New Members Info

 


Welcome to our Meet and Greet 

 

The purpose of this session is to introduce you to The Barn Family, and familiarise yourself with the people, their passions and the purpose of our church.  Since we have members from many different church backgrounds, this document was designed to give you a comprehensive view of our purpose as a church.  

 

Just a few basics:

 

“.. You are a member of God’s very own family… and you belong in God’s household with every other Christian.” Eph. 2:19

 

1.    The church is a family

2.    God expects you to become a part of a church family

 

What makes The Barn a Family?

 

There are four things that unite us:

 

1.    Our Salvation (what God has done for us)

2.    Our Vision Statement (why we exist as a church) “Real People making an Eternal Impact for an Awesome God”

3.    Our Journey (how we fulfil our purpose)

4.    Our Values or DNA

 

 

It’s all about Jesus

 

We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is our Saviour, our Friend, and our Redeemer. God wants us to live a meaningful and purposeful life – submitting all we are and all we have to our Lord and King.  We have all sinned and made many mistakes, but we believe that Jesus died for our sins to reconcile us to the Father that we may have an eternal and abundant life. We want everyone to know that we love and serve Jesus Christ as our Lord. We want to share His love with our families, our friends and our community so that they too may receive the gift of eternal life and experience the joy of knowing Him.    

 

Eph. 1v11 “It is in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for.  Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, He had His eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose He is working out in everything and everyone.”

 

 

How it all began

 

Roelof and Carol Kwant have been involved in ministry since the early eighties. After working with a mission organization (Youth with a Mission) for a few years, Roelof started his studies at the Baptist Theological College of SA where he completed a Licentiate in Theology (4 yrs.). They worked in Baptist Churches for 7 years and then started Fourways Christian Fellowship (FCF) in 1994. Roelof was involved in planted churches in Uganda, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Diepsloot and Harties. In January 1999 FCF was amalgamated with Living Word Community Church where Roelof and Carol served for 18 months. 

 

The Barn was started in July 2000 in Roelof and Carol’s home with about 40 people. Soon their home became too small and the fellowship moved into their garden. In August 2000 they hired a factory in Strydom Park where the church grew to about 100 people. 

 

The current buildings (Panda Pen nursery school, the Auditorium, and two houses) in Boskruin were for sale, and in a step of faith, with about 100 people and with no money they made an offer to purchase our current premises in July 2003. God was about to prove that He was the God of the impossible. With no funds for a deposit, the banks were unwilling to grant a loan.  Through an individual who gave us their house and another businessman who offered to buy the office block for us, our dream became a reality. 

 

In May 2004 we moved to our new premises. Many got involved in cleaning, painting and moving all our equipment to our new venue. Our first service was an emotional event.  God has been so good to us. 

 

In our new environment, beautiful buildings and centrality of the venue, The Barn started to grow significantly. In 2007 we started a second morning service and an evening service. All three of our services are well attended. Youth and children are a priority in our church and we thank God for the growth we have seen. 

 

The Hartbeespoort Campus was birthed out of a desire to spread the Gospel into areas that do not have any churches and provide a place of community, fellowship and worship. If you live in Hartebeespoort come and grow & function with us.  We have two services on Sundays at 9am and 6pm at Redstone Country Estate, Oberon Road.  

 

Our Vision Statement as a church is:

 

We are Real People making an Eternal Impact

for an Awesome God

 

 

We believe in being authentic, transparent and honest people.  We love one another and walk in humility.  We understand that everything we do as members of His body is submitted to God and for the purpose of lovingly serving Him and one another.  None of us are perfect and we patiently bear with one another.  

 

Because life is all about learning how to love, God wants us to value relationships and make the effort to maintain them instead of discarding them whenever there is conflict or strife.  When we are offended by someone we resolve it by following the guidelines in Matthew 18:15-20.  We forgive one another for our frailties and imperfections. 

 

2 Cor 5:18 “God has restored our relationship with Him through Christ, and has given us this ministry of restoring relationships”.

 

We are God’s workmanship. He is faithful to complete the good work He began in us and we submit our human brokenness to Him for healing and restoration.  

