If you could unravel the things that make up the personality of First Hattiesburg, what would it contain? Start with a big heart for the lost. Add strong strands of faith, a vision for missions, and teaching with a fun twist. All within an environment where everyone feels like family. Discover a bit more about our core values.
We Value Family
Discipleship begins in the home. Therefore, we are committed to assisting families through strong age-level ministries that encourage spiritual growth at all stages of life.
Deuteronomy 6:4-7
“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”
We Value Lost People
Lost people matter to God, therefore, they matter to us. We are committed to creating environments where the lost can experience life through a relationship with Jesus.
Luke 19:10
“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.”
We Value Cultural Relevance
We want to communicate to our culture in the most effective way possible. Therefore, we are committed to understanding and engaging our culture by employing creative methods that present Christ in a culturally relevant manner.
1 Chronicles 12:32
“men of Issachar, who understood the times and knew what Israel should do—200 chiefs, with all their relatives under their command.”
We Value Evangelism
The most effective evangelism is both relational and intentional. Therefore, we seek to invest in personal relationships with the unchurched, and to be intentional about inviting them to explore a personal relationship with Jesus and with the Church.
Matthew 28:18-20
“Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’”
We Value Worship
God has made each of us to be worshipers. It is “hardwired” into our spiritual DNA. Therefore, we make it a priority to gather weekly to express our love and gratitude to God.
John 4:23-24
“Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth.”
We Value Missions
Missions is at the center of God’s heart. Therefore, we encourage members to be involved in “hands on” mission projects, both locally and abroad.
Acts 1:8
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
We Value Fellowship
God has built into each of us the need for community with other believers. Discipleship happens best in groups. Therefore, we expect every member to actively participate in a small group.
Romans 12:5
“So in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.”
We Value Service
We are “created in Christ Jesus to do good works.” Service is vital to discipleship. Therefore, we expect every member to discover his or her unique gifts and use those gifts in service.
Ephesians 2:10
“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
We Value Biblical Instruction
Biblical instruction is the catalyst for transformation in the lives of individuals and in the church. Therefore, we provide multiple venues for people to study God’s Word together.
2 Timothy 3:16
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.”
We Value Prayer
Prayer is what connects us to the heart of God and enables us to carry out the will of God. Therefore, we practice corporate prayer, and we promote personal prayer in the private lives of our members.
1 Thessalonians 5:17
“Pray continually.”
