Our Core Values

What You'll Experience at Lakewood

At Lakewood, our values of Authenticity, Compassion, Hospitality, and Unity shape our worship, guide our decisions, and form us as followers of Christ.

Hand holding soil with a sprouting plant.

Authenticity

We believe that spiritual growth is a lifelong process shaped by the Holy Spirit.


Each person’s journey unfolds in its own time and in unique ways. Because God’s grace meets us where we are, we can live with honesty and without fear or pretense.


We offer one another patience, compassion, and understanding, trusting that as we follow Jesus together, God is continually forming us more fully into Christ’s likeness.

What This Looks Like at Lakewood



  • Worship that is reverent yet approachable
  • Teaching that engages real life, not just theory
  • Space for questions, growth, and spiritual curiosity
  • A culture that values people over polish

Supporting Scriptures: Ephesians 2:8-10, Hebrews 12:1-3, Philippians 1:6

Black outline of a heart shape on a white background.

Compassion

We are a congregation that cares deeply for each other and our neighbors, and God calls us to serve rather than be served.


Our compassion takes us beyond ourselves and beyond the walls of our church to the hungry, the hurting, the lonely, the lost, and the marginalized.

What This Looks Like at Lakewood



  • Caring for one another in times of illness, grief, and transition
  • Serving our local community through outreach and mission partnerships
  • Supporting ministries that address hunger, housing, and dignity
  • Choosing empathy, kindness, and patience in our relationships

Supporting Scriptures: Matthew 22:37-38, 25:34-40, 28:17-20, John 13:34-35 and 2 Corinthians 5:17-21

Black silhouette of an open door.

Hospitality

Jesus showed radical hospitality and welcomed and befriended those who were outsiders.


Because Jesus welcomes and invites all people to be with him without discrimination, we do the same. 


We are committed to showing warmth and hospitality

to our visitors and invite everyone to draw near to Christ through our fellowship and

worship. 

What This Looks Like at Lakewood



  • A warm, intentional welcome for newcomers
  • Inclusive worship and community life
  • Attentiveness to accessibility, care, and connection
  • A commitment to treating every person with dignity and respect

Supporting Scripture: Matthew 19:14, Luke 19:5, John 8:9-11

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Unity

Through baptism, we are joined to Christ and to each other. Jesus is the one who binds us together and unites us.


Within the Body of Christ there is diversity, and we embrace and celebrate our varied persuasions.


This rich diversity presents us with opportunities to grow in loving, learning, and serving together.

What This Looks Like at Lakewood



  • Respectful dialogue and thoughtful engagement
  • A spirit of collaboration rather than division
  • Commitment to peace, reconciliation, and mutual care
  • Growing together in faith, service, and mission


Supporting Scriptures: I Corinthians 12:12-13, Ephesians 4:4-6, Romans 14:19, Galatians 3:28

Living Our Values Together

Our values guide our decisions, shape our ministries, and inform how we serve both our congregation and our wider community. They are not goals we achieve once, but practices we return to again and again as we seek to follow Jesus faithfully.


At Lakewood, Authenticity, Compassion, Hospitality, and Unity are lived out in worship, in service, in relationships, and in everyday life. Together, we are continually being formed more fully into Christ’s likeness.


We invite you to explore life at Lakewood, ask questions, and discover how God may be calling you to grow, serve, and belong here.