 

 

 

We understand that our life here on earth is a temporary assignment.  Our identity as Christians is in Christ and spending an eternity with Him.  We are therefore ambassadors for Christ on earth.  Our mission is to share His love with unbelievers and to tell them how to become friends of God.  

 

Matthew 28:18-20 “Go to the people of all nations and make them my disciples.  Baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, and teach them to do everything I have told you”

 

This commission was given to every follower of Jesus, not just to missionaries or pastors.  It is a great privilege for us to be used by God to reconcile others to Him.  

 

We understand that our mission has eternal significance; therefore it is more important than any job, achievement or goal we can reach during our lives on earth.  

 

 

We serve an awesome and magnificent God.  Psalm 19 speaks of his majestic greatness and power.  It is our focus to love our God with all our hearts, minds, souls and strength. 

 

Col 1:16 “For everything, absolutely everything above and below, visible and invisible ... everything got started in Him and finds its purpose in Him.”  

 

We find our purpose in the awesome God that we serve.  We were made by Him and for Him and we realise that our life purpose is far greater than our own personal fulfilment.  Our identity and purpose as believers is wrapped up in God and the mission he has given us in his infallible Word (the Bible).  

 

 

3.1  Connect with us

 

We all have a vital part to play in the body of Christ (His church).  We are grateful to have you joined and connected to His body. Romans 12:5 “Christ makes us one body… connected to each other”

 

The difference between “attendees” and “members” can be summed up in two words: Active Participation

 

At The Barn we recognise the need for a formal membership.  We ask you to commit to membership for four reasons:

 

1.    A Biblical Reason – Christ is committed to the church

Eph. 5:25 “...Christ loved the Church, and He gave His life for it.”

 

2.    A Cultural Reason – It is an antidote to our society and worldview 

We live in an age where very few want to be committed to anything...a job...a marriage...our country. This attitude has even produced a generation of “Church shoppers and hoppers”.  Membership swims against the current of western “consumer religion.”  It is an unselfish decision.  Commitment always builds character.

 

3.    A Practical Reason – It defines who can be counted on

Every team must have a roster.  Every school must have an enrolment.  Every business has a payroll.  Every army has an enlistment.  Even our country takes a census and requires voter registration.  Membership identifies our family and where we belong.

 

4.    A Personal Reason – It produces spiritual growth

The New Testament places a major emphasis on the need for Christians to be accountable to each other for spiritual growth.  You cannot be accountable when you’re not committed to any specific Church family.

 

We would also encourage you to join a Life Group if you have not already done so.  Our Life Groups provide the perfect platform for our members to actively participate in the life of the church.  They discover that there are people who care about them and whom they can also encourage in return.  It is a safe place that provides spiritual growth for maturity. We have received numerous testimonies from our members of the love, growth and support they have received in their Life Groups. 

 

Joining a Life Group is a wonderful way of staying connected with our family of believers.  Please speak to any of our pastors to find out more about our Life Groups or to recommend a group in your area.

 

We want our connection with you to remain strong.  In order to do so, it is important for you to communicate with us, and also for us to keep you updated with what’s happening in the life of our church.  Please keep us updated with your personal contact details so that we will be able to reach you.  Let us know if you or a loved one is being hospitalized, or if you need prayer for any other difficult life challenges.  We are here to care for you and to support you.   

 

3.2 Celebrate with us

 

We love to get together to celebrate our relationship with God and with one another.  We have three services on a Sunday in our main auditorium (8am, 10am and 5pm). 

 

Our children get together at Children’s Church where they enjoy age appropriate praise and worship and lessons.  We also have special get-togethers for our Youth on Friday nights.  Our Young Adults connect in life groups and all get together once a month for a celebration service in our auditorium.  

 

During our services we focus on the presence of God and the centrality of Christ in our lives.  We are committed to sound Biblical Teaching as we believe that the Bible is the perfect Word of God and our standard for truth and living.  We encourage vibrant and authentic Praise and Worship and strive to continuously improve our services as we grow in excellence.

 

You will also notice that we have a coffee shop on site, Holy Ground.  We would like to encourage you to make use of the facility to connect with friends and also meet other people who are new to The Barn.  We would like everyone to feel welcome and at home.  

