FOUNDATIONAL VALUES

The Foundational Values of The Summit Houses are the expression of our basic beliefs given by God in Scripture. The combination of these beliefs and values makes up the unique family characteristics of each Summit House – our “DNA.” They are values we hold in high regard which determine who we are, how we live and how we make decisions.

1. KNOW GOD

THE SUMMIT HOUSE is committed to know God, His nature, His character and His ways. We seek to reflect who He is in every aspect of our lives and ministry. The automatic overflow of knowing and enjoying fellowship with God is a desire to share Him with others.

2. MAKE GOD KNOWN 

THE SUMMIT HOUSE is called to make God known throughout the whole world, and into every arena of society through evangelism, training and mercy ministries. We believe that salvation of souls should result in transformation of societies, thus obeying Jesus’ command to make disciples of all nations.

3. HEAR GOD’S VOICE

THE SUMMIT HOUSE is committed to creating with God through listening to Him, praying His prayers and obeying His commands in matters great and small. We are dependent upon hearing His voice as individuals, together in team contexts and in larger corporate gatherings. This is an integral part of our process for decision-making.

4. PRACTICE WORSHIP IN THE CONTEXT OF THE CHURCH

THE SUMMIT HOUSE is dedicated to worship Jesus and engage in intercessory prayer as integral aspects of daily life. We also recognize the intent of Satan to destroy the work of God, and we call upon God’s power and the Holy Spirit to overcome his strategies in the lives of individuals and in the affairs of nations. We hold our partnership with the churches very dear and believe disciples will thrive best in that context.

5. BE VISIONARY 

THE SUMMIT HOUSE is called to be visionary, continually receiving, nurturing and releasing fresh vision from God. We support the pioneering of new ministries and methods, always willing to be radical in order to be relevant to every generation, people group, and sphere of society. We believe that the apostolic call of THE SUMMIT HOUSE requires the integration of spiritual eldership, freedom in the Spirit and relationship, centered on the Word of God.

6. CHAMPION BROKEN PEOPLE

THE SUMMIT HOUSE is called to champion the “least of these” (Luke 9:46-48, Matt 25:40). We seek not to marginalize people of desperate circumstances and think more highly of ourselves in comparison (Romans 12:3), but rather, we embrace humility as we partner with God to “make the last go first” and see the “least become the greatest;” we long to see the great mystery of how the Kingdom operates in heaven also be done here on earth. We believe God has gifted and called people of every age, poverty level, and nation to spearhead vision and ministry all throughout the world. We commit to value them, train them, support them, make space for them and release them. They are not only the Church of the future; they are the Church of today.

7. HONORABLE 

THE SUMMIT HOUSE operates in honor. We honor others, regardless of background or history, by restoring to them dignity and value in who they are in Christ, empowering the individuals we serve. We celebrate every triumph and provide support and encouragement in every temptation and trial. Honor requires trust amongst the house group as well as the leadership that governs the household. We value the wisdom and guidance of eldership and the people placed in positions of power above us.

8. HAVE A BIBLICAL WORLDVIEW

THE SUMMIT HOUSE is called to a biblical worldview. We believe that the Bible makes a clear division between good and evil; right and wrong. The practical dimensions of life are no less spiritual than the ministry expressions. Everything done in obedience to God is spiritual. We seek to honor God with all that we do, equipping and mobilizing men and women of God to take roles of service and influence in every arena of society. We aim to learn and defend the accuracy of the written word of God in the Holy Bible, the doctrines that uphold its credence, and discern the attempts of the enemy at distorting the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

9. FUNCTION IN TEAMS 

THE SUMMIT HOUSE is called to function in teams in all aspects of ministry and leadership. We believe that a combination of complementary gifts, callings, perspectives, ministries and generations working together in unity at all levels of our mission provides wisdom and safety. Seeking God’s will and making decisions in a team context allows accountability and contributes to greater relationship, motivation, responsibility and ownership of the vision.

10. EXHIBIT SERVANT LEADERSHIP AND WISDOM 

THE SUMMIT HOUSE is called to servant leadership as a lifestyle hierarchy. A servant leader is one who honors the gifts and callings of those under his/her care and guards their rights and privileges. Just as Jesus served His disciples, we stress the importance of those with leadership responsibilities serving those whom they lead. We also believe in making decisions based on wisdom and that these decisions will demonstrate biblical accuracy, agreement amongst counselors, and evidence of the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). We want both every leader and every servant to base their decisions not on fleshly impulse and reaction, but on what is the most wise and loving decision that would honor God and man the most.

11. FOCUS ON RELATIONSHIPS 

THE SUMMIT HOUSE is dedicated to being relationship-oriented in our living and working together. We desire to be united through lives of holiness, mutual support, transparency, humility, and open communication, rather than a dependence on structures or rules. We also believe that relationships are best built within the context of the Church for disciples to make disciples.

12. PRACTICE DEPENDENCE ON GOD FOR FINANCES 

THE SUMMIT HOUSE is called to practice a life of dependence upon God for financial provision. For individuals and THE SUMMIT HOUSE corporately, this comes primarily through His people. As God and others have been generous towards us, so we desire to be generous. Disciples give themselves, their time, and talents to God through the mission, with no expectations of remuneration.

13. PRACTICE HOSPITALITY 

THE SUMMIT HOUSE affirms the ministry of hospitality as an expression of God’s character and the value of people. We believe it is important to open our hearts, homes, and campuses within the proper time and contexts to serve and honor one another, our guests, and the poor and needy; not as acts of social protocol, but as expressions of generosity.

14. COMMUNICATE WITH INTEGRITY 

THE SUMMIT HOUSE affirms that everything exists because God communicates. Therefore, THE SUMMIT HOUSE is committed to truthful, accurate, timely and relevant communication. We believe good communication is essential for strong relationships, healthy families and communities, and effective ministry.