Connect: A Philosophy and Practice of Connecting

When we live in authentic connection to God and to one another at Mountain View we view that Connection as coming from several important values:

1. Authentically Connected lives are part of biblical living - The Bible speaks repeatedly about the importance of Connection with God and with   one another (Deuteronomy 6:4-9, Leviticus 19:17-18, Mark 12:29-31).

2. Connected living brings God honor as we live out His desire for us – Connecting is the real-life reflection of us aligning with God’s deep yearning for us to be in relationship with Him and with other people (1 Corinthians 10:31).

3. Authentic Connection mirrors the life Jesus lived as a model for us to follow – Our deep and authentic Connections are possible because of the sacrifice of Christ on our behalf. That sacrifice brought us into God’s family where relationships are spiritually and relationally intimate because of our Connection with God and Others through the Holy Spirit. (Ephesians 1:3-6; Romans 8:17; Galatians 3:29).

4. Our community is the result of our Connection in Christ - God invites us to worship, serve, and participate in His family as a part of being a community (Exodus 12:16; Leviticus 23:3-7; Psalm 7:7; Joel 1:14; Hebrews 10:24-25; 1 Corinthians 12-14).

5. Authenticity grows genuine connection – Our authentic Connections become a reality when we practice transparency (Ephesians 4:16, 25-26), express genuine love for one another (1 Peter 1:22, 4:8), and commit ourselves  to a unity of purpose (Philippians 2:1-2).

CONNECTING AT MOUNTAIN VIEW COMMUNITY CHURCH (MVCC)

When we practice Connecting at MVCC we are pursuing relationships that go beyond the superficial. Our desire is to have relationships where we can share our hearts with one another. We seek out people and opportunities to discover hopes, dreams, hurts, and victories. We are quick to acknowledge the need for God’s help in this pursuit of authentic Connections. We seek Connected relationships because:   

1. We pursue Connection because it reflects the nature of God

Since we are made in His image, God’s nature speaks to our need for connection. God, who is found in three persons; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (Genesis 1:26; John 10:30, 17:11) shows us that the relational Connection we deeply desire begins with God Himself. God even speaks to us about His Connection in the Bible (John 14:9-11; Isaiah 61:1, 63:9-10). The Father is connected to the Son (John 17:22), and, with us, His people (Proverbs 15:29; Psalms 69:33; Hebrews 4:16).

2. We were created to be relationally Connected

Humanity was created in the image of God and as a result we reflect of some of His nature (Genesis 1:26-27). Because of our God-given natures, we also have a built-in need for Connection. We believe every person has the innate need to be Connected with God and with others (Jeremiah 2:13; Genesis 2:18, 23-24, 3:16; Mark 12:29-31).

3. God’s church is designed to be a place where we are relational and Connected

When Jesus laid out His desires, hopes, and purpose for the Church He clearly set it up for relationship and Connection (John 13:34, 15:12), mutual accountability (Mathew 18:15-20), and service to one another (Mark 10:42-45). The Bible calls us to be living in relationships to one another where we encourage and help each other in authentic ways (e.g. Galatians 6:1-10; Romans 12:4-21, 15:7, 14; Ephesians 5:19, 21, etc.). When Jesus called on His followers to “make disciples” (Matthew 28:18-20) He was also calling us into relationship with Himself and with each other.

We value and practice the biblical concept of Connection. We don’t believe the purpose of the Church can be accomplished without Connection in authentic relationships.

HOW DO WE PUT CONNECTING INTO PRACTICE AT MVCC?

At MVCC we provide opportunities for Connection with Christ and others through our various ministries. To provide opportunities for Connection at MVCC we have included several ways for people to choose Connection over isolation:

1. We hope that everyone who comes to MVCC receives a warm welcome. We believe that welcome begins with greeting at the door by our greeters and continues as each person is welcomed into the worship center by ushers and the people of the church during our greeting time in the worship service. We invite everyone who has identified themselves as a visitor to MVCC to further Connection with follow up calls, welcome letters, and email newsletters.

2. When people identify themselves as new to our church and have received our invitation to further Connection, we encourage them into deeper relationship with the Lord and His people through other opportunities. These opportunities include other ministry activities such as the Newcomer’s Lunch, Baptism Class, Baptism, Membership Class 101 and formal membership. None of these opportunities are required of anyone for further involvement or deeper Connection, however, they do facilitate the deepening of relationships.

3. At MVCC we seek to identify and invite people to become a part of various ministries such as Life Groups, Men’s and Women’s Ministries, Children’s Ministries, Ushers and Greeters, Hospitality and Care Teams, and other ministries of MVCC. All our ministries are relationally based with a focus of serving the Kingdom of God.

4. Deep, genuine, Connection require significant intentionality, effort, and perseverance on everyone’s part. We have opportunities for substantial Connection if a person is willing to “go the extra mile”. Those opportunities include one to one discipleship, life groups, leadership training, and mentoring.

5. Connecting at MVCC is not something we practice as an end in and of itself. Connecting is only one part of the process where we fulfill the Purpose of MVCC (“Growing a Community of Christ-followers who live and love like Jesus”). When we Connect we also engage in other important parts of MVCC Core Practices (Worship, Grow, Serve, and Reach).

Connecting is built into our Worship at MVCC. Teaching from the Bible, being in prayer, giving our offerings to God, greeting one another, and participating in musical worship all bring us into closer Connection with one another and with God.

Connecting helps us to grow as we engage in “life on life” ministry.

When we practice Connection with others we want to share what we find to be important with them. God is relational and humans are relational; connection in relationship is how other others see God and how we invite them into exploring a relationship with God and with His people.