THE CHURCH COMMUNITY: SHARING IN FELLOWSHIP & STRENGTHENING
As members of the body, we are connected by our immersion in water that united us with Christ's death and brought with it the promise of absolute forgiveness, the Holy Spirit, and a new life. Together, we make up the church body and commit our devotion to being members of the family of God - a community that helps its members grow to be like Jesus.
1. Our membership in each congregation constitutes baptized disciples, men, and women who have pledged to live their lives as saints of God in the holiness he requires. Our members agree to strive to be devoted, not only to their Maker but to the body life of the church. This includes making wholehearted efforts, for example, to attend each applicable meeting of the body, and pursuing joyful, watchful, challenging, and encouraging "one another" relationships in which we spur one another on toward love and good deeds (Acts 2:42, Romans 12:10, Hebrews 3:12-13; 10:24-25).
2. Our community worship includes our devotion to God's Word, prayer, fellowship, and the Lord's Supper as a weekly breaking the bread and drinking the fruit of the vine together. Since everything we enjoy in life is a gift from God, we agree to cheerfully and sacrificially contribute of our finances to the church so that the ministry of Jesus will advance throughout our communities and around the world (Acts 2:42-47, 1 Corinthians 10:17-34, 1 Corinthians 9:7-14, Philippians 4:14-19).
3. We believe in the church supporting women as they serve a vital ministry role in evangelizing, baptizing, teaching, counseling, and training other women. In addition, we recognize the value and significant influence that all sisters can have in the lives of the brothers (1 Corinthians 9:5, Titus 2:3-4, Acts 18:24-26, Romans 16:1-15).