Every church, like a person, has a personality. Purpose focuses on "what we do," and style focuses on "how we do it." The personality or lifestyle of the local church determines how it goes about doing its ministry. Our style of ministry is what is commonly known as our "Philosophy of Ministry." This is developed out of a clear understanding of biblical values to which we hold. Church of the Nations churches should not be recognized because they all look the same, but because they have the same heart (DNA). They hold to the same values.

Understanding the principle of building from relationship to structure, rather than structure to relationship, we embrace the following values:

• Alignment
  • Christ-centred lives, expressing the Lordship of Christ
  • Apostolic alignment
  • Accountability (being under authority releases authority)
  • The principle of spiritual Fathers and Sons
  • Expressing the Father heart of God
• A sense of belonging and family.
• Authentic Relationships (openness, honesty and integrity).
• A Spirit-filled church where the ministry of the Holy Spirit is a priority.
• Team ministry.
• Unity in the Body of Christ.
• Living Bible-based Christianity.
• The priesthood of all believers and, every believer a minister.
• The unique value and divine destiny of each individual.
• Living a supernatural life, naturally.
• Excellence of ministry.
• Sacrificial servanthood.
• Passion for God, His church and His Kingdom.
• Kingdom values, vision and lifestyle.
• A world vision and a compassionate burden for the lost.
• Righteousness and justice are the foundations of the Kingdom.
• Living life in the grace and mercy of God.
• A Kingdom influence and impact on the moral fabric of society.
• Hebrew rather than a Greek mentality.
• The principle of reasoning from the whole to the part.
• God confirms His Word through signs and wonders.

The foundation series, The Glorious Church, by Tony Fitzgerald, teaches the heart on which COTN is built. Many of the subjects covered in this series are also taught in expanded form in their own series.