Our Vision & Values
Vision
Our vision of Imago Dei is to make disciples (Matthew 28:18-20).
Mission
Our mission is to hear from God and obey. We believe that a disciple of Jesus is one who learns and obeys the teachings of Jesus.
Core Values
Our three core values clarify what matters most to us. They guide our mission and keep us focused on the unique calling God has given us as a local church.
· The Word of God
We believe the primary way God speaks today is through His Word, the Bible. The Bible is the sole basis of our belief so we seek to spend daily time with God in His Word and in prayer to hear from Him.
· The People of God
We believe transformation requires community. The truth and reality of God’s Word is experienced in the context of relationship with other believers. Therefore, we do life together where we manifest authenticity, vulnerability and accountability.
· The Spirit of God
We believe depending on the Holy Spirit who indwells each believer upon salvation is the only way to follow Jesus. Therefore, we practice daily dependence on God’s Spirit to enable us to hear, understand and do what God says.
The Essentials We Believe:
1. ABOUT GOD
God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three personalities: The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God.
“There is none holy like the Lord; there is none besides you; there is no rock like our God.
2. ABOUT JESUS CHRIST
Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is co-equal with the Father. Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on a cross. He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven’s glory and will return someday to earth to reign as King of kings, and Lord of lords.
3. ABOUT THE HOLY SPIRIT
The Holy Spirit is co-equal with the Father and the Son of God. He is present in the world to make men aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides Christians with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. He gives every believer a spiritual gifts when they are saved. As Christians, we seek to live under His constant guidance.
4. ABOUT THE BIBLE
The Bible is God’s Word to us. It was written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. Because it is God-breathed, it is the truth without error.
5. ABOUT HUMAN BEINGS
People are made in the spiritual image of God, to be like Him in character. People are the supreme object of God’s creation. Although every person has tremendous potential for good, all of us are marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called “sin”. This attitude separates us from God and causes brokenness.
6. ABOUT SALVATION
Salvation is God's gift to us but it is up to us to accept it. We can never atone for our sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God’s offer of forgiveness can we be saved from sin’s penalty. When we turn from a self-ruled life and turn to Jesus in faith we are saved. Eternal life begins the moment we receives Jesus Christ into our life by faith.
7. ABOUT ETERNAL SECURITY
Because God gives us eternal life through Jesus Christ, the true believer is secure in that salvation for eternity. If you have been genuinely saved, you cannot “lose” it. Salvation is maintained by the grace and power of God, not by our own effort. By His grace and power of God that gives us this security.
8. ABOUT ETERNITY
People were created to exist forever. We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin, or eternally with God by accepting His forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is hell. To be eternally in union with Him is eternal life. Heaven and hell are real places of eternal existence.
Our Pastor
Steven Lee is originally from Queens, NY and relocated to San Jose, CA in 1998. He served as a youth pastor and a lead pastor of an English speaking congregation in a Korean-American church for 20 years before starting Imago Dei Community Church.
He is also the Founder and President of Oikodome Inc., a non-profit organization that seeks to help people become all that God intended them to be by utilizing what God has given us - our time, treasure, and talents. Oikodome means “building up”.
Steven received his Masters of Theology (ThM) from Dallas Theological Seminary (1996). He has been married to his wife, Lydia, for over 25 years and they have one son, Andrew.