In relation to God, we value:
Bible Teaching
What you think about God will affect every aspect of your life. In his grace, God has given us the Bible as a firm foundation (Titus 1:9) so that we may know him truly and also that we may live godly lives (2 Pet. 1:3).
Prayer
There is no such thing as a Christian who doesn’t pray. As children of God, speaking to our heavenly Father is what we do (Rom. 8:14-17). God’s primary means of communication to us is through the Bible, and our primary means of communication to God is through prayer (Matt. 6:5-15).
Enjoying and Living for God
The Christian life is not simply a set of principles to be believed or a series of practices to observe, but it is primarily a relationship to be enjoyed (Jer. 31:33). As Christians, our deepest joy and greatest pleasure is found in close relationship with God (Ps. 16:11). As the Westminster Catechism puts it: “the chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy him forever.”
In relation to other Christians, we value:
The Priority of Relationship
Humans were created for relationship—with God and with one another—but sin creates broken relationship (Gen 3:23-24, Rom. 3:23). Through the work of Jesus on the cross, right relationship with God and with others is restored (1 Pet. 2:10). As a church, we value intentional relationships with other Christians so that we can live out the Christian life as taught in the Bible (Eph. 4:32, Heb. 10:24-25, Jam. 4:16).
Members Equipped for Service
The work of service and ministry is not reserved for a select few ministers or leaders, but the leaders are put in place to equip all Christians for the work of the ministry (Eph. 4:11). It is important for each Christian to see that God has given them gifts for the building up of the body of Christ (Eph. 4:12) and that there is great joy in putting those gifts to use (1 Cor. 12:4-11).
In relation to the wider world, we value:
Every Member a Witness
The church’s mission comes from the mission of God himself: to display his glory by graciously redeeming a people for himself through the person and work of his Son, Jesus. While some Christians will be particularly gifted to evangelize, the bible teaches that every Christian is entrusted with the responsibility to tell others about Jesus and the gospel (2 Cor. 5:18-19).
Every Member a Servant
Jesus, lived a life of love, service and compassion. Likewise, in obedience to his commandment (Matthew 7:12) and following His example, all Christians are called to joyfully share their lives with compassion, love and service (Colossians 3:12). As members of St. Columba’s Church, we seek to do this, within our Parish of Blackhall, our city of Edinburgh and beyond.
