Who we are
Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church
Its impossible to describe all of who we are in a simple paragraph but there are things that help define and shape our church family. We have five values that guide us: the glory of God, the dignity of all people, the freedom we have in God’s mercy to struggle, question and even doubt, the power there is in belonging and the hope we have for the future.
The Glory of God
The Lord is majestic and wondrous in His person and nature but is doubly worthy of our praise because of how He has loved us in Christ’s life, death and resurrection. It should show in our work, our families and in the way we love each other.
The Dignity of All People
No matter who we are, we are all made in the Image of the Divine. If we worship God, we should honor those that bear his image… especially those that don’t feel they belong or fit well in our communities. Families struggling to care for loved ones with addiction… families with members who have special needs… single and unwed mothers… immigrant families… all should find some kind of home in the church.
The Freedom to Struggle
God loves us as we are and loves us too much to leave us as we are. But if change is to come, we must have the freedom to struggle. God’s love should bring a freedom to talk honestly about where we are, how our fears and shame drive us to do foolish things and even when we fail. We will seek to build and promote this kind of loving and supportive community.
Power in Belonging
Scripture tells us that God is for us and when we see that embodied in brothers and sisters who are for us, it empowers us to live bold lives of love. When we ‘belong’ we know power to keep striving for better in our lives and for others.
Hope for the Future
Life is impossible without hope. But in Christ, we have hope not only for our individual lives (salvation, resurrection) but hope for the whole world (“Behold, I am making all things new.” Rev. 21: 5a).
Good Shepherd Presbyterian is also a member church of the Presbyterian Church in America. Our defining faith convictions are rooted in the Apostles’ Creed and the Nicene Creed. A fuller description of our convictions can be found in the Westminster Confession of Faith and Catechisms.