My Mission is to build Christ-centered community by practicing inclusive hospitality, inspire others to grow in God’s Word, and be the presence of Christ in the world.
My Vision is to lead a community of Christ-followers who love and know God’s Word and fulfill God’s will.
My Core Values:
- Abiding. I value biblical, inclusive hospitality (Matt. 25:31-40; Luke 14:12-24; Hebrews 13:1-2): Biblical hospitality includes the act of welcoming people who are not normally welcomed in either a traditional church or in larger society. Late Catholic priest and author, Henri Nouwen, once wrote that true hospitality happens when strangers are comfortable and “at home” enough to “cast off their strangeness and become our fellow human beings.”
- Growing. I value Christian spiritual formation and creative worship (Rom. 12:1-2; Gen. 1:1 – 2:4; Acts 2:42-47; Gal. 5:22-26): This commitment includes learning about and practicing (and helping others to practice) spiritual disciplines that inspire growth and discipleship, as well as engaging in creative worship that promotes social justice, evangelism, and missions.
- Sharing. I value sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ through preaching, teaching, and writing (Matt. 28:18-20): The Gospel is the Good News of God’s salvation for everyone who believes in Jesus Christ– “For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten son.” This deep conviction compels Joe to share this Good News where good news is hard to find. This includes the process of discerning and describing how and where God is working in the midst of community.
Joe LaGuardia 