Pink House Creed

Prologue
"We believe God has called us to live in the Pink House to develop as leaders, to grow in our understanding and practice of biblical community, and to engage in ministry with children and families in Fresno's urban neighborhoods."
 
Leadership Development
"In light of our calling, we believe that we are to be stretched beyond our comfort zone and be bold for the sake of the kingdom. As leaders we seek to embody integrity, discipline, and the courage to do what's right in the midst of conflict, spiritual warfare and unjust systems. We intentionally open ourselves up to the influence of more mature leaders, wanting to be faithful, available, and teachable. Knowing that our ministry grows out of our identity in Christ, as leaders, we consistently seek opportunities to grow and be changed as leaders so that we can be used to bring change in our city."
 
Biblical Community
"Recognizing that Biblical community is a process, we open ourselves up to sharing our lives and having common commitments. We are committing ourselves to transparent relationships, pursuing a consistent practice of honest and loving communication and confrontation. Knowing that major differences exist based on race, culture and gender, we pledge ourselves to a climate which facilitates reconciliation. For 'Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God' (Matthew 5:9). As iron sharpens iron, we agree to challenge and support one another both in our lives and our ministries. As we live out this vision of community we trust that God's love will radiate out into this neighborhood, in which we have chosen to live. 'I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.'" (John 13:34,35).
 
Urban Ministry
"This love of Christ compels us to embrace the people of Fresno's urban neighborhoods and the city, so many of whom are poor. We believe that true spirituality is demonstrated in compassionate action on behalf of the poor (Isaiah 58). In commitment to the vision of the Kingdom of God as stated through the prophet Isaiah we participate in creating 'previews' here on earth of that Kingdom in its final perfection (Isa. 65). We exemplify this by living as ambassadors, speaking for those who have no voice (Proverbs 31: 8,9). This includes helping the neglected children of the Lowell Neighborhood, the poor, the homeless, migrant farm workers, abused tenants, the elderly, and victims of racial hatred, thereby helping them be reconciled to God and one another (II Corinthians 5). We do all this reaching out from our hearts to show God's love. We believe the body of Christ is the hope for the healing and rebuilding of the city (Isaiah 61) and the establishment of justice there. 'Let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever flowing stream.'" (Amos 5:24)