"Restoration"

Embedded in the word restoration is a story. It implies that there was once something whole, functional and esteemed; but for whatever reason, it fell into disrepair. Yet, instead of discarding it and starting from scratch, it underwent a process of revitalization. New life was breathed into something already present, returning it to its original splendor.  

Restoration is a Minneapolis word. This city loves to restore old buildings, old cars, and pieces of art. These laborers roll up their sleeves at the thought of finding something broken down, working through the process of reawakening its beauty, and giving it renewed purpose.

More importantly, restoration is a biblical word. The Old Testament is full of God’s restorative work in disgraced people, stolen possessions, defeated cities, and deflated souls. In the New Testament, Jesus restores diseased people to full health and those who are ostracized back into society. The whole restoration of the created world rests on his shoulders bound to the cross. And we have been given the privilege of carrying that message to every corner of the world. 

When someone is restored, their wounds are healed and their hearts are aligned to God’s original intent for their lives. Likewise, we believe that Jesus wants to restore our unraveled stories into the wholeness of his Father’s story.


We believe...

This world is in desperate need of God's love. The longer we try to navigate life apart from him, we only become more entangled by shame, hostility, and confusion. As Augustine said, our heart is restless until it rests in God. Praise be to God that he doesn't leave us alone — he sent his son, Jesus, to give us grace, peace, and purpose.

We are a church walking in the Good News of Jesus' ongoing, restorative work. Our faith has been received and carried on by the historic Christian Church throughout the centuries and across the globe. This includes a commitment to the Bible as the Word of God. We believe the Scriptures are the truth by which we order our lives. We also hold to the central place of Jesus as the unique Son of God. Freedom from sin, death, and darkness is found in his sacrificial death and resurrection alone.

If you would like to learn more about the theology that unites our global and local faith community, please visit our Documents page. We recognize that all of us are on a faith journey, and we warmly welcome those with questions and doubts.


Our Values

Reconciliation

God is love. Through Jesus, we are restored into the embrace of our heavenly Father and equipped with his Spirit. His ministry of reconciliation aligns us to God and leads to immediate implications. Humility, forgiveness, and peacemaking are the marks of our relationships both within our community and among our city.

Colossians 1:19–20

 

Hospitality

In Christ, our relational circles are drawn bigger. We open our lives and hearts to others, prophetically calling out to a society fraught with transactional relationships. We receive not just the familiar, but those often overlooked in our society: strangers, sojourners, and children — thereby welcoming Christ himself.

Romans 15:7

 

Contemplation

The grace of God is inexhaustible and life-giving, but unfortunately, the noise of society easily muffles our ability to hear from him. We believe God, the incarnate Word, speaks to us. Therefore, we strive to create space and embrace rhythms that foster holy curiosity.

Psalms 73:16–17

 

Wholeness

We seek to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. All of creation is held together by him; and in him we live, and move, and have our being. In light of this, we expect to be met by his redeeming presence in every season, every vocation, and every aspect of our lives.

Matthew 22:37

 

Mission

Since the beginning, God has blessed his people so that they may be a blessing to others. Following Christ’s example, we are drawn to people on the margins who are often left behind in mainstream society. Additionally, we affirm that serving others is not the last stop of discipleship, but rather a regular rhythm in which we meet Jesus.

Isaiah 58:6–7