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| What Church Membership Means |
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When a person receives Christ, he/she has already entered into the church universal often called the body of Christ. Church membership is simply a system to allow the Christian to identify with the mission and vision of a local group of believers. Kirkpatrick values membership in that it encourages accountability,maturity and growth, and involvement.
One of the characteristics which has made Kirkpatrick such a unique church is that our goal has never been to just get MORE members; our passion is to help build GROWING members. We also want to be a church where needs are met and lives are touched. We want to provide an atmosphere where new members and old alike are nurtured toward maturity and stability.
Because we've been at this task for years, we have discovered that there are two key elements necessary in accomplishing that goal.
The church must be faithful to do her part.
The members must be faithful to do their part.
What is the Church's part? The Church must be faithful to provide exciting celebrative worship. The Church must teach the Bible with consistency and relevancy to life.
The Church must provide a myriad of opportunities for ministry training and involvement. And the Church must offer a large selection of opportunities for small group fellowship and discipleship. There are more, to be sure, but these are just a few of the core essentials commitments we make to every member!
The second aspect to effective ministry is the involvement of individual church members. That's where you come in. In our years of helping Christians grow, we have identified 8 key elements which are vital in helping you move forward toward Christian maturity. They aren't our original ideas - they come straight from scripture:
1. A Growing Christian will assume personal responsibility for their own spiritual nourishment through personal and corporate Bible study and prayer. Acts 2:42,
II Timothy 2:1 5, I Thessalonians 5:17
2. A Growing Christian participates faithfully in public worship services. Hebrews 10:25
3. A Growing Christian is involved in the family life of the Church through small study groups. Acts 2:46, 47
4. A Growing Christian will discover and use their spiritual gift in a specific area of involvement, Romans 12:1-8
5. A Growing Christian will support the variety of ministries of the church through prayer and service. Philippians 1.3-S, 18b-19
6. A Growing Christian will contribute financially in a consistent, generous manner. I Corinthians 16:1,2 II Corinthians 8:7
7. A Growing Christian will share their faith personally while supporting others who proclaim the Gospel around the world. Acts 8:4-11, II Corinthians 9:12-15
8. A Growing Christian will respond positively to the leadership of the Elders in matters of Church policy and discipline. Hebrews 13:17
As in any good relationship there is a mutual commitment from both parties to give of their very best to that relationship. The leadership at Kirkpatrick commits to you that we will never tire in our efforts to help you grow in Christ. There are tools at your disposal which can help you to personally monitor your own spiritual development and growth. If we can be of assistance in your decision to place membership with Kirkpatrick Church of Christ, please contact Don Kelley, Minister at (419)845-2580.
dkelley5154@thewavz.com>
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