 

3.3 Grow with us

 

We are passionate about teaching the Word of God and equipping people to grow in their relationship and knowledge of Him.  Spiritual maturity does not take place automatically or instantly.  It is a gradual, progressive growth process that will continue throughout your lifetime.  

 

Romans 12:2 “Let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind.  Then you will be able to know the will of God – what is good and is pleasing to him and is perfect.”[NLT]

 

As believers, we make a decision to grow and to be transformed into Christ likeness.  We then make an effort to persist in growing in God continuously.  Our courses have been designed to assist you in your growth journey.  Many of our courses are facilitated within our Life Groups, but there are also some courses that are presented at the church during the week.  A list of our courses is displayed on the ‘Sign-Up Form’ at the information desk. 

 

 We publish our Sunday sermon notes each week on our website and you are welcome to download the audio files too.  

 

Not only do we grow as individuals, but we also focus on the growth of our church by inviting others to become members of our church family.  

 

God loves people

2 Peter 3:9 “The Lord...is patient, not wanting anyone to perish, but wants everyone to come to repentance.”  

2 Cor. 5:14, Luke 15:3-10, Matt. 9:12-13

 

God commands us to reach out to others

Luke 14:23 “Go out into the country... and urge anyone you find to come in, so that My House will be full.”  

 

            Growth is God’s will

Col 2:19 “Under Christ’s control, the whole Body is nourished...and grows as God wants it to grow.”  

Matt 16:18 “(Jesus) I will build my church.” 

 

            Unbiblical excuses for not growing

      “God isn’t interested in numbers.”

•      “Our church wants quality not quantity.”

•      “Large churches are impersonal”

 

Matt 24:14 “And the Good News of the Kingdom will be preached to the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and THEN the end will come.”

 

3.4 Function with us

We have so many wonderful ministries that you can get involved in.  As you become part of this community you are woven into a beautiful tapestry with people who are committed to seeing His purposes fulfilled in and through their lives.  

Col 1:3-5 “We keep getting reports on your steady faith in Christ, our Jesus, and the love you continuously extend to all Christians. The lines of purpose in your lives never grow slack, tightly tied as they are to your future in heaven, kept taut by hope”. [MSG]

Each one of us was shaped uniquely and differently by God for his purposes.  He equips us for productivity in his body (the church).  We recognise that each one of us has a very special part to play in the body and that it is a privilege to serve in any way (big or small).

Ephesians 2:10 “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do”.[NIV]

God has given spiritual gifts to everyone to be used in ministry.  Paul explained:  “it is the Holy Spirit who distributes these gifts.  He alone decides which gift each person should have... A spiritual gift is given to each of us as a means of helping the entire church”.  Our spiritual gifts have been given to us for the benefit of others. 

There are numerous ministries that you can get involved in: 

·      Ushering Team (Greeting people & preparing the auditorium for Sunday services);

 

·      Prayer Ministry Team (Prayerfully assist people who require ministry during or after the Sunday services or any other special outreach events);

 

·      Counseling Team (Supporting and encouraging people who are working through a life-crisis through prayer and Biblical counsel);

 

·      Caring Ministry (Serving people in very practical ways – hospital visitations, preparing food parcels or frozen meals, food distribution, visiting the elderly etc.)

 

·      Children’s Ministry (Teach God’s Word to children and help them to grow in their relationship with him);

 

·      Youth Ministry (Helping teenagers grow in a dynamic relationship with Christ);

 

·      Young Adults Ministry (Encouraging Young Adults to participate in the life of our church and totally dedicate themselves to following and serving Jesus);

 

·      Worship Ministry (Passionately leading the congregation in vibrant, authentic praise and worship – either through skillfully playing an instrument or vocally);

 

·      Missions and Outreach Team (Passionately fulfilling the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19 “.. Go into all the world and make disciples of all the nations..”

 

·      Events/ Catering (Organizing events to bring life and community to our church family)  

 

If any of these ministry areas are of interest to you, please speak to us so that we can get you involved.    

 

 

4.1 Sound Biblical Teaching

 

The Word of God is the sole authority, or foundational basis, of our faith and practice as believers. In an age of ever increasing moral relativism, we have the responsibility of ensuring that our lives are based on the Word of God. The Bible is our compass in these challenging times and so we place a high premium on the accurate preaching of the Scriptures and the practical application to our modern lives. 

