Our Mission and Core Values

 

Our Mission – Sharing Jesus. Equipping families.

 

To share the life-changing message of Jesus Christ and equip families to serve him effectively.

 

 

Our Core Values

 

Core Value #1: Biblical Truth – A Commitment to Scripture

 

The Bible declares that Jesus Christ is both Savior (John 14:6; Luke 2:11; 1 Timothy 1:15; 1 John 4:14) and Lord (Acts 2:36; 10:36; Romans 10:9; Philippians 2:9-11; Revelation 17:14). We believe the Bible is God's Word and should be taught in a relevant manner that honors its authority and message (John 1:1; Romans 10:17; 1 Corinthians 9:22; 1 Timothy 4:13; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:19-21). As teachers of the Word, we are called to do our best to accurately present the Bible's truths (2 Timothy 2:15). In this effort, we believe it is important to relate the biblical text in an understandable way that intersects with today's culture, while not compromising the Bible's message. Our focus is on the unshakable truths (orthodox beliefs) that have united Christian churches throughout the centuries, allowing us to minister in a variety of churches. In all we present, we long to be Christ-centered, clear, gentle, and respectful (1 Peter 3:15)—grateful that God has given us such Good News to communicate (Mark 16:15). The Son Shine Ministries team is committed to teaching the Bible.

 

Core Value #2: Relational Emphasis – A Commitment to Love God and People

 

When Jesus was asked which the greatest commandment in the Law was, he responded, "'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.' This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself'" (Matthew 22:37-39). These inseparable commandments portray the necessity of loving God wholeheartedly to be able to love others as Christ intended. Our deepest desire is to reach people—all of whom are created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27)—with the life-changing message of Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). The Son Shine Ministries team is committed to loving well.

 

Core Value #3: Priority of Prayer – A Commitment to Our Dependence upon God

 

Spiritual things are spiritually understood (Matthew 16:17). With this in mind, we are called to consistently go to the Father in prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Son Shine Ministries' efforts are only complete with the complement of intercessory prayer. We also believe prayer provides a vital connection with the Lord, illuminating his Word, and can help meet our deeper needs as we grow in dependence upon God. The Son Shine Ministries team is committed to prayer.

 

Core Value #4: Discipleship – A Commitment to Process-Based Ministry

 

Jesus' final challenge to the church as he ascended into heaven was for believers in him to go and make disciples (Matthew 28:19-20). Discipleship is a deliberate process of spiritual formation and relational skill development in community that requires commitment, accountability, time, and dependence upon the Lord. While we often present weekend programs, we see these as catalysts to launch process-driven, small-group discipleship opportunities in churches. To this end, we offer to help churches know how to utilize process-driven groups where authenticity thrives and an environment for growth is cultivated. The Son Shine Ministries team is committed to the process of discipleship.

 

Core Value #5: Marriage – A Commitment to Help Strengthen Couples

 

We believe Christian marriage is a sacred covenant designed by God to model the relationship that is possible between Christ and people (Genesis 1:27; Ephesians 5:32). In marriage, couples are called to respect each other's God-given distinctiveness (1 Corinthians 12:12, 18) while uniting as one before the Lord (Amos 3:3; Matthew 19:4-6). Genesis 2:24 says that "a man shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh." This makes a marriage relationship both the husband's and the wife's primary bond, second only to their relationship with Christ. The significance of what marriage is designed to display to the world adds to the importance of healthy and lasting marital relationships, and for this reason, we make marriage ministry our main focus. The Son Shine Ministries team is committed to strengthening marriages.

 

Core Value #6: Family – A Commitment to Help Strengthen Families

 

We believe the family is the basic building block of human civilization, and that children are a valuable, precious gift and blessing from God (Psalm 127:3). While children are called to honor and obey their parents (Ephesians 6:1-3), parents are called to patiently love, raise, shape, and prepare their children to follow God's path (Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Colossians 3:21; Ephesians 6:4). We see this as something akin to an apprenticeship model. The training from the parents is holistic—showing them how to function as believers, applying God's Word in everyday situations, and helping their children understand how they can relate to God and to people. As children become adults, they, in turn, can do the same with their children—joyfully passing on the faith. The Son Shine Ministries team is committed to strengthening families.

 

Core Value #7: Local Church – A Commitment to Support God's Work through Churches

 

As a parachurch ministry, our function is to come alongside local churches and military chapels to support them in their mission of evangelism and discipleship (1 Corinthians 12:12-26; Ephesians 3:10; 2 Timothy 2:15; 4:2). For this reason, the vast majority of our work is done in and through churches. In addition to our catalyst programs, we are called to serve as consultants to churches on building effective family ministries in their churches. Our hope and prayer is to help churches "drive faith home"—strengthening marriages and equipping parents to consistently nurture faith in their children. The Son Shine Ministries team is committed to the local church.

 

Core Value #8: Stewardship – A Commitment to Honor God by our Use of Time and Resources

 

We believe God calls our ministry to be transparent, authentic, and accountable not only in relationships but also with our time and other resources. We are committed to being wise stewards before God and others (2 Corinthians 8:21), utilizing an engaged board of trustees, independent accounting firm, and annual accreditation through the ECFA (Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability). The Son Shine Ministries team is committed to wise stewardship.