Pastor Allen lays out seven guiding values that will shape Garden of Grace’s culture from the start—not just its strategies or theology. The heart of the vision is to create a community where people feel truly welcomed, known, and safe, and where the “vibe” reflects the grace of God in action.
- Radical Hospitality – A revolutionary welcome that embraces outsiders, doubters, and the wounded without conditions. It’s not about politeness, but about deep, personal connection—like Jesus eating with Zacchaeus or touching the leper.
- Grace as Compassion in Motion – Grace isn’t just an idea, it’s action. The church will take proactive steps to care, forgive, and show up for people before they ask—meeting them in the middle of their story.
- Authenticity – Choosing honesty over performance, vulnerability over polish. This builds trust and counters the trend of churches feeling like showrooms instead of spiritual homes.
- Curiosity – Asking hard questions is a sign of depth, not doubt. Garden of Grace will encourage exploration of Scripture, faith, and life’s mysteries, trusting that truth is not fragile.
- Joy – Laughter and play are sacred. Joy is treated as a spiritual discipline that resists despair, heals wounds, and strengthens community.
- Inclusive Belonging – Belonging comes before belief. No one has to align with specific doctrines or politics to be embraced; everyone’s voice and story matter.
- The Pursuit of Health and Happiness (Pura Vida) – Health, happiness, and simplicity are holy pursuits. Worship, teaching, and outreach will help people thrive in body, mind, and spirit.
Garden of Grace is “building a table, not a gate”—a joyful, healing community where everyone is welcome and where wellness, belonging, and love are lived out daily.