Evangelical
When we say that we are evanglical, we convey that we are a protestant group that orients its ministry around the revealed truth of the Bible. Urban Concern strives to be faithful to the Bible’s mandate that the church carry out the message of grace to all people.
Content-rich
We strongly believe that the heart of our ministry is content-rich biblical teaching. We are convinced that the Word of God is, as Hebrews 4:12 says, “living and active.” Because we have a high view of those we influence through our ministry, we believe that they want to be challenged by a reasonable, applicable presentation of the Bible. Furthermore, it is our conviction that spiritual growth and authentic Christian service must be based upon a strong foundation of knowledge of the Scriptures.
Grace-focused
We believe that God works differently in the life of each Christian, but always with his forgiveness and transforming love as the foundation. We all come to a relationship with Christ with different sins, habits, burdens and concerns. At Xenos, we are committed to cooperating with God as he works in people’s lives over time.
Accountable Leaders
We believe that a plurality of accountable leaders best reflects the New Testament’s design for the church. We also believe that public reporting of church activities and financial matters is important.
Christ-centered
Paul says the goal of his ministry is to “present each man complete in Christ” (Colossians 1:28). The goal of Christian instruction is to help Christians develop a self-motivated spiritual life. We want to provide the tools and the opportunity for people to establish their own convictions about Christian life and Christian service.
Outward-focused
We are a church with a clear, outward focus. We recognize and affirm our biblical position as “ambassadors for Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:20).
Determined
We are deeply motivated to share with others the message of reconciliation with God.
Pro-cultural
We believe that the church needs to identify with the culture it serves.
Progressive
Over the years, Urban Concern has demonstrated flexibility in its organizational structure. To be successfully pro-cultural, Urban Concern has recognized the need to change as the times change.
Innovative
We are willing to try new things and to take risks in order to remain effective in ministry.
Burdened for Students
We have a special burden for young people. In the “post-Christian” West, most children grow up facing tough decisions without a Christian foundation. We believe people who are student-aged are uniquely open to the gospel.
Involved
The Bible envisions the church as a new community of people reconciled to Christ and, in turn, reconciled to each other. Our organizational structure is intended to facilitate this process.
Caring
We are convinced that a crucial need for Christians is encouragement in a complex, indifferent world.
Family-serving
The foundation for healthy individuals, society and the church is the family. We are unequivocally committed to equipping families who are interested in forming Christ centered environments in their homes.
Appreciative of Diversity
God has given the work of the church to all Christians, not just the “clergy.” We highly value diversity, and welcome the unique abilities and experiences that each individual brings to the church. We are committed to helping those who want to serve, find roles where they can contribute.
Grateful
Our ministry is rooted in the profound awareness that God has delivered us from the destructive course of the world and is continuing to restore us to wholeness through His Spirit. We seek to express our appreciation and gratitude corporately and individually.
