Commitment to God through Christ and partnership with God’s people—the body of Christ—have always been key expectations for those who say this congregation is their church home. God is completely committed to us, and calls us to be committed to Him, first, and to His people, second.

This two-part commitment is described many times in Scripture. Just two examples are:

“‘You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.’ And, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” (Luke 10:27 NLT)

Since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. (1 John 4:11 NIV)

The directive is clear: God has extended His love to us. With our hearts and actions, we’re to love God and love others. Partnership at Christ’s Church, then, begins with an open confession of commitment to God and baptism, followed by active partnership in ministry with His people here.

Active partnership in the body is accomplished by regular worship together (Hebrews 10:24-25), and by sharing time, talents, and material blessings for use in God’s purposes through the church. (Acts 4:32-37, Romans 12:4-8)

Participating in shared worship, volunteering and serving, and returning some of the financial blessing we’ve received develops us as stronger, more mature Christians, and a stronger, more mature church body.

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. ...All the believers were together and...they gave to anyone as he had need. [they] ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God...And the Lord added to their number daily… . (Acts 2:42-47 NIV)

As you partner with Christ’s Church, we ask that you think seriously about your commitment to God and to this community. We also expect you partner financially with the body of Christ here, perhaps stretching yourself in faith, so that God is glorified and His people blessed as we do life and work together here, praising God and welcoming those He adds to our number.