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1. Malphurs Chapter 6
Discovering Core Values
Why We Do What We Do

2.  The Importance of Values
1. Values determine ministry distinctiveness
2. Values dictate personal involvement
3. Values determine mission and vision
 The Definition of Values- Core values are the
constant , passionate, biblical core beliefs that
drive the ministry. This definition consists of five
vital elements as follows:
1. Values are Constant-Values are tenacious .In terms
of ministry, they are the constant thread that hold
together the ever-changing organizational fabric.
2. Values are Passionate-Passion is a feeling word. It
describes what you care deeply and feel strongly
about. A good core value touches the very heart
and soul of the church and elicits powerful
emotions.

3.  The Definition of Values, con’t
3. Values are Biblical-Most of the values of a ministry
are found in the Bible. Ones that are not found in
the Bible, do not contradict or disagree with
Scriptures.
4. Values are Core Beliefs- A belief is a conviction or
opinion that you hold as true, based on limited
evidence. You have faith or trust in the conviction.
However, a belief is not a fact, by definition. The
doctrines that comprise a church’s doctrinal or faith
statement are facts based on Scripture. The values
that comprise a church’s values statement or credo
are beliefs.
5. Values Drive the Ministry- Core values drive and thus
guide the church. The church’s mission determines its
port, and the vision is a picture of what it will look
like when it arrives at that port. And it’s the
church’s values that drive and thus guide the church
toward that destination.

4.  The Definition of Values, con’t
Further Clarification
-Functions(timeless), Not Forms
(timely):Community or fellowship is timeless,
small group gatherings is a form and
therefore not a value
-Ends, Not Means to Ends: small group
gatherings are an means to an endand not
the end itself which could be community
-Explains Why You Do What You Do: a small
group gathering is wht you do, the reason
why you do it is the value, such as build
community

5.  The Discovery of Core Values
1. Who Discovers the Values- The strategic
leadership team should be tasked with
discovering the organization’s values.
2. Whose Values are Discovered- Organizational
values exist on both the personal and
corporate congregational levels, and the
congregation’s values are the sum of each
individual’s values. Both should be considered.
-personal Organizational Values: the actual
core beliefs of the people who make up a
ministry organization.
-corporate organizational values: the actual, not
aspirational values of the entire church.

6.  How Are Actual Values Discovered?
1. Discuss the importance and definition of values
2. Study other church’s credos
3. Do a Core Values Audit ( Appendix E)
4. Identify any single , driving value
5. Identify any unique-to-the-church values
6. Conduct a storyboarding session
7. Review the church’s budget
 The Follow-up to Values Discovery
Once the church’s DNA ( who you are) is
determined, the church now knows what is key to
the church culture and why you do what you do.
Now you can begin to think about your mission as a
church, because these values are taking you
somewhere. Answer the question, Where are these
values taking us?

7.  The Development of the Core Values Statement
Once the team members have discovered their
ministry’s core values, the next step is to articulate
them for the rest of the congregation. This will take
the form of a values statement or credo ( appendix
D). This involves both preparation and a process
1. The Preparation for developing the Credo: First you
must determine who will develop the credo
remembering that the senior pastor should be a
vital part of the process. Second, you should think
through why you are writing or crafting a credo.
2. The Process of Developing the Credo
a. determine if it’s a value or a form
b. determine the number of values
c. decide on a credo format
d. test the credo format

8.  Communicating the Core Values
You might develop the perfect credo or
values for your ministry, but if the ministry
constituency does not see it, or no one ever
communicates it, then it dies an untimely
death. It is the primary responsibility of the
leadership team –board and staff- to see that
the credo is available to all connected with
the organization.
See p.117 for some ways that churches have
communicated or cast their values.