The Session (elders) in league with Brookdale's Deacons, Trustees, and Staff have prayerfully and thoughtfully developed a set of Guiding Principles for Brookdale Church. These flow from our Purpose Statement and serve as a tool to guide our decision-making as a congregation on a broader level.

Bible. We believe the Bible is God's true, inspired Word and the final authority for each person's faith and conduct. (Deuteronomy 6:4-9, Joshua 1:8, Psalm 119:105, Colossians 3:16, 2 Timothy 3:16-17)

Worship. We believe worship is the chief means of glorifying God and leads believers to a passionate relationship with Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. (Exodus 20:1-11, 1 Chronicles 16:23-36, Psalm 95:6, John 4:24, Romans 12:1, Philippians 2:10-11)

Prayer. We believe persistent prayer, both individually and as the Church, is fundamental to living a life of bold faith. (Ephesians 6:18, Colossians 1:9-12, James 5:13-16)

Evangelism. We believe evangelism is the Church's primary mission of compassion because of the value God places on the life and salvation of every person. Therefore, God's life-giving message must be communicated in ways society will understand without compromising the truth of God's Word. (Genesis 1:27, Psalm 139:13-16, Matthew 9:36-37, Matthew 24:14, Matthew 25:31-46, Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 1:14-18, John 3:16)

Discipleship. We believe discipleship is the essential, transforming process which enables a believer to grow into a life of holiness and a mature relationship with Christ. (Leviticus 11:45, Romans 12:2, 1 Thessolonians 5:11, Hebrews 6:1-3, Hebrews 12:1-3)

Service. We believe service is a lifestyle of ministry a believer embraces in response to God's grace requiring creativity, energy, and excellence according to each believer's spiritual gifts. (Exodus 39:42-43, 1 Corinthians 12, Ephesians 4:11-13, Ephesians 6:7, Colossians 3:17, 1 Peter 4:10-11)

Family. We believe the family is God's primary unit for ministry and must receive the Church's special care. (Genesis 2:24, Joshua 24:14-15, Psalm 128, Proverbs 11:29, Matthew 19:13-14, Ephesians 6:1-4, 1 Timothy 5:8, 2 Timothy 1:5, Titus 2:6) Community. We believe community is necessary for developing authentic relationships among diverse believers who hold each other accountable to Christ in love and empowers believers to destroy barriers that divide the Church and society. (John 13:34-35, John 17:20-23, Act 2:44-47, 1 Corinthians 1:10, 1 Corinthians 12:12-13, 1 Corinthians 13, Hebrews 10:25, 1 John 4:7-8)

Leadership. We believe true leadership is exhibited by believers who are devoted to honoring God, living with integrity, following Christ's example of servanthood, and setting a clear vision for the Church while remaining accountable to God and the people they serve. (1 Timothy 3, Titus 1:5-9)

Missions. We believe mission is the Church's responsibility to nurture people spiritually, physically, and emotionally in practical ways throughout the neighborhood, community, nation, and world. (Acts 1:8, James 1:27)

Generosity. We believe generosity is God's command and demands the careful management of time, energy, and money. (Proverbs 3:9-10, Proverbs 22:9, Matthew 25:14-30, 2 Corinthians 8:1-7, 2 Corinthians 9:6-8)