Our Core Values

Imani Core Values are the beliefs that define the very essence of Imani Community United Church of Christ.

• Integrity - A person of integrity is one who is honest and of character and has the ability to walk before God with moral soundness. “In everything set an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech…” Titus 2:6
  
  “To have integrity is to have unconditional and steady commitment to moral values and obligations. For such a person, the fundamental question whether to conduct life on the plane of self-concern or of moral seriousness has been decisively resolved, though particular life situations will doubtless continue to put that commitment to strenuous test. This moral commitment becomes a crucial component in his or her sense of identity as a person: it confers a unity of character…” (Oxford Companion to Philosophy, (1995) p.410)
  
  Commitment to God, self, family and the church are essential elements at Imani Community UCC.

• Accountability - The willingness to accept responsibility for our words, actions and behaviors. At Imani Community UCC we know that we are all works in progress, full of imperfections and shortcomings. It’s only through the grace of God that we can begin to speak our truth and face our brokenness. “Make this your common practice: Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you can live together whole and healed…” James 5:16

• Affirmation - Strong positive statements, thoughts and actions about God, you and the church. At Imani Community UCC we know words can bring life or death. We intentionally affirm the God in you and speak life into lifeless situations, making conscious choices to see the glass half full and not half empty. “Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious-the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse…” Phil 4:8

• Faith - “Faith is daring the soul to go beyond what the eyes can see”-William Newton Clark. Imani means Faith in Swahili. It is a “do” word, a verb, something that we put into action. It is a strong conviction and belief! “The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It’s our handle on what we can’t see. The act of faith is what distinguished our ancestors…” Heb 11:1

• Worship - The community of faith gathers for worship during the week. The purpose of worship is simply to worship God in spirit and in truth, through music, praise, prayer, testimonies and hearing the word, equipping the community of Faith to serve those in need. Our style of worship is a unique combination called a Metho-Bapti-Costal style. In essence, it is a celebration that includes worship from the African-American tradition, complete with call and response, congregational singing and moments of praise breakouts! “Good people, cheer God! Right-living people sound best when praising. Use guitars to reinforce your Hallelujahs! Play God’s praise on a grand piano! Invent your own new song to God: give God a trumpet fanfare!” Psalm 33:1-3