Christ, the invisible church. Why is membership in a local, visible church important?
Requirement: Trust in Jesus as Lord and Savior and repent from sin.
What is Church Membership? Soichi Watanabe, The Least of These Gospel. Community. Mission. Spiritual care: Being in a local community helps us to relate deeply and know which Christians on Planet Earth we are specifically responsible to love, serve, correct, and encourage. We cant love and be loved by invisible people. Soichi Watanabe, We are all one Gospel. Community. Mission. Accountability: Members have the privilege and duty to discern Gods call in affirming servant-leaders and vote in elders/deacons. Leaders focus on members who need to be equipped, encouraged and held accountable.
Without integrity of the gospel and visible purity/love, we have no testimony before a watching world. Soichi Watanabe, We are all one Gospel. Community. Mission. Seek and celebrate God Glorify God in contemplative and celebratory worship, joining the global church through the ages.
Integrate faith and work Empowering disciples in the marketplace, home, work, leisure throughout the week.
Make disciples of all peoples Reaching people in the city and beyond with the gospel i.e. covenant group
Plant Churches Establishing a culture for growing church planters, for sharing ideas and resources.
Gospel. Community. Mission. Love the city and families Renewing the city through social justice and stewardship. Helping children and families play and grow i.e. library/play group
Embrace Reformed theology Living in sync with Gods reign in every sphere of life. Facilitating spiritual renewal through church governance.
Christian Pastors, Train the Local Church to Make Disciples of Jesus: How the mission, message, and man of the gospel transforms pastoral ministry and leadership.