With over eight years of active participation with the leadership of the Citylight movement, I have witnessed several key “non-negotiable” values. I believe, to some significant degree, these reveal the incredible grace and kindness of the Lord that our Family of Churches have and are experiencing.
GOSPEL CENTRALITY
While there is appropriate freedom for secondary matters of conviction, one truth remains firm…the absolute wonder of God’s saving work for sin-wrecked sinners made available by grace alone through faith alone in Christ Jesus alone…PERIOD! As my bride frequently says cheerfully, “Before the sermon is complete, the answer will be Jesus!” This truth is the heartbeat of the Citylight Family on mission.
MULTI-GENERATIONAL JOY
There is an undeniable excitement, an irrepressible joy evident among those of every age when we gather as the Church. The incredible number of baptisms celebrating deliverance from sin’s paralyzing penalty and life-stealing shame is producing a contagious spirit of Joy. When songs are sung together, one sees full participation because His grace has lifted us out of the mud of our failures and planted us firmly on the Rock while putting a new song in our hearts that finds expression on our lips, praises to the only One who is worthy. Irrepressible joy!
DEVOTED TO THE WORD
God’s Word being publicly read in every gathering of the fellowship and then followed by Spirit-empowered explanation of the biblical passage under consideration is a practiced and protected act. Not a “life-coaching” list of pithy principles masquerading as a sermon, but the weighty wrestling with God’s intended message from the text…sermons that are the fruit of diligent hard work in understanding and preparing in order to gain proper understanding…delivered in the power of the Holy Spirit to God’s people. Serious bible preaching!
MULTIPLICATION
Every Citylight member owning their responsibility for sharing the Gospel with those who are dying to hear the only life giving message of Good News. And as sinners who are set free they share in the discipleship process of spiritually growing…becoming less and less like themselves, and more and more like Jesus. Discipleship! But at the core of every Citylight Church is the commitment to graciously and generously send out their very best to plant Gospel Centered Churches in needy spaces. Generously sharing those whom we’d rather keep for ourselves so that a continuation of multiplying disciples and churches!
RADICAL DEPENDENCE
From the earliest days of my experience with the Citylight leadership I have witnessed first hand the spirit of radical dependence upon the gracious work of the Lord. This leaning all into Him is evident in the devotion to prayer. As Jesus told the twelve, “It is the Spirit that gives life. The flesh is no help at all!” And that conviction is the fuel that keeps God’s mission alive in our churches. This, I believe, is THEY KEY that holds all aspects of the Citylight mission together. “Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit…”
“Now to Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all we could ask or think…to Him be the glory!”
Tom Rempel
Elder, Retired Pastor, Shepherd to Pastors