Core Beliefs and Values

Our ministry beliefs center around four biblical, foundational truths:

Creation - All people are created in the image of God. (Gen. 1:26)
The Fall of Mankind - Everyone has suffered, in all aspects of their humanity due to the Fall of mankind into sin. (Romans 6:23)
Redemption - Jesus Christ paid the cost of our sin (death) on the cross in our behalf that we may be forgiven and restored to fellowship with God. (Col. 1:19-20)
New Life in Christ - Christ was raised from the dead that we too may have new life, living by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Rom. 6:4, Gal. 2:20)

We see the redemptive works of God in the spiritual, physical, mental, and social life of humanity. We also see the redeeming power of the Gospel affecting individuals, their communities, and larger social systems (i.e., government). Therefore, our core values address life holistically:

Relationships – We care for and about people, and we will invest the time and energy required to maintain good relationships. Relational ministry with those we serve and with each other is a theme throughout all aspects of Desire Street Ministries. (Col. 3:12-14)
Encouragement – We seek to offer sincere expressions, both big and small, that inspire others to press on with courage and hope in life and in ministry. (Heb 3:13, Is 1:17)
Humility/Teachability – We desire to cultivate a heart for learning and growth, and guard ourselves from arrogance and pride. (I Peter 5:5) We strive to give God the glory for any success and not be consumed with who gets the credit. Additionally, in partnerships, both parties must believe that they can accomplish more together than either can do apart. (Ecc. 4:9-12)
Generosity – We order our lives within the privilege of extending beyond ourselves while empowering to foster the development of another. We so order our lives in this way because God first loved and extended love to us. We are willing to go the extra mile and walk in grace during relationship conflicts. We value a sacrificial service, which is the emptying of oneself in God’s love, giving more than we receive. (1 John 3:1 and Col 3:12-14, Acts 20:35)
Transformation – We believe in personal, family and community transformation. We want to be agents for change on all three levels, using the power of the Gospel as the basis. (2 Cor. 3:18)
Stewardship – We will be accountable to God and our Board of Directors, and we will be mutually accountable to each other for our time, talents and treasure. We seek to provide a good return on the investment our donors have made in Desire Street Ministries. (Heb. 4:13)
Discipleship – We seek to be disciplined learners and followers of Jesus Christ, maintaining a steadfast commitment to the Lord. (Matt. 28: 19-20)
Teamwork – We have different gifts, but we work together in community because we believe in partnerships with Christ as the head. We are collaboratively one body with many parts that need each other. (Rom. 12:4-6, Ecc. 4:9-12)