The Prevailing Private Walk Session 3: Church Involvement Hebrews 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together,

as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, There is a large difference between going to church and being involved in church. Here are a few topics that are important to becoming more involved in your local church that will grow your relationship with God. 1. Membership: Here at Community Harvest Church there is a Getting Plugged In class to become a member. It is very informative about CHC and helps you find your place of ministry within CHC. -What are you feelings towards church membership? How many here have or havent been through the Getting Plugged In classes?

2. Attendance: Sadly good church attendance is viewed as being faithful to make it to most Sunday Morning Services. It was once said that, Those that attend Sunday morning love the preacher, those that attend Sunday night love the church, and those that attend midweek love the Lord! Ephesians 5:25b as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; a called out assembly, a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation. -Do you believe that Christ not only died for you individually, but also for you as a part of an assembly or local church?

3. Ministry: Each member of the church has a role, work, or ministry to perform. The roles of teaching, counseling, greeting, cleaning, and caring are not the sole responsibilities of only the Senior Pastor. Romans 12:4-8 For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, (5) so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. (6) Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; (7) if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; (8) the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. -There is one rule to ministry; use what God has given YOU!! -How many of you that have been part of a ministry at CHC have seen your relationship with Christ strengthened?

4. Giving: This is always a touchy subject, but it shouldnt be. God makes it clear we cant serve both God and money. 2 Corinthians 9:7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. Matthew 6:24 "No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money. -Do you believe that you are commanded to give or tithe to the church? Along with tithing are there other ways to give to Gods Kingdom?

On the most elementary level, you do not have to go to church to be a Christian. You do not have to go home to be married either. But in both cases if you do not, you will have a very poor relationship. Kent Hughes An empty tomb proves Christianity; an empty church denies it.