 

Matthew 4:4 People need more than bread for their life; they must feed on every word of God.”

 

Acts 20:32 (The Message) “God’s gracious Word can make you into what He wants you to be and give you everything you could possibly need.”

 

The Word of God is truth and the truth transforms us during the sanctification process.  The Bible explains “through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us.” 2 Tim 3:17

 

The Word of God instructs us in how we should deal with conflict in the local fellowship.  According to Matt. 18: 15-18, if a fellow Christian sins against you or continues in a sinful pattern, we should: go and show him his/her fault, if he/she does not listen, take one or two brothers with you, if he refuses to listen tell it to the church.  If he refuses to listen to the church treat him as you would a pagan and a tax collector.  The requirements for membership is that people are believers.  

 

4.2 Vibrant Praise and Worship

 

One of the outward expressions of our personal relationship with God is vibrant praise and worship. True worshipers worship God as a lifestyle.  Our celebration services on Sundays are opportunities to corporately express our gratitude and love for God in praise and worship through songs and the performing arts, with excellence!   

Psalm 150

“Praise the Lord.  Praise God in His sanctuary; praise Him in His mighty heavens.  Praise Him for his acts of power; praise Him for his surpassing greatness. Praise Him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise Him with the harp and lyre, praise Him with timbrel and dancing, praise Him with the strings and pipe, praise Him with the clash of cymbals, praise Him with resounding cymbals. Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.  Praise the Lord”.

We love God and we express our love for Him by praising Him and worshiping Him as a way of life.  Paul encourages us in Ephesians 5:19 Instead, be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ”.

 

4.3 Authenticity

 

Another one of the Barn’s values is that we lead consistent, transparent lives and “.... keep it real!” Christianity is not a ritualistic performance. Our outward expression of faith is through a personal relationship that we are privileged to enjoy with God. 

 

Showy performances or “humankind focus” is an unnecessary distraction from our personal relationship with God and our privilege to enjoy fellowship with one another. As we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another (1 John 1:7) 

 

James 3:10-13 From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. It should not be like this, my brothers! A spring cannot pour both fresh and brackish water from the same opening, can it? My brothers, a fig tree cannot produce olives, nor a grapevine figs, can it? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water. Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good life that his works are done in humility born of wisdom.”

 

4.4 Servanthood

 

We are called to serve one another after the example and teaching of the Lord of the church, the Lord Jesus Chris. Leadership within the church is servant leadership, and we stress the importance of those with leadership responsibility, serving those they lead. This also leads to a high regard for team ministry at all levels, allowing for the leadership’s gifts and abilities to be expressed through different people. 

 

Matt 20:25-28 But Jesus called the disciples and said, "You know that the rulers of the gentiles lord it over them and their superiors act like tyrants over them. That's not the way it should be among you. Instead, whoever wants to be great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave. That's the way it is with the Son of Man. He did not come to be served, but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many people."

 

4.5 Team Leadership

 

It is our privilege and understanding that a biblical leadership model functions as a team. While we have a team leader within the leadership group, the Senior Pastor, the team takes on a mutual responsibility for leadership of the church under the leadership of the Chief Shepherd, the Lord Jesus Christ. 

 

The concept is best understood as “A team with a leader” as opposed to “A leader, with his team”. Spiritual leaders are recognised as they demonstrate their spiritual gifting and responsibility in “functioning” as leaders, rather than being elected to office. (Acts 13:1-4)

The role of the Elder’s within the church is to take responsibility for the spiritual oversight of the church. “Be shepherds of God's flock that is among you, watching over it… “(1 Peter 5:2). The Word is clear in the instruction to all church members “..to “obey your leaders, and submit to them for they keep watch over your souls, as those who will give an account.  Let them do this with joy and not with grief for this would be unprofitable for you. “(Hebrews 13:17) 

At the same time, Scritpture does not suggest blind submission, we are all under the authority of God and His Word, participating members must be willing to go directly to the appropriate leader when issues of concern arises, with the desire to engage in honest and respectful dialogue. Complaints and criticisms should never be taken to uninvolved members of the body in ways that promote rumours or divisiveness.  

