Core Values and Principles in carrying out the RJCPN vision and mission through various activities as follows:
1. Inclusiveness
RJCPN is broadly interdenominational (1,2) and welcomes involvement by those ministering in rural Japan or those in urban Japan or abroad with a heart for Japan’s unchurched rural areas, including:
- individuals: laity, missionaries, and pastors (Japanese and non-Japanese, male and female)
- groups: churches; agencies; denominational reps; and so on
2. Honoring diverse approaches
RJCPN recognizes God works through various people and groups in diverse ways, so RJCPN:
- seeks, within its vision, mission, and values, to see rural Japan reached with the gospel in any God-honoring Biblical way.
- facilitates idea exchange, learning from one another, and missiological research, without seeking to define, promote, or propagate any one approach as best for all. RJCPN encourages each to apply whatever blend of methods God leads them to use in their unique situation.
- values equality in collaboration among Japanese and non-Japanese, viewing all called to serve Japan as One in Christ (e.g. encouraging each person to fulfill the role God calls them to, not promoting foreigner over Japanese or Japanese over foreigner where roles depend on nationality)
- welcomes participants of diverse church backgrounds and ministry platforms and who use a wide variety of methods. All are asked to participate in a mutually edifying manner that respects diversity.
3. Helping people connect
Not being an agency or an organization, RJCPN does not directly plant churches nor have staff. Rather, we desire to encourage rural church planting and church planters by connecting people with information, resources, and one another. So RJCPN:
- serves as a rural outreach information clearinghouse: By both gathering and making maps, information, training, and resources broadly available; and by introducing those with shared interests.
- offers regional and nationwide opportunities to connect with other rural ministers
- initiates projects (i.e., mapping, seminars, Adopt800Japan) and considers proposals for or collaborates with additional projects consistent with our purpose. Involvement in one RJCPN aspect or activity does not require participation in, or imply endorsement of, any other aspect; so RJCPN activities need not be limited to those all are interested in or agree on. This maximizes diversity of collaborative potential.
4. Encouraging and serving
Encouraging and serving a grassroots movement to reach rural Japan so RJCPN
- casts vision and encourages others to do so,
- serves the movement in various ways,
- rejoices in spin off collaborations as people discover ways to help each other reach part of rural Japan, and
- appreciates being informed of activities, resources, and opportunities related to rural outreach so as to better connect those with similar interests.