Christ Centered↓
Without Christ, nothing ATLAS does is of any worth. A Christ-centered organization goes beyond serving the community. It recognizes the charge God has given us. We have been called by God to follow Christ’s example of reaching out and sacrificing for the community out of a pure love for the hurting.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16
“Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
John 15: 4-5*
Prayer Based↓
ATLAS Is a Prayer-based Ministry. ATLAS seeks to join God in what He is already doing in a community. As such, we need to be in constant prayer and communion with God concerning direction for the team, contacts, and the Board.
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with all thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Spirit-Led↓
We feel strongly that the impact of ATLAS relies solely on the Holy Spirit providing the needed wisdom and counsel to transform lives. God tells us in His Word that it is neither might nor human power, but by His Spirit that great things will be done(Zechariah 4:6).
“The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord had anointed me to preach the good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom to the captives and release from darkness the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all those who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion – to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor. They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations.”
Isaiah 61:1-4*
Relationship Focused↓
ATLAS is focused on developing and nurturing long-term relationships with individuals and families throughout our community that are based on trust and mutual respect. We will consistently reflect the love of Christ in all our relationships.*
Locally Governed and Supported↓
ATLAS is run by a local board and depends on local donors for financial support. A local board and financial support not only help ATLAS depend on God for direction and resources, but also assures a strong connection to the community and clear accountability to operate ATLAS with diligence and excellence.
“The entire law is summed up in this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’.”
Galatians 5:14
Non-Denominational↓
Christ’s body refers to the entire body of believers, not just one particular denomination. It is crucial for our effectiveness to work hard at connecting with the churches in our community and collaborating closely with them. We do not seek unity for its own sake; rather, we become unified when we work together to serve our community with the love and message of Christ.
"May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Accept one another, then as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.”
Romans 15:5-7
“So in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to the others.”
Romans 12:5**
