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Joining a church is more than membership in a club or institution. It is a statement of faith, first that you belong to Christ and second, that you participate in His work here on earth. But membership in a church is even more than that. It is belonging to a family of faith that covenants with you to journey our spiritual paths together. As a family of faith, we pray together, cry together, laugh together, worship together, and serve together. Membership is belonging! It is an important event that reminds us that we are not going through this world alone…we are with each other and we are in the hands of our God! At Whitfield Presbyterian Church, we believe that such membership also carries with it a responsibility…a responsibility to protect, share and serve!
I. I will protect the unity of Christ's Church
…By seeking to live a Christ-like life.
…By acting in love toward other members and by refusing to gossip.
…By giving constructive input and by following the leaders.
"Make sure that your everyday life is worthy of the gospel of Christ "
-Philippians 1:27
"Have a sincere love for your fellow believers, love one another earnestly with all your hearts."
-1 Peter 1:22 (GN)
"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of our mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs…"
-Ephesians 4:29
"Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as people who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be no advantage to you."
-Hebrews 13:17
II. I will share in responsibility for Christ's Church
…By attending worship regularly and praying for Whitfield's growth.
…By inviting others to attend and welcoming those who visit.
…By seeking genuine Christian fellowship in a group or class.
"Let us not give up the habit of meeting together…but let us encourage one another."
-Hebrews 10:25
"To the church…we always thank God for you and pray for you."
-1 Thessalonians 1:2
"Go out into the country…and urge anyone you find to come in, so that My House will be full."
-Luke 14:23 (LB)
"So, warmly welcome each other into the church, just as Christ has warmly welcomed you; then God will be glorified."
-Romans 15:7 (LB)
III. I will serve the ministry of Christ's Church
…By giving regularly a portion of my income.
…By developing a servant's heart and discovering my gifts and talents.
…By being equipped to serve by my pastors
"Each one, on the first day of each week, should set aside a specific sum of money in proportion to what you have earned and use it for the offering."
-1 Corinthians 16:2
"Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interest of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Jesus Christ…who took on the very nature of a servant…"
-Philippians 2:3-4, 7
"Serve one another with the particular gifts God has given you."
-1 Peter 4:10
"God gave…some to be pastors and teachers to prepare God's people for works of ministry, so that the body of Christ may be built up…"
-Ephesians 4:11-12
It is our prayer that you will consider joining our family of faith. If you have any questions about membership at Whitfield, please don't hesitate to ask. Call 355-0440, or join us this Sunday for worship at 10:30AM. |