Biblical References

Core Convictions with Biblical References

Karen Stallard has produced a version of the core convictions with biblical references. These are not 'proof texts' to justify our convictions but resources for further reflection on the implications of these convictions.

Values

Relationship

We believe that, in Jesus, God is revealed locally, and that we should be committed to our local community or relational network and active members of it.
(John 1:14, 1 John 1:1)

We believe that the gospel works through relationships and that serving God consists largely in building life-giving relationships with others.
(1 Thessalonians 2:8)

We recognise that Christian faith is a journey and we are committed to helping people move forward, wherever they are at present.
(1 Corinthians 3:1-2)

We focus on under-churched areas and neglected people, trying to find ways of communicating Jesus appropriately to those most frequently marginalised, condemned and abused by society.
(James 1:27)

We challenge the trend of some Christians moving out of the cities and encourage Christians to relocate to the inner cities.
(Matthew 9:9-12)

We believe in doing things with and not just for communities, sharing our lives with others and learning from others who share their lives with us.
(1 Thessalonians 1:5-6)

We see teamwork, networking and mutual accountability as vital, recognising that individuals and churches need each other.
(Ephesians 4:11-13; Acts 2:42-46)

Creativity

We recognise the importance of taking risks and the demands of mission in the inner city, and we believe that it is acceptable to fail.
(Hebrews 11:32-40)

We value courage, creativity and diversity as we try to discover relevant ways of being church in different contexts.
(Joshua 1:6-9)

We believe that questions and theological reflection are important as we learn together and so discern the way forward.
(Jude 17-23, 1 Peter 3:15)

We aim to be catalysts, encouraging and releasing creativity in both church and community as we seek and share God in the inner city.
(Mark 4:26-29)

We believe in discouraging dependency and developing indigenous leadership within maturing churches that will have the capacity to sustain and reproduce themselves.
(Acts 14:23)

We are excited that God can be discovered in the heart of the city and commit ourselves to explore various forms of prayer and worship that are appropriate here.
(Hebrews 10:19-25; Revelation 21:1-4)

We realise that God’s Spirit blows freely and so we will not assume our work should continue indefinitely.
(John 3:7-8)

Humility

We acknowledge our dependence on God and affirm our continual need of prayer and God’s empowering Spirit.
(Proverbs 3:5; Mark 10:14-15; Ephesians 5:18)

We believe that all people are loved by God, regardless of age, gender, education, race or class, and that God works through all believers – and others besides.
(Galatians 3:28)

We respect others working alongside us in the inner city and are grateful for the foundations laid by the many who have gone before us.
(1 Corinthians 3:5-9, 1 Corinthians 16:15-18)

We want to learn from others, seeking to shape what we do in light of the experiences, discoveries, successes and mistakes of fellow-workers.
(Ecclesiastes 12:11; Romans 15:14; Colossians 3:16)

We are careful not to drain other local churches of their often limited resources, but hope to be an encouragement and support to them.
(Hebrews 10:25, 1 Corinthians 14:12)

We realise the importance of living uncluttered lives, holding possessions lightly and recognising that all we have is to be at God’s disposal.
(Luke 12:32-34)

We know we are not indispensable and what we attempt to do is part of a much bigger picture, so will try to keep ourselves in perspective.
(Romans 12:3-5)

Commitments

We are committed to following God on the margins and in the gaps, expecting to discover God at work among powerless people and in places of weakness.
(James 2:1-9)

We are committed to being Jesus-centred in our view of the Bible, our understanding of mission and all aspects of discipleship.
(John 13:15; Ephesians 4:15-16)

We are committed to seeking God’s kingdom in the inner city, both by planting churches and by working in partnership with others in mission.
(Matthew 13:45; 1 Corinthians 12:27)

We are committed to a vision of justice, peace and human flourishing for the city and all its inhabitants.
(Amos 5:24; Amos 9:13-15)

We are committed to uncluttered church, focused on mission, rooted in local culture and equipping all to develop and use their God-given gifts.
(1 Corinthians 9:22; Romans 12:6-8)

We are committed to unconditional service, holistic ministry, bold proclamation, prioritising the poor and being a voice for the voiceless.
(Proverbs 19:17; Romans 12:1)

We are committed to respecting and building relationship with other faith communities and averse to all forms of manipulation or erosion of liberty.
(Matthew 22:37-40; Luke 10:30-37)

Mission Statement

Urban Expression is an urban mission agency that recruits, equips, deploys and networks self-financing teams pioneering creative and relevant expressions of the Christian church in under-churched areas of the inner city.
(Acts 1:8)