Core Values and Our Vision

People often think that the most distinctive or essential part of the WORD Ministry is the WORD Retreat. It is not. The most important part of our WORD Ministry is the values—the DNA—that is the foundation of disciples who become disciple makers. Below are the six core values of the WORD Ministry that we passionately pursue and guard.

Core Values

1. Disciple making is a lifestyle.

We are a disciple-making movement of ordinary men and women seeking to be obedient to the call of Jesus to be his disciple makers. (Matthew 28:18-20)

2. We are team centered. 

We start with the team. It is the team that leads and demonstrates the servant heart of Jesus to those who participate in our WORD Ministry. Each team member is essential and works together to make disciples.

3. We value self-replicating leadership. 

A goal of the leadership team is to train and develop their replacements. Leaders equip others to replace themselves.

4. We value the local church. 

The host church is an integral part of this ministry. It provides accountability, a meeting place, assistance with meals, oversight, and prayer support. We seek to strengthen the local churches. We value the Bride of Christ.

5. We value small groups. 

Small groups offer support, accountability, friendship development, and discipleship for followers of Jesus to become disciple makers. 

6. We are a shared ministry. 

We desire to share this ministry. We do not consider it our own. Our purpose is to give it away to those who wish to disciple others for Christ.

Our Vision

The WORD Ministry seeks to join God in developing men and women into disciples for Christ. We have a vision and values based on God’s Word which helps us realize our calling.

What is a Disciple of Jesus like?:

W – Worship

Jesus tells the woman at the well that God is looking for worshippers who worship him in spirit and truth. We believe worshipping God is our highest calling.

John 4:23-24 (ESV)

“But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. 24 God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”

O - Obedience

In the New Testament, Jesus clarifies his desire for only one kind of follower. In John 15:14 Jesus says, “You are my friends if you do what I command you.” You and I cannot say we are “abiding in Christ” without learning to be obedient to his teaching.

R - Relationship

The key to the Christian life isn’t effort but our abiding relationship to Jesus Christ. This is where we learn to be his students, to live like Him, choose like Him, and have His peace and power. This relationship to Jesus is where we live each day filled and guided by His Spirit. Our relationship to Jesus impacts our connection to all people. It will help us to be better fathers, mothers, husbands, wives, friends, and co-workers. 

John 15:4 (ESV)

“Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.” 

John 13:35 (ESV)

“By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

D - Disciple making

Lastly, we are all called to be disciple makers for Jesus wherever we find ourselves.  

Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV)

"And Jesus came and said to them,  'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.'”