarifies Active Communicates Takes Smart Risks Assumes the Best Dissolves Ignores Questions Passive Manipulates Plays It Safe Fears the Worst TRUST A FIRM BELIEF IN THE RELIABILITY, TRUTH, ABILITY OR STRENGTH OF SOMEONE Trust is not a blank check, rather an invitation to the party. UNITY THE FORCE THAT MAKES THE WHOLE MORE EFFECTIVE THAN THE PARTS Unity does not create cogs in a machine, but grows people to go further, faster. + Amplifies Builds Consensus Mission-Focused Invests Celebrates Diversity Speaks Truth Muffles Requires Unanimity Pushes Agenda Takes Homogenizes People Pleases

16 In Humility You... Micah 6:8 Seek what is best for FHC, not your team, campus, event or self Are egoless in searching for the best ideas and solutions Share relevant information openly and proactively Are self-aware to your own strengths and weaknesses Are open to receiving constructive feedback IN POSTURE In Courage You... Matthew 18:15-20 Are uninhibited by the natural differences of opinion that arise in the collaborative process Gracefully challenge prevailing assumptions when warranted and suggest better approaches Say what you think, even if it may be perceived as controversial Question actions inconsistent with our values and culture WE SEEK LEADERS IN EVERY ROLE WHO EMBODY... IN CONFLICT IN DECISION MAKING

17 IN CHARACTER With Flexibility You... Genesis 12:4 Are constantly in a learning posture, resisting the urge to become inflexible experts in our roles Re-conceptualize issues to discover practical solutions to hard problems Stimulate innovation while preserving the core Balance competing priorities With Integrity You... Matthew 5:37 Speak words that match your actions Only say things about colleagues that you would say to them directly Recognize that you are perceived as a church leader, and are called to a high standard of personal conduct Have a public life that matches your private life IN RELATIONSHIPS IN OUR ORGANIZATION With Discernment You... Proverbs 18:1 Make wise decisions (people, technical, program, and creative) despite ambiguity Identify root causes and get beyond treating symptoms Think strategically and can articulate what we are and are not trying to do Smoothly separate what must be done well now, and what can be improved later With Grace You... Colossians 4:6 Assume the best in your colleagues Celebrate others wins Forgive well as you yourself have been forgiven Value others as children of God Think the best of one another Understand and empathize with one another

18 Relational Evangelism depends on knowing our congregants and communities The antidote to the BIG institutional church is Relational Rhythm WE SEEK THE INTENTIONAL CULTIVATION OF GENUINE, AUTHENTIC RELATIONSHIPS, SEASONED WITH THE GOSPEL, THAT PERMEATE EVERY ASPECT OF OUR CHURCH As you spend time working at Forest Hill, where do you anticipate cultivating these relationships? We strive for meaningful relationships with OUR STAFF OUR CONGREGANTS and OUR COMMUNITIES FOREST HILL IS A CHURCH IN CULTURE OF CULTURE ABOVE CULTURE NOT AGAINST CULTURE

19 WE EXPECT OUR LEADERS TO ENSURE RELATIONAL RHYTHM WITH THEIR TEAMS, CONGREGANTS AND COMMUNITIES We live in CIRCLES not ROWS ROWS ROWS ROWS ROWS ROWS ROWS ROWS ROWS ROWS

20 INTELLIGENT

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22 WE ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ORGANIZATIONAL PRACTICES WE CREATE AND ALLOW IF A PROCESS OR PRACTICE DOESN T WORK, WE CAN CHANGE IT

23 AS A LEADER, YOU ARE RIDICULOUSLY IN CHARGE OF YOUR SELF YOUR ROLE YOUR WORK WE BELIEVE AUTHORITY AND RESPONSIBILITY GO HAND IN HAND If you are given Authority, you also get Responsibility If you give Responsibility, you must also give Authority WE SHOULD NEITHER FEAR, NOR HOARD, RESPONSIBILITY OR AUTHORITY Owning and Learning from your failures IS A VIRTUE WE DON T WANT CAPTAINS WHO GO DOWN WITH THE SHIP RATHER, WE DESIRE LEADERS WHO SEEK TO BUILD THE BETTER BOAT (AGAIN AND AGAIN...)

