Core Beliefs
The following are the core values of Arise Campus Ministry based on the teachings of Jesus Christ. All of our teaching and ministry is rooted in and flows out of God's love for all persons and thus we share these values.
Community
Jesus called disciples to journey alongside of Him. When Jesus was going through difficult times He wanted people around Him (Matt 26: 36 - 41). We are called to be a part of community for our benefit and to support and love one another.
Authenticity
Jesus didn't pull punches and cried out to God (Mark 14:44), stood against spiritual abuse ( Matt 12: 33 - 37), received tough questions (Mark 7: 24 - 30), and loved those who genuinely wanted to grow closer to God. At Arise, you don't have to know everything (in fact none of us do). We want you to come, be a part of our community and grow together no matter where you are in your faith journey.
Inclusivity
Compassion
Jesus called, taught with, healed and loved many people whom the world around Him rejected. Whether it was women (Matt 28:10), foreigners (John 4: 1 - 42), and/or those who had been rejected by religious leaders (Matt 11: 19). At Arise, we believe in inclusivity and that is why we both celebrate and affirm all persons and covenant with our members to do the same. We believe in the message of liberation and inclusion will set others free (John 8: 30 - 32).
There are many examples of Jesus showing such empathy and compassion to those He came into contact with (John 11: 33 - 35) and calls us to the same compassion (Matt 22: 39). At Arise we value compassion, kindness and empathy. This value is lived out by our staff, student leaders, board members and volunteers.
Diversity
Equity
At Arise we believe in the importance of diversity of thought, and to ensure that our leadership team and board represent the diversity on our campuses. Jesus didn't discriminate on the basis of ethnicity, gender identity, etc and neither do we.
Jesus spent differing amounts of time with people that needed Him. As a value of Arise we know that there are times when different people may need more support than others, and as a student leadership group, our leaders acknowledge thE need to be sensitive to this. Part of equity is also understanding that we may be called to focus on a particular issue on campus or in society more depending on what is happening in the world around us. Jesus spoke against oppression, injustice and spiritual abuse often because it was prevalent in His world.