And yet, there are things that are true of the Branch that are examples of God's grace. Things that are clear signs of God’s grace and goodness. Here are some of those signs:
We are…
a church that views itself as a family more than a religious organization. We do this because this is how God sees us — adopted children and hairs — members of one body — everyone a necessary and needed part. a church that encourages people to take risks and offers a safe place to fail. We do this because we believe that it is only when we courageously chase after the dreams God has given us that the world (and our lives) are changed. a church that places a high value on authenticity. We do this because we know that life to the fullest is found when we let our guard down and stop wearing masks. a church that deeply values the next generation. We do this because we believe that children have something to offer the body right now — not just when they grow up. We therefore create specific ways for them to participate and contribute in our life together. a church that creates space for varying viewpoints. We do this because we believe that it is precisely when we listen to each other and wrestle with our differences that we are transformed. a church that actively pursues justice. We do this because we believe that God’s desire is to make all things new — to bind up the brokenhearted and care for the marginalized and oppressed. a church committed to restoring hope. We do this because many of us, and many we know, have been hurt or disillusioned by the Church. Therefore, we long to be a place where people can heal and find their imaginations rekindled. a church that sees itself as sent. We do this because we believe that God doesn’t call us to be consumers, but instead to join in God’s restorative, reconciling work. a church that strives for unity in the essentials of the Christian faith, liberty in the nonessentials, and in all things charity [love]. We do this because we take Jesus seriously, who said that the world would know us by our love for one another.
