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We want and need people involved in ministry for God's Kingdom! At New Life, we have seen in scripture and experienced for ourselves the value of having people spend time embracing our vision and values before they get involved in certain leadership ministries. Sometimes our hearts and minds get ahead of God and we can commit to things that we aren't ready for, prepared for or gifted for, and the experience leads to problems and frustration.
If you want to teach or be involved with children at New Life, we require that you attend regularly for at least 6 months, submit a complete background check, and that you are at least signed up for a Membership Class (New Life 101). There are also prepratory meetings, on the job training, and a review before someone is allowed the freedom to teach God's Word to children, students or adults.
Membership is really all about identity. Internally, we identify ourselves by our family and upbringing, and so it is in Christ. If we are to grow and mature and contribute towards God's purposes, then we need to 'stick' somewhere. Pastor Rick Warren has described many people's pattern as 'dating the body of Christ'...heaven forbid! Find a church and stay with it for 50 years!
Our next Membership Classes will be held in...
November 2010 Green Room
Plan on attending at least one of these sessions to be considered for membership!
Reception in late February 2011 New Life Cafe
We'll hold an informal continental breakfast reception and then formally receive new members during our 10AM Worship Celebration!
Understanding Fellowship!
“His unchanging plan has always been to adopt us into His own family by bringing us to Himself through Jesus Christ.” Eph. 1:5 (NLT)
“Love your spiritual family!” 1 Pet. 2:17b (Msg)
One of our key PURPOSES IN LIFE is FELLOWSHIP.
“The person who loves God must also love other believers.”
1 John 4:21 (GW)
FELLOWSHIP is loving God’s Family.
“I’m writing… so you’ll know how to live in the family of God. That family is the church...” 1 Tim. 3:14-15 (NCV)
Four Levels of Fellowship
LEVEL 1 (MEMBERSHIP): CHOOSING TO BELONG
“...You are members of God's very own family... and you belong in God's household with every other Christian.” Eph. 2:19 (LB)
“In Christ we who are many form one Body, and each member belongs to all the others.” Rom. 12:5 (NIV)
“This is what we proclaimed in word and action when we were baptized. Each of us is now a part of His resurrection Body.” 1 Cor. 12:13 (Msg)
“That's what baptism into the life of Jesus means. When we are lowered into the water, it is like the burial of Jesus; when we are raised up out of the water, it is like the resurrection of Jesus.” Rom. 6:3 (Msg)
LEVEL 2 (FRIENDSHIP): LEARNING TO SHARE
“All the believers met together constantly and shared everything with each other.” Acts 2:44 (LB)
OUR EXPERIENCES
“People learn from one another, just as iron sharpens iron.” Prov. 27:17 (TEV)
OUR HOMES
“Open your homes to each other.” 1 Peter 4:9 (NCV)
OUR PROBLEMS
“Share each other's troubles and problems.” Gal. 6:2 (NLT)
“Let us not give up the habit of meeting together. Instead, let us encourage one another...” Heb. 10:25 (TEV)
LEVEL 3 (PARTNERSHIP): DOING MY PART
“We are partners working together for God.” 1 Cor. 3:9a (TEV)
“The whole Body is fitted together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole Body is healthy and growing and full of love.” Eph. 4:16 (NLT)
“Just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to Me.” Matt. 25:40 (NRSV)
LEVEL 4 (KINSHIP): LOVING BELIEVERS LIKE FAMILY
“...they were like family to each other.” Acts 2:42a (CEV)
“Be devoted to each other like a loving family.” Rom. 12:10 (GW)
“We know what real love is because Christ gave up His life for us. And so we also ought to give up our lives for our Christian brothers and sisters.” 1 John 3:16 (NLT)
“Your strong love for each other will prove to the world that you are My disciples.”
John 13:35 (LB)
“You are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus.” Gal. 3:26 (NLT) |
