Core Values
Our core values define us as an international family of churches and drive all our decisions and ministries. They describe essential beliefs that determine why we do what we do. Affirming Scripture as the authoritative guide for all faith and practice, we believe the following biblical values enable us to live and serve together in the most effective, God-honoring way.
• We value Fellowship. We believe that community among Christ-followers facilitates encouragement, prayer, edification, and accountability. We believe that Christian friendships develop when we take the time and effort to share our joys, sorrows, and challenges. (1 Thess. 5:14, Gal. 6:2)
• We value Partnership. We believe that working together with other churches to reach common goals enriches churches. Every church has something to offer. We also believe in connecting with other Christ-following groups. We can achieve more in this way than working independently of one another. We believe that cooperation is a gift of God. (Phil. 1:3-11, Eccl. 4:9)
• We value Healthy Churches. Because we believe that the local church is God’s primary means of presenting the Gospel and establishing His kingdom, we will seek to help churches achieve their unique, disciple-making mission in relevant and effective ways. (Acts 2:42-47, 1 Thess. 1:2-10)
• We value Church Planting. We believe that every church should be involved in some way in helping to start new congregations. We desire to expand our reach to strategic places around the world where the Gospel is needed. (Acts 1:8, Matt. 28:18-20)
• We value Diversity. Since Jesus commanded us to make disciples of all nations, we celebrate that people from many nations and cultures come together in our churches. We believe that our diversity expresses the creativity and eternal plan of God. (Gen. 12:3, Rev. 7:9-10)
• We value Unity. The unity of the Spirit among our churches exhibits the oneness of all believers in Christ. We will seek to work out differences that may arise because we believe the power of the Gospel to unite us is stronger than the power of our enemy to divide us. (John 17:20-23, Eph. 2:19-22)
We Value … Healthy Churches
Healthy Churches: Four Pillars of Health This post is part of a six-part series, written by a leader within the convention, on our core values. Our core values show who we are and what motivates us. We’ve been focusing on our IBC core values here in the last several...
We Value … Church Planting
Church Planting: 3 Reasons Why This post is part of a six-part series, written by a leader within the convention, on our core values. Our core values show who we are and what motivates us. We envision a movement of global-minded churches that are reproducing healthy...
We Value … Partnership
Partnership: Participating WITH This post is part of a six-part series, written by a leader within the convention, on our core values. Our core values show who we are and what motivates us. One of the core values of the International Baptist Convention is...
We Value … Fellowship
Fellowship: Participating IN This post is part of a six-part series, written by a leader within the convention, on our core values. Our core values show who we are and what motivates us. As someone raised in a missionary family, whose father was a pastor and...
We Value … Unity
Unity: Part of the Same Spiritual Family This post is part of a six-part series, written by a leader within the convention, on our core values. Our core values show who we are and what motivates us. Unity is a result of salvation. Through the work of God's...
We Value … Diversity
Diversity: The New Humanity and Its Implications This post is part of a six-part series, written by a leader within the convention, on our core values. Our core values show who we are and what motivates us. The International Baptist Convention values...
Celebrating Our Core Values of Fellowship, Partnership
I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church in Cenchrea. I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been a great help to many people, including me. Greet Priscilla...
Core Values-Why We Do What We Do
By Jimmy Martin, IBC General Secretary They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together...