From time to time, it is also the unfortunate responsibility of the elders to ensure that church discipline matters are followed. The principles and procedure of this process is clearly stipulated in Matt. 18:15-17. The ultimate goal of this process is the restoration of relationship.

 

4.6  Community Impact

 

The Bible teaches that every Christian is called to “full time” Christian service, regardless of his or her vocation.  We practice the truth that every believer is a minister and worshipper.  We encourage every member to find a place of service and practice relating to God daily in devotions through praise, prayer and Bible reading. Every Christian is responsible for living ambassadorial lives where building authentic relationships with those that are un-churched honours God. 

 

Matt 5:13-16 "You are the salt of the world. But if the salt should lose its taste, how can it be made salty again? It's good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled on by people. You are the light of the world. A city located on a hill can't be hidden. People don't light a lamp and put it under a basket but on a lampstand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before people in such a way that they will see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."

 

Jesus has secured our salvation, put us in his family, given us His Spirit, and then made us His agents or representatives in the world.  By serving our communities and telling others how they can have eternal life, we fulfil our purpose in Christ.  We believe the only way possible to live the Christian life is by God’s power within us.  So we seek to practice a daily dependence on God’s Spirit to enable us to do what is right.  (Phil. 2:13, Eph. 5:18)

 

 

The Barn Christian Fellowship is in affiliation with The Christian Network (TCN), which is an International network of churches.  The South African part of the network has its “head office” based at Hatfield Christian Church in Pretoria. We are also affiliated with the ARC Network. 

We also lead a network of rural churches around south Africa and in some surrounding African countries. 

 

 

 

The Barn Christian Fellowship believes:

 

1.        in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments as the infallible Word of God and as fully inspired by God and accept them as the supreme and final authority for faith and life; 

 

2.        in one God, eternally existing in three Persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit;

 

3.        that Jesus Christ was begotten of the Father, conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, and is true God and true man;

 

4.        that God created man in His own image; that man sinned and thereby incurred the penalty of sin which is death, physical and spiritual; that all human beings inherit a sinful nature which issues (in the case of those who reach moral responsibility) in actual transgression involving personal guilt;

 

5.        in the principle of heterosexual relationships between a natural man and a natural woman within the confines of Biblical matrimony;

 

6.        that the Lord Jesus Christ died for our sins a substitutionary sacrifice according to the scriptures and that all who believe in Him are justified on the grounds of His shed blood;

 

7.        in the bodily resurrection of the Lord Jesus, His ascension into Heaven, and His present life as our High Priest and Advocate;

 

8.        in the personal return of the Lord Jesus Christ;

 

9.        that all who repent of their sin and receive the Lord Jesus Christ by faith are born again of the Holy Spirit and thereby become children of God;

 

10.    in the baptism of the Holy Spirit, empowering and equipping believers for service, with the accompanying supernatural gifts of the Holy Spirit, and in fellowship with the Holy Spirit.  We believe in the divinely ordained ministries of apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor and teacher;

 

11.    in the resurrection of the both the just and the unjust, the eternal blessedness of the redeemed and the eternal banishment of those who have rejected the offer of salvation;

 

12.    That elders carry out the responsibility for oversight and care of the staff and Members.  Where necessary elders must carry out biblical discipline for the protection of the local Fellowship;

 

13.    that the one true Fellowship is the whole company of those who have been redeemed by Jesus Christ and regenerated by the Holy Spirit; that the local Fellowship on earth should take on its own character from this and that the new birth and personal confession of Christ are essentials of Fellowship membership;

 

14.    that the Lord Jesus Christ appointed two ordinances – baptism in water and the Lord’s Supper – to be observed as acts of obedience and as perpetual witnesses to the cardinal facts of the Christian faith : that baptism is the immersion of the believer in water as a confession of identification with Christ in burial, and resurrection and that the Lords supper is the partaking of the emblems symbolic of the Saviour’s broken body and shed blood, in remembrance of his sacrificial death, till He comes;   

 

15.    that Divine healing was provided for in the Old and New Testaments and is an integral part of the Gospel;

 

16.    that the Bible teaches that without holiness no man can seek the Lord.  We believe in the doctrine of sanctification as definite, yet progressive work and grace commencing at the time of the new birth and continuing until the consummation of salvation;

 

17.    that the Fellowship is to be open to any further truth, which the Holy Spirit may illuminate from the Scriptures.

