OUR VALUES

Our primary identity is found in belonging to God. Our values and operating principles are, therefore, rooted in our relationship with the triune God, as revealed in Scripture. Love, compassion, grace, holiness and a passion for right relationships are the foundation of our commitment to be an authentic Christian community. These things we share in common with other Christian organisations.
However, from our history, the people God has brought to our company and the way God has shaped us, we can identify values and operating principles that contribute to our distinctive culture. The following describes who we are and how we aspire to grow. They are given in no order of priority.
 

Our values

Dependence on God

We depend on God in everything and for everything. Therefore, we worship and wait on Him, pray and intercede, listen and obey.
 

Community

God  is three-in-one and has made us for community. Therefore, we make every effort to maintain unity, we invest deeply in relationships, and we care, pray for, respect and submit to each other. We are generous and flexible in attitude and behaviour.
 

Oneness in Christ

We are one in Christ. Therefore we reject all prejudice, including that based on gender, race, social status, culture and biblical spiritual traditions. We rejoice in God-given diversity. Women and men serve in ministry and leadership..
 

Partnership

God has called us to participate in his Kingdom work. Therefore, we minister in a spirit of humility and interdependence. We practice participatory, local leadership. We prioritise relationships and partnership with other parts of the Body of Christ.
 

Integrity

Our lives reveal the Gospel in word and deed. Therefore, in our lifestyle, work, relationships and spirituality, we are consistent, authentic and honest.
 

Wholistic 

God is reconciling all things through Christ. Therefore, we seek to be and to make whole-life disciples, care for creation and intentionally bear witness to the whole character and work of God through worship, proclamation, service and fellowship
 

Servanthood

Jesus came to serve. Therefore, we joyfully serve in love and humility. We make the effort to learn local language and culture. We choose to go to hard places and to the marginalised.

 

Our operating principles

Prayer and Worship

Prayer, worship, scripture and listening to God are the basis for ministry, growth, innovation and unity within the organisation.
 

Flexibility

We work to enable individuals to discover and use their call and gifts while ensuring that this is done in an appropriate way. We are open to new ideas, possibilities and ways of working. We are interested in working principles and open processes.
 

Locally Led

We practice devolved decision-making, enabling those affected by decisions to be involved in the process. We believe this allows us to be responsive to local needs, conditions and opportunities.
 

Partnership

We are committed to co-operation with others in reaching common goals through shared vision and values. Partnerships take place at every level within and with those outside the organisation. It defines our relationships with churches in both sending and receiving roles.
 

Integrated

We engage in mission through integrated ministry. Its principles shape the way we relate, including: rich and poor, business, development, health care, inter-faith dialogue, discipleship and church development. Most Interserve Partners have professional or vocational training. The use of these skills is central to the way we serve God and those He has called us to.
 

Discipleship

We aim to grow as disciples and enable others to do the same. Discipleship takes place in the context of relationship and community. Our desire is to enable individuals to fulfil God’s call, grow and use their gifts. Being discipled and discipling others is practiced intentionally.
 

Participation

Believing that all are made in the image of God, we practice participation in leadership, decision-making, strategic planning and pastoral care in all sectors of the Fellowship.
 

Prioritising the Marginal

Many factors result in some people having less opportunity to experience the reality of God’s Kingdom rule. These include: geography, wealth, poverty, social status, gender, ethnicity, religious affiliation, urban or rural living. Our Fellowship emphasises ministry amongst those most marginalised from the gospel of the Kingdom.

For a greater understanding of our ethos, please follow the links to our Vision & Practice booklet series:
Business as Mission: extending God's kingdom
God's Big Idea: wholistic mission
Together with God: working with the church
 

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