CPI Core Values
1. Christ-centeredness
Jesus Christ is our all in all. In Him we are complete. Ministry is not an end in itself, but the outflow of our personal relationship with Christ.
2. The biblical Gospel
The method that God uses for the conversion and transformation of lives is the biblical Gospel. Just to plant churches is not enough. Planting churches is in vain if they are not deeply rooted in the biblical and historical “faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.” (Jude 1:3b) The accurate understanding of God’s message will also determine effective missionary methodology.
3. Compassion
Compassion is the fruit of genuine faith. Is is also the nature of God. If we genuinely know God, we will love others and care for those in need. The conviction of Gospel truth always impacts every area of life, both spiritual and physical.
4. The guidance of the Holy Spirit
Where we work and how is not determined by ourselves but by the Holy Spirit. We determine His guidance through the Word of God and through God’s providence when great needs, great opportunities and an ability to help intersect.
5. Prayer
Because the task of making disciples of all nations is far beyond our own ability, we must devote ourselves to continual prayer. Through prayer, we remain dependent upon the Spirit who alone can do the work.
6. Church planting
The Church, established in every locality, is God’s instrument in reaching out to the world. Often, mass evangelistic efforts only produce quick and superficial decisions leading to false conversions. the local church’s influence; however, is not short term or haphazard. Each biblically based church is a beachhead from which the Gospel continues to be preached and disciples taught.
7. Leadership training
The key to church planting is leadership. Without strong leaders, planted churches will fall apart. Our part is to come alongside of leaders that are called of God and equip them to serve.
8. Working through relationships
Fulfilling the Great Commission is only possible through the body of Christ working together in unity. Fruitful ministry flows out of Christ-centered relationships.
9. Indigenous methods
Our aim is to plant churches that are not dependent on outsiders for their continuance. Dependency robs native leaders of initiative and stifles responsibility. Indigenous churches are self-governing, self-financing and self-propagating.
10. Building for the long term
Our aim is not to engage in random, short-term ministry, having no sense of continuance in the fields where we labor. Our priority is to build works that will stand and keep functioning after we leave, even for generations. The true test for missionary work is not what happens when we are on the field, but what continues to happen when we leave.
11. Cultural sensitivity
We prove that we value and respect the people we are trying to reach by becoming learners of their language and culture. We should adapt to all cultural practices that do no compromise the Gospel.
12. Unreached and receptive peoples
Our first priority is to the completely unreached peoples over those who already live within the reach of a community of believers. We also place a priority toward receptive people above those who are unreceptive. Receptive peoples are those who, by the Holy Spirit’s working, are open and hungry to hear the Gospel.
