That, under God, Tenth might be a vibrant, grace-filled, worshiping community of God’s people whose faithful witness to Christ and his gospel extends from the city of Philadelphia to the ends of the earth.

Characteristics

1. A Word-Centered, Word-Proclaiming Church

Since the Word of God does the work of God among the people of God, Tenth is committed to centering all her ministry on the Word and its faithful proclamation.

2. A Praying and Fasting Church

Since the New Testament church was born out of seasons of prayer and fasting, Tenth is committed to being a church that expresses her dependence on God through these ordained means.

3. A Pastored and Pastoring Church

Since God has given shepherds to his church for her spiritual care, the minister of Tenth is committed to being a present pastor who shepherds the session and congregation to be a pastoring church.

4. A Pure and Peaceful Church

Since Christ prayed for the purity and peace of his church, Tenth is committed to being a community of God’s people striving for holiness and unity.

5. A Fellowshipping and Friendly Church

Since the New Testament church grew through bonds of love among believers and acts of kindness to unbelievers, Tenth is committed to being a church known for its fellowship and friendliness.

6. A Financially Stable, Operationally Efficient Church

Since God calls his church to steward her assets and accounts while pursuing excellence in her activities, Tenth is committed to being financially stable and operationally efficient for the sake of effective gospel ministry.

7. A Disciple-Making, Church-Planting Church

Since Jesus commissioned his apostles to make disciples of all nations, and since in the apostolic era this took the form of church-planting wherever the gospel spread, Tenth is committed to making disciples and planting churches in Philadelphia and beyond.

8. A City-Center, City-Serving Church

Since God in his providence has placed Tenth in the city of Philadelphia, Tenth is committed to being a church in the city serving the city.

9. A Missionary-Sending, Missions-Supporting Church

Since Jesus commanded his people to be his witnesses from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth, Tenth is committed to sending missionaries and supporting missions from the city of Philadelphia to the ends of the earth.

10. A Ministerial-Training Church

Since the Apostle Paul encouraged Timothy to train faithful men who could train others also, Tenth is committed to the discipleship and development of gospel ministers.

11. A Reformed and Presbyterian Church

Since God has not left his church without guidance on how to conduct worship, govern her people, and administer the sacraments, Tenth is committed to functioning as a church in the Reformed and Presbyterian tradition, believing it to be the best of the imperfect expressions of the Christian church this side of heaven.

12. A Faithful Church

Since Scripture and history testify that the church can deviate from her mission at any moment, Tenth is committed to being faithful to her Lord and his worship and witness in every moment.