Statement of Culture*Scripture is cited from the ESV.
Christ is the Center.
“And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.” - Colossians 1:18
Scripture Is Our Authority.
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” - 2 Timothy 3:16–17
We work as unto the Lord.
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” - Colossians 3:23–24
Because He is the center of our lives, we work for Him alone. No one else, not even ourselves. We will live out Galatians 2:20; “It is no longer I who live but Christ who lives in me.” His will must always come first. We ask ourselves in every situation “Does this glorify God?” Our proceeding is contingent on a “yes” as the answer to this question.
An organization is made up of many members. This organization is and will continue to be made up members that individually pursue submission and communion with a Holy God. For our work to be authentically centered on him, Christ must first be at the center of our lives.
What does this mean? How is this done, practically? The make or break factor of any relationship is communication. Communication must go both ways. God has provided us with His written Word, the Holy Bible through which he speaks to us. He listens to us when we pray (1 John 5:14-15, Isaiah 65:24, 1 Thessalonians 5:17). In light of these truths, we must commit to these practices. We will pray to talk to Him. We will read His Word to hear from Him. This is vital, not optional.
These first items are taken directly from our Statement of beliefs, and more importantly, God’s Word. Everything else on this document, the culture and standards of ETX, will flow from this.
Foundation of our cultureWe Love as Jesus Loved.
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” - John 13:34–35
“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” - Ephesians 5:1-2
“Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” - 1 John 4:11
We Pursue Humility, Not Pride.
“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus.” - Philippians 2:3–5
“When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.” - Proverbs 11:2
We Speak Truth.
“Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ.” - Ephesians 4:15
“Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.” - Ephesians 4:25
“Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight.” - Proverbs 12:22
We Practice Integrity Above Reproach.
“The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them.” - Proverbs 11:3
“Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out.” - Proverbs 10:9
“For we aim at what is honorable not only in the Lord’s sight but also in the sight of man.” - 2 Corinthians 8:21
“Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.” - Titus 2:7-8
We Forgive Quickly and Fully.
“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” - Ephesians 4:32
“Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.” - Colossians 3:13
“Pay attention to yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him, and if he sins against you seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.” - Luke 17:3-4
“And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.” - Mark 11:25
We Serve One Another.
“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” - Mark 10:45
“For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” - Galatians 5:13
“If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.” - John 13:14-15
“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace.” - 1 Peter 4:10
We Pursue Holiness.
“But as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy.’” - 1 Peter 1:15–16
“Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.” - Hebrews 12:14
“Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God.” - 2 Corinthians 7:1
“Put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and … put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.” - Ephesians 4:22-24
We Welcome Accountability.
“Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” - Galatians 6:1-2
“Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” - Proverbs 27:17
We Represent Jesus to the World.
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” - Matthew 5:16
“Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.” - 2 Corinthians 5:20
“Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.” - 1 Peter 2:12
Outline of Our Scripture-Derived CultureImplication & ImplementationAlways Assume Positive Intent.
Assuming positive intent reduces unnecessary conflict and creates a foundation of trust, safety and teamwork. Overall, it strengthens relationships by keeping interactions generous, calm, and solution-focused."
Unity of Spirit.
It is our shared passion and desire that God will be glorified through the ministry of connecting students to the Church. Therefore let us avoid division, competition, or conflict. We have roles but are not bound by them. Help one another out. Be aware of others burdens and consider how we can replicate Christ by taking some of the weight (Matthew 11:28).
Conflict Resolution.
“If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.” - Matthew 18:15-17
No Place for Gossip.
We are committing to address serious issues (or suspected issues) vertically, not horizontally. We will bring it to proper authority, not our friends. Not even under the cover of “seeking wise counsel.”