Values

As we plan and work, there are also some Values we will hold in JCL. They help define who we are, what we do and how we work. They can be summarised as follows:

• Japan Focus – but Great Commission perspective

We see our work among Japanese as part of the fulfilment of the Great Commission that Christ gave to his Church to go and make disciples of all nations. Our work is not an end in itself but part of the building of God’s Kingdom from among all peoples. We will rejoice if, in the years to come, God moves a growing number of Japanese to work among the world’s other spiritually needy peoples in obedience to Christ’s Great Commission. (Matthew 28:19- 20)

• God’s word changes lives & prayer changes everything

We believe that, whatever our efforts, our example or our words, it is ultimately God’s word as revealed in the Bible and the working of his Holy Spirit that effect genuine change in people’s lives. Therefore, while we will work hard for God, we will not rely on our own efforts, but depend on his power. “‘Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit’, says the Lord of heaven’s armies.” (Zechariah 4:6)

• We are servants with a passion for Christ and for accomplishing his work for his glory

Recognising what God has done for us, we want to live our lives to serve him and his purposes (2 Cor 5:14-15). We will seek his glory in what we do, and not our own personal advancement or that of our organisation. (Luke 22:26 & Psalm 115:1a)

• Individuals are key

We believe God’s work is accomplished through people who are living for him. We will not aim simply to attract large numbers of people, but will seek to win individuals to be disciples of Christ.

• Kingdom cooperation

We recognise we are just one part of the Body of Christ and will work with other groups or individuals outside JCL wherever this brings positive value overall. Our ultimate aim is to play a part in building the Kingdom of God, not a human organisation.

• No trappings of culture or tradition

We will not introduce “western” or any other culture or traditions to Japanese believers or churches except where, in introducing Biblical values and ways of living, we thereby introduce things that also happen to be present in “western” or other cultures. We will not encourage Japanese believers or churches to drop aspects of Japanese culture or traditions except where these are incompatible with the teachings of the Bible. We will not do things “the Japanese way” simply for the sake of doing so, but will seek to preserve Japanese ways wherever this is compatible with scripture and the way of life laid out there.

You may also be interested in our vision and our aims.