24 Too often, organizations follow this pattern when operating. IDEA EXECUTION WE PREFER A LESS LINEAR MODEL INNOVATE CONTEXTUALIZE ITERATE

25 OR PERHAPS WORSE, THEY ARE PARALYZED BY AN IDEA, NEVER HAVING THE CHANCE TO ACCOMPLISH ANYTHING INNOVATION Innovation is the process of continually searching for new and better solutions to the challenges we face It necessitates an openness to new voices and methods CONTEXTUALIZATION Contextualization is shifting our tactics and operations to reflect the communities around our campuses For the sake of the Gospel ITERATION Iteration allows our organization to learn from our mistakes and share what we have learned We discover best practices when we hold ourideas and processes loosely

26 WE VALUE BALANCE There are many important but seemingly opposing forces. FOR EXAMPLE GRACE / / TRUTH CENTRAL// LOCAL OUTWARD// INWARD PROCLAMATION// DEMO HEART// MIND

27 HOWEVER, LIKE TWO WINGS OF AN AIRPLANE WE NEEDAND EMBRACE BOTH TO BE FULLY FUNCTIONAL WE NEED BOTH WINGS IN OUR DISCIPLESHIP, ORGANIZATIONAL HEALTH, AND MISSIONAL OUTREACH NSTRATION

28 WE VALUE INTERDEPENDENCE IT IS NO FUN TO PLAY ALONE OUR MULTI-CAMPUS MODEL ALLOWS US TO SHARE VISION, BRAND AND SERVICES TO ACHIEVE MORE WHEN RELYING ON EACH OTHER RATHER THAN OPERATING AS INDEPENDENT CHURCHES WHEN WE SHARE OUR ENERGY AROUND A COMMON PURPOSE, WE WILL BE ABLE TO ACHIEVE NEW HEIGHTS

29 WE VALUE SIMPLICITY LESS IS MORE (IF THE LESS IS RIGHT) WE CHOOSE TO FOCUS ON DOING THE RIGHT THINGS (WELL) INSTEAD OF DOING THINGS RIGHT CLARITY OF VISION & MISSION LEADS TO CLARITY OF GOALS LEADS TO CLARITY OF ROLES LEADS TO SAVVY STEWARDSHIP

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31 SAVVY

32 THE FUNDAMENTAL QUESTION: IS THIS THE HIGHEST AND BEST USE OF PEOPLE, TIME MONEY, AND RESOURCES IN ACHIEVING THE MISSION?

33 BUREAUCRACY IS AN UNFORTUNATE BYPRODUCT OF THE COMPLEXITY THAT COMES WITH ORGANIZATIONAL GROWTH LIKE BARNACLES ON THE HULL OF A SHIP LEFT UNCHECKED, BUREAUCRACY LEADS TO A DECLINE IN ORGANIZATIONAL HEALTH TALENT PASSION TO OFFSET THESE DECLINES, WE MUST - DEVELOP AND EMPOWER OUR CONGREGANTS - MAKE HIGH-QUALITY AND CULTURALLY-ALIGNED HIRES - SIMPLIFY AND PRUNE UNNECESSARY PROCESSES AND PROGRAMS - ANTICIPATE GROWTH AND CHANGE WITH INNOVATION AND FLEXIBILITY

34 $ DISCERNING AND DISCIPLINED HIRING BASED ON CHARACTER CHEMISTRY COMPETENCY CALLING DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES OUR BEST OFTEN COME FROM WITHIN

35 WHAT DO WE STEWARD? WE STEWARD OUR PEOPLE WITH A CLEAR CULTURE OF RELATIONAL RHYTHM INTELLIGENT DESIGN SAVVY STEWARDSHIP THAT OPERATES WITH

36 WE STEWARD OUR RESOURCES THROUGH SPIRIT-LED GENEROSITY DILIGENT BUDGETING Invest in thoughtful time and planning Highest and best use Debt-free policy Give 20% of budget away Faithful teaching and stewardship GOVERNANCE & ACCOUNTABILITY Hold ourselves and one another accountable to upholding mission and DNA Submit to organizational Structure, including Elders, finance committee, etc. We base decisions on objective, quantifiable data whenever possible and practical ALL OF WHICH IS SECONDARY TO SPIRIT-LED DISCERNMENT

37 WE STEWARD OUR IDENTITY WHEN PEOPLE SEE FOREST HILL CHURCH, THEY SHOULD SEE JESUS, OUR MISSION, AND OUR LOVE FOR PEOPLE MORE THAN THEY SEE OUR EXTERNAL IDENTITY THE GOSPEL THE GOSPEL IS OUR HIGHEST PRIORITY MISSION OUR MISSION AND VISION DOES NOT TRUMP THE GOSPEL RELATIONSHIPS OUR RELATIONSHIPS DON T DICTATE THE MISSION IDENTITY OUR BRAND EXPRESSION DOES NOT OVERRIDE OUR RELATIONSHIPS

38 WE PRAY THA CULTURE WIL THE MISSION FOREST HILL THE KINGDO BY REACHING CAROLINAS A ALL THE NAT THE GOSPEL JESUS CHRIS

39 T OUR L SUPPORT OF AND GROW M OF GOD THE ND IONS WITH OF T

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41 AMEN.

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