Discovering Church Membership

Overview 1: His Church 2: Our Values, Vision & Strategy 3: Our Faith 4: Our Church & Membership

Definition of the Church The Church is Christian People Demonstrating Life Under Lordship

The Purposes of the Church Exalting God Encouraging Christians toward spiritual maturity Equipping Christians for ministry Evangelizing the world for Christ.

Our Values 1) Every person has a right to a presentation of the gospel at his or her level of understanding. 2) Every person needs a biblical moral compass to guide and protect him or her throughout life.

Our Values 3) Every believer has unique gifts to be discovered, developed, and used to strengthen the Church. 4) Every believer has a purpose in advancing the global mission of Christ and the Church.

The Diamond of Spiritual Growth Committed to Maturity 201 Committed to Membership The Diamond of Spiritual Growth 301 101 Committed to Ministry Committed to Mission

The Circles of Commitment Uncommitted Attendance Membership Maturity Ministry The Circles of Commitment

Healthy Growth Growth Leadership Expansion

Leadership Stagnation Unhealthy Growth Growth Leadership Stagnation

Becoming a Christian All people are separated from God by sin. God loves the people He created, but He is holy and must punish sin. The punishment for sin is death. The gift of God is eternal life.

Baptism in the Holy Spirit “On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: ‘Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’” — Acts 1:4-5

Baptism in the Holy Spirit “All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.” –Acts 2:4

Baptism in the Holy Spirit “Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.’” — Acts 2:38-39

The Gifts of the Holy Spirit Given for the common good. All important to the Body of Christ. Each of us belongs to all the others. Prepare us for works of service.

Becoming a Member Experience salvation Be baptized in water Attend Church 101 Sign membership covenant Meet with board representative Be approved by the board Be introduced to the congregation

Membership Covenant I will protect the unity of my church. I will share the responsibility of my church. I will serve the ministry of my church. I will support the testimony of my church.

Church 101 Index Session One: His Church Definition of the Church The Purposes of the Church Session Two: Our Values, Vision, and Strategy Our Values The Diamond of Spiritual Growth The Circles of Commitment The Pyramid for Growth and Leadership Session Three: Our Faith Becoming a Christian Baptism in the Holy Spirit The Gifts of the Holy Spirit Session Four: Our Church Becoming a Member Membership Covenant