Our Values
When Jesus said, “my kingdom is among you,” he was declaring that a new way of life had entered the world, alongside all the other kingdoms. Jesus invites us to follow him on that way, in how we treat and work with others.
Kingdom Values
How we serve is every bit as important as the work itself. We seek the flourishing of our community not by means like power, paternalism, or self-promotion. Those are the values of the kingdoms of this world. Instead, Jesus calls us to follow another set of values, trademarks of his new kingdom. Values like loving your neighbor, regardless of their background, beliefs, or behavior. Or radical generosity, even to those who oppose you. Or making a difference through the gentleness of being salt and light, rather than a hammer or sword. Jesus talked often about life in his kingdom, including in his most famous message, the Sermon on the Mount. The values that shape Bridge Builders can be found there—and if we look very closely, we’ll find them already written on our hearts.
Our Values:
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When Jesus declares that the poor in spirit, the mournful, the meek, etc. are blessed, he means that flourishing and wholeness are available to the vulnerable, for his kingdom has come. But blessing is not merely material abundance. And so simply providing physical resources without caring for underlying mental and spiritual needs is not true flourishing. God cares for every part of our lives, and so we are committed to serving the whole person, body, mind and spirit.
(Mt. 5:1-12) -
When Jesus calls his followers to be the “salt of the earth,” he invites us to season every aspect of our society through humility rather than power, and distinctiveness rather than compromise. Similarly, being the “light of the world” is a call to both gentleness and clarity. On the cross, the God of all power gave up power in order to redeem us, the most influential act in history. And so we likewise seek the flourishing of our community through our weakness and service.
(Mt. 5:13-16) -
When Jesus says our righteousness must exceed that of the religious leaders, he means that outward obedience alone is not enough. True flourishing goes deeper, where our hearts are inclined to Christ’s heart, and we desire to follow his ways. But that kind of faithfulness is impossible in our own strength. And so we are called to abide in him and his kingdom, in order to live as faithful followers.
(Mt. 5:17-37) -
When Jesus tells us to “turn the other cheek” and “go the extra mile,” he is inviting us to a radical expression of generosity, beyond culturally accepted norms or expectations. We are to sacrificially give our time, talents and treasure to others, even to those who are unappreciative or resistant to true community.
It’s the way Jesus loved and gave himself to others, even before we loved him in return.
(Mt. 5:38-42) -
When Jesus tells us to love our neighbor, he is calling us to love others as he does, regardless. Regardless of who they are, where they’ve come from, or what they’ve done. And so we love and serve our neighbors, regardless.
(Mt. 5:43-48)
How we partner:
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Kingdom Model
Churches too often work in silos. But imagine what could happen if we worked together towards a shared vision of flourishing, beyond the ability of any one church to accomplish? In keeping with our original vision to “complete, not compete,” Arlington Bridge Builders fosters collaborations of churches to help each other flourish, and together, to address the spiritual and physical needs of our community. As we serve, we encourage all to focus on the needs they are most passionate about and capable of addressing. For that, we are inspired by the example of Nehemiah, who led the effort to rebuild the broken walls of Jerusalem.
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Kingdom Mindset
Seeking true flourishing is clearly beyond our abilities. We’re prone to mess up the ways we try to help others. Sometimes, we serve those in need as if we ourselves are whole, and it is others who need “fixing.” That approach is paternalism. Other times, we’re content to merely send money and materials, without developing personal relationships. That approach is patronage. Instead, God has called us into partnership, where we work closely together and elevate others in recognition of our own need of grace. For that, we are inspired by the example of perhaps the most influential person in the New Testament, after Christ himself—yet most people have never heard of him.