 

 

 

1.    The Membership Pledge

 

Is a commitment of faithfulness to Christ and The Barn Christian Fellowship

 

Eph. 2:19 “You are members of God’s very own family...and you belong in God’s household with every other Christian.”

 

Rom. 12:4-5 “We are all parts of Christ’s Body, and it takes every one of us to make it complete, for we each have different work to do.  So we belong to each other and need all the others.”

 

2.    The Maturity Pledge

 

Is a commitment to the habits necessary for spiritual growth.

 

“Continue to grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.”  2 Peter 3:18

 

1 Tim. 4:7 “Take the time and trouble to keep yourself spiritually fit.”  

 

3.    The Ministry Pledge

 

Is a commitment to discovering and using my God-given gifts and abilities in serving God and others.

 

1 Pet 4:10 “God has given each of you some special abilities; be sure to use them to help each other...”

 

1 Cor. 12:5, 27 “There are different kinds of service to God...together you form the Body of Christ and each one of you is a necessary part of it.”

 

4.    The Missions Pledge

 

Is a commitment to share the Good News with others.

 

Acts 1:8...you will be My witnesses...to the ends of the earth.”

 

1 Peter 3:15 “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.  But do it with gentleness and respect...”

 

 

 

At The Barn we never ask our members to do more than the Bible clearly teaches.  We only expect our members to do what the Bible expects every Christian to do.  These responsibilities are seen in the Membership Pledge.

 

 

The Barn Membership Pledge

 

Having received Christ as my Lord and Saviour and being in agreement with The Barn’s statements, strategy and structure, I now feel led by the Holy Spirit to unite with The Barn Christian Fellowship.  In doing so, I commit myself to God and to the other members to do the following:

 

1.    I will protect the unity of my church

 

...By acting in love toward other members

...By refusing to gossip

...By following the leaders

…By joining a Life Group

 

“So let us concentrate on the things which make for harmony and on the growth of our fellowship together.”  Rom. 15:19 

 

“Live in complete harmony with each other — each with the attitude of Christ toward each other.”  Rom. 15:5

 

“Have a sincere love for your fellow believers; love one another earnestly with all your hearts.” 1 Peter 1:22 

 

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs...”  Eph. 4:29

 

“Obey your leaders and submit to their authority.  They keep watch over you as men 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.”  Heb. 13:17

 

2.    I will share the responsibility of my church

 

...By praying for its growth

...By inviting the un-churched to attend

...By warmly welcoming those who visit

…By giving generously of my time, talents and treasure (financially)

 

“To the Church...we always thank God for you and pray for you constantly.”  

1 Thess. 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 

 

“So, warmly welcome each other into the Church, just as Christ has warmly welcomed you; then God will be glorified.”  Rom. 15:7

 

3.    I will serve the ministry of my church

 

...By discovering my gifts and talents

...By being equipped to serve

   By serving in a practical way

...By developing a servant’s heart

 

“Serve one another with the particular gifts God has given each of 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...”  Eph. 4:11-12

 

“Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.  Your attitude should be the same as that of Jesus Christ...who took on the very nature of a servant...”  Phil. 2:3-4, 7

 

4.    I will support the testimony of my church

 

...By attending faithfully

...By living a godly life

...By tithing/ giving regularly to see the church grow in its impact 

 

“Let us not give up the habit of meeting together...but let us encourage one another.”  Heb. 10:25

 

“But whatever happens, make sure that your everyday life is worthy of the gospel of Christ.”  Phil. 1:27 

 

“Each one of you, 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 Cor. 16:2

 

       “A tenth of all you produce is the Lord’s, and it is holy.”  Lev. 27:30

 

5.    I will honour the worship priority of my Church

 

..by growing as a worshipper both corporately and personally in contributing to the edification (building up) of the Church.

 

“Oh magnify the Lord with me and let us exalt His name together.” Psalm 34:3

 

“be filled with the Spirit speaking to one another in psalms and spiritual songs and hymns making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of the Lord Jesus.”  Ephesians 5:18-19

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