"...seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God." - Colossians
eLevate Your Perspective...
Mission-Vision-Values
ELevation Church of the Eastern Sierra
The Mission…
“ELevation Church of the Eastern Sierra exists to Elevate the name of Jesus in all that we are and all that we do, so that people far from God will be filled with life in Christ.”
The Vision (the unending end result)…
“The ongoing redemption and transformation of people and culture in our City and World, by the power of the Holy Spirit through the work of the Gospel.”
That’s it.
No fancy prose needed - no program necessary. Just love Jesus with all of your heart and do what He says.
The rest will follow…
Imagine...
a place where those disillusioned with religion can find truth, community and meaning.
a family who welcomes all people, with open arms, regardless of what they’ve been through, or where they’ve come from, to come in and find forgiveness, acceptance, love, belonging and real help for real needs.
a church where the love of its people brings genuine friendships, authentic community and a changed city.
a church built not on tradition, but on truth.
We dream...
Of being a relational Christian community where people are equipped to begin, renew and restore relationships, to live healthy, joy-filled lives, to rebuild marriages, and reclaim families for God by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Of being a family that is passionate about Jesus and spiritual growth, creative in using music and the arts to the glory of God, and active as an entire congregation mobilized for ministry - who uses their spiritual gifts to make a difference for Christ in our church and community.
Of being a body of Worshippers who live each day…each moment…for the Glory of God in loving obedience to Jesus, to display His grace to all people.
Of being a group of missionaries with a passion to transform the city of Reno through personal, relational service and to share the good news of Jesus Christ with the hundreds of thousands of residents in the Eastern Sierra region.
Of being a Bible-teaching, Gospel-driven, regional church that is vibrant, friendly and growing. We want to make room for everyone Jesus is saving, therefore we expect to average over 1000 in worship attendance within 5 years and to welcome 10,000 members into the fellowship of our church family within 25 years.
Of being a Church-Planting Church with a passion to reach the surrounding population and all the earth for Jesus by planting dozens of new churches and sending hundreds of short term and career missionaries throughout the world.
Of a beautiful church campus. God is beautiful and He is honored with beauty. We pray that God would grant us at least a twenty-acre campus with beautiful and functional facilities. We dream of a church campus that is a testament to God’s majesty to people living in the Eastern Sierra region.
Our Values:
Truth – Too often, life is seen in nothing but various shades of grey. Though it seems “open minded” and “free”, this view actually creates confusion in life, and worse. Truth, on the other hand, creates clarity and brings real freedom. Jesus said that knowing the Truth – His Gospel of grace – will set us free (John 8:32). Therefore, we hold a high view of Scripture - all of God’s Word - and seek to teach, live and proclaim it, accurately, in the context of our culture, out of our love for Jesus daily.
Grace – People mess up. The Bible says that all of us sin against God (Rom 3:23). That’s why Jesus died on the cross and rose again…to offer messed-up people forgiveness and new life. As children of His grace, Jesus calls all believers to extend the same manner of forgiveness to those around them (Luke 18:22, Eph 4:32). Therefore, we strive to create an environment of grace where people can find help and encouragement in their time of need.
Community – In a culture of rugged individualism and drive through coffee houses, genuine community can be rare. But God, who exists in perfect community as Father, Son and Holy Spirit, created us to live in authentic community with one another. Therefore, we place high value in being real with each other, sharing life together outside of Sunday gatherings and sacrificially serving one another in love.
Culture – It is almost axiomatic that God’s people often spend far too much effort impugning, ignoring, or prostituting themselves to, the culture around them. We believe, however, that the church of Jesus Christ should be about the redemption and transformation of the culture, and the people in it. Therefore, instead of chasing culture or running from it, we will seek to embrace the aspects of culture that are good (music, art, sports, etc.) and to move within the culture and engage it, as relational agents of transformation and redemption, commissioned by God.
Excellence – God is honored by excellence in all things done out of loving obedience to Him. He has given us gifts, skills and passions to be used for His glory and the benefit of His people. Scripture says, “Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Cor 10:31). Therefore, we seek honor Him by striving for excellence in worship, life, service and all that we do.
Joy –The Bible says, “The Kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” (Rom 14:17). Far from being burdensome and ritualistic, Christianity brings joy to the believer’s life because it restores the vital connection between man and his creator. Joy is a natural byproduct of life in Christ, and because of that Christians are commanded to, “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” (Phil 4:4) Therefore, we seek to live lives that express the joy of the Lord in all circumstances, whether good or bad, in view of the fact that we are citizens of Heaven and children of God, by the Gospel of Jesus Christ.