Experience vs. the Christian Bubble
• By recognizing the work of Jesus in our lives, the lives of others, and in the world we can better experience God and reach out in His service.


Conversation vs. Lecture
• Sharing our stories and experiences as we tackle ideas, thought, doubts, and questions.


A Developing Community
• Intentionally reaching beyond our comfort zones, age groups, and stereotypes to find our greater community among our peers, 2nd Street Community Church, and the Christian world.


Creativity
• Spirit-led, not simply “Purpose Driven”; Study the Bible creatively, not “in the box”; Choosing simplicity over complexity; Value differing vantage points and perspectives.


Developing Leaders
• Wrestling with issues of life and faith as we help students discover their gifts and strengths, enjoying the fellowship which comes by both leading and following. Parker Palmer wrote in page 74 of his book Let Your Life Speak:
“If it is true that we are made for community, then leadership is everyone’s vocation…When we live in the close knit ecosystem called community, everyone follows, and everyone leads.”


Worship
• We want to be drawn together in worship with one another as we learn that worship goes beyond singing songs and is actually “the adoring response of heart and mind to the spirit of God” as written in the NWYM Faith and Practice. We value worship as the glue that holds us together…that guides our experience, directs our conversations, shapes our community, fuels our creativity, and breathes life into our leadership teams.