Clarifying Values - Part One: Conviction

Building Clarity Through Timeless Values

Have you ever wondered why some churches seem unified and purposeful, while others drift aimlessly or get caught up in conflict? Often, the difference comes down to clarity—specifically, clarity around values. At Hazelwood Baptist Church, we’re embarking on a journey to clarify our values because we believe that clear values create strong convictions, a unified direction, and greater gospel impact.

What Are Values?

Values are deeply held convictions that shape who we are and guide everything we do as a church. They are timeless and biblical, reflecting what God desires from us. Preferences, on the other hand, are our individual tastes or comfort zones—things that we individually enjoy or find convenient. Preferences might include the style of music, the length of services, or even the seating arrangement in the sanctuary.

It’s essential to recognize the difference between these two because preferences often change, but values remain constant. Preferences might influence what we enjoy, but values determine what we prioritize and protect.

Why Do Values Matter?

Patrick Lencioni emphasizes this clearly: “Values are critical because they define what we stand for and how we behave.” Without clarity on values, we risk becoming driven by comfort, convenience, or tradition. This will inevitably lead to confusion, division, or drifting away from our mission. Even more, the Apostle Paul also understood this importance of clarity, saying, “If the trumpet gives an uncertain sound, who will get ready for battle?” (1 Corinthians 14:8). Clear values give us conviction, focus, and unity.

Values matter because they define our identity as a unique church. Every healthy church shares core biblical values, like Scripture, worship, discipleship, and evangelism. However, HBC is a unique community, placed by God in a unique context, with a unique calling. Our specific values reflect our unique identity and shape how we accomplish our mission: Connecting people to the hope of the gospel.

How Do Values Shape Our Church?

Carey Nieuwhof says it well: “Clarity isn’t everything, but it changes everything.” Clear values set us up to confidently embrace our unique calling, impacting our community and beyond. Clarified values influence everything from how we disciple to how we worship, serve, and reach our community. For example, let's say Hazelwood Baptist Church is intentionally multi-generational—this is not merely a preference but a clear value shaping how we structure ministries, build relationships, and disciple one another. By clarifying our values, we move from accidental drift toward intentional purpose. Decisions become clearer, conversations become healthier, and unity becomes stronger.

Moving Forward Together

Let’s take this step together, clarifying our values to build strong conviction and purposeful unity. Together, we can live out our unique identity and mission, confidently stepping into the future God has planned for us. Would you take a moment to pray as we discern and discover anew who HBC is designed to be?

Scriptures to Reflect On:

· Proverbs 29:18: Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint, but blessed is he who keeps the law.

· 1 Corinthians 14:8: …if the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle?