Discipleship Community Church

"A Church That Meets In Homes"

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Our Beliefs, Core Values, and Vision

At Discipleship Community Church We Believe...

God
God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. We believe that God eternally exists in three Persons—the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit and that these three are one God, having the same nature, attributes, and perfections, and worthy of the same worship, reverence and obedience.
^{(Genesis 1:1,26,27; Psalm 90:2, Matthew 28:19, II Corinthians 13:14)}

Man
We believe man was created in the image of God, but sinned and fell through disobedience, and that the entire human race shares in man's lost and depraved nature. Although God designed man to have fellowship with Him, man became alienated from God through disobedience. As a result, all human beings are born with a sinful nature and choose to sin against God. Man is incapable of regaining a right relationship with God through his own efforts.
^{(Genesis 1:27, Psalm 8:3-6, Romans 3:23, Colossians 1:21, Isaiah 59:1-2)}

Eternity
Man was created to exist forever. When you die, you will either spend eternity in Heaven or Hell. We believe in the eternal salvation of the believers and in the eternal damnation and punishment of the nonbelievers. Man will either exist eternally separated from God by sin, or in union with God, through forgiveness and salvation.
^{(John 3:16, I John 2:25; 5:11-13, Romans 6:23, Revelation 20:15)}

Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is co-equal with the Father. We believe Jesus, the eternal Son of God, took upon Himself the form of a man by means of the virgin birth, lived a sinless life, yet retained His absolute deity, being at the same time fully God and fully man. Jesus offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all men by dying on a cross. He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven's glory and will return again to reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
^{(Matthew 1:22-23, Isaiah 9:6, John 1:1-5; John 14:10-30, Hebrews 4:14-15, I Corinthians 15:3-4, Romans 1:3-4, Acts 1:9-11, I Timothy 6:14-15, Titus 2:13)}

Salvation
Salvation is a gift from God to man. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God's offer of forgiveness can man be saved from sin's penalty. Man can never make up for his sin by good works, although his faith is manifested in works that are pleasing to God.
^{(Romans 6:23, Ephesians 2:8-9, John 14:6; 1:12, Titus 3:5, Galatians 3:26, Romans 5:1)}

The Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is equal with the Father and the Son as God. He is present in the world to make men aware of their need for Jesus Christ. We believe the Holy Spirit is the Promise of the Father, the Comforter who indwells and places every believer in the Body of Christ, bestows spiritual gifts upon the Church, and convicts the world of sin and the judgment to come. He also lives in every believer from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. A Christian should seek to live under His control daily.
^{(II Corinthians 3:17, John 16:7-13; 14:16-17, Acts 1:8, I Corinthians 2:12; 3:16, Ephesians 1:13, Galatians 5:25)}

The Bible
We believe in the verbal inspiration and inerrancy of the Scriptures and the authority of both the Old and New Testaments.
^{(2 Tim 3:15-17, 1 Thess 2:13, 2 Pet 1:21)}

Our Vision and Core Values

Discipleship
Jesus has commanded us to “make disciples of all nations.” At Discipleship Community Church this command receives top priority which is actually where we got our name. We desire to see people become true followers of Jesus Christ. We strive to raise up believers who will: Love and Obey God, Love Others, and Love Life. We feel that the smaller participatory services that take place in the homes afford us the best opportunity to equip believers to become more like Jesus and to call forth the greatness that God has already planted in each believer. During the Bible studies everyone is encouraged to ask questions and to discuss how they will apply each message to their lives. It is our passion to see people become “Followers of Jesus” not simply “Church Attenders”

Evangelism
At Discipleship Community Church our heart is that we “Know Christ and Make Him Known.” We believe that the majority of evangelism should take place Monday through Saturday in our homes, neighborhoods, workplaces, and marketplaces. However, we want to be a place where people who are truly desiring to seek God and to discover what He has for their life can come and feel welcome and comfortable. We hope to be a place that people who may not enter a traditional church building may feel drawn to the intimacy and relational feel that the home groups bring. As the members of Discipleship Community are living Christ like lives and sharing the reason for their hope with those they are in contact with, we try to partner with them by giving them a place where they can invite those people and help them in the discipleship process.

Generous
We desire to live out the teachings of Jesus in caring for the poor, widows, and orphans of our community, nation, and world. At DCC we teach that as believers we should give generously, joyfully, willfully, enthusiastically, and regularly. Because of the fact that we meet in homes we do not have a lot of overhead expenses, which will enable a large percentage of what is given to be used to do ministry both at home and around the world. We hope to see each home congregation take on their own mission and utilize funds to help the cause to which they have committed.

Being the Church
At Discipleship Community we expect people to “Be the Church”. We teach our people to live out the “One Another’s” of the Bible. In the word of God we are instructed to love one another, to encourage one another, to admonish one another, to be hospitable toward one another, to bear one another’s burdens, as well as many other commands. We teach that these things are not simply the responsibility of the Pastor but of everyone who calls DCC their home. At Discipleship Community Church you will receive sound, practical, Biblical teaching from the Pastor, but you will receive love, care, and everything else from everyone one else as well as from the Pastor or Elder. We simply want to “Be the church”

* This is a sermon by missionary Paul Washer that we found to be helpful.

Why Meet in Homes?

This is an article that was written by the elders of "Christ Fellowship of Kansas City" who we would in high esteem. This article expresses our view of life in the Body of Christ very clearly.Everyone would expect a new church to begin by meeting in a home. A group consisting of only ten or twenty people would not need a larger meeting place, and the costs involved in buying or renting any sort of building would be prohibitive. So when we were a new church, and when we said that we were meeting in homes, most of our friends in other churches understood. But when they learned that it was our intention to continue meeting in homes no matter how large we got, curious eyebrows often began to raise.The idea of the house church does not easily fit into the paradigm of American evangelicalism. For hundreds of years now, the idea of the church has been almost universally associated with a central meeting place—a church building. Even though the biblically informed Christian knows that the church is people, not a building, it remains almost impossible for some to escape the association between a particular local church and the building in which that church gathers.We understand that when a society has grown up with an idea—a tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation—a departure from that tradition can seem strange or even wrong. We do not fault those who question our practice, or those who are not convinced of its benefits, nor do we condemn the longstanding tradition of churches meeting in large central buildings. Too many examples of excellence within that tradition, both historically and currently, could be brought forth in its defense. Our intent is simply to offer several reasons why we want to continue meeting in homes, and to demonstrate that our practice is valid and biblically sound.

The First Christians Met in Homes
Both the New Testament and the annals of church history inform us that the earliest Christians felt no need to construct special buildings for their gatherings. No church building, as such, can be identified until at least the end of the second century, and the grand, ornate structures that marked the middle ages did not become the norm until the fourth century—the time of the Roman emperor Constantine. The first Christians met wherever they could, the most popular setting clearly being private homes. Please take the time to read a few of the most obvious references to the use of homes in the New Testament:So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart. Acts 2:46And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ. Acts 5:42. . . he came to the house of Mary . . . where many were gathered together praying. Acts 12:12Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Romans 16:5Gaius, my host and the host of the whole church, greets you. Romans 16:23Aquila and Priscilla greet you heartily in the Lord, with the church that is in their house. 1 Corinthians 16:19Greet the brethren who are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church that is in his house.Colossians 4:15To Philemon our beloved friend . . . and to the church in your house. Philemon 1-2Other examples could be given, but even these few seem to establish a clear pattern. In fact, we believe a convincing case can be made for the claim that every local church mentioned in the New Testament met in a home.In the Old Testament, the Israelites were first told to erect a moveable tabernacle (Exodus 25:8), then a fixed stone temple (2 Samuel 7:13) to serve as their center of worship. But that entire system of worship, including the building that was its center, was utterly destroyed in 70 AD (cf. Matthew 24:1-2; Luke 19:41-44). While the Jews remained building-oriented even after the destruction of the temple, continuing to construct synagogues all over the known world, the early Christians did not follow their pattern.Following Pentecost and prior to 70 AD, Peter, John, and others continued to use the temple as a context for evangelism (Acts 2:46; 5:26; 5:42). Paul regularly made use of the various synagogues in the same way (cf. Acts 13:14; 17:10; 18:4,19,26; 19:8, etc.). But the evidence is overwhelming that it was the home where the early Christians gathered for mutual edification, prayer, and worship. God was creating something new—something more primitive, less formal, less ceremonial, and less burdensome than the formerly established structure and practice.These facts do not constitute a mandate for Christians to worship exclusively in homes, but they do establish solid precedent. Certainly every group of Christians is free to worship in whatever setting they choose. But it is hard to imagine improving upon the model God used for the birth of His church and the spread of the gospel to all the known world (Acts 17:6; 24:5; Colossians 1:5-6).

A Natural Setting for Fellowship
During our meetings, we enjoy facing one another in a warm, familiar environment, rather than sitting in rows looking at the back of someone's head while most of the activity takes place up on a stage. We also enjoy eating a meal together every week, sampling our friends' cooking, or sometimes bringing in pizza. We enjoy drinking coffee or tea after our meetings while we sit comfortably around the living room, sharing in each other's lives. We often stay rather late, discussing personal or church matters and doctrinal issues. Sometimes, advice or counsel is sought by one, and given in return by another, or even several. Sometimes, two or three will find a quiet place to pray together. All in all, it is like the most wonderful sort of family reunion—and we get to have one every week.This kind of fellowship certainly can take place in a sanctuary setting. But in the home it is natural—it is built in—it is virtually guaranteed! And think of this: Even as we grow large in numbers, we will never lose the familiarity and intimacy that we have experienced in our beginnings! Instead, we will be forming new congregations—teaching others how to experience this same kind of rich Christian fellowship.

A Wise Use of Resources
How much money does the typical church set aside for building expenses? The figures would range from modest to astronomical. And what happens when even a smaller traditional church—one with only a modest budget for building costs—grows too large for its current facilities? Usually the solution is to buy or build something new and bigger. The point is, for the sanctuary-style church, buildings cost money to own and maintain, and increased membership almost always means increased building expenses.We have chosen instead to use an existing resource for our gatherings—one that need not be bought, built, or expanded when growth occurs. As the needs arise, we will simply expand to other existing homes. Instead of spending money on buildings, we are able to direct more of our resources toward the support of the poor (Acts 2:44-45; 11:29-30; 2 Corinthians 9:6-9), support of missionary efforts (Philippians 4:15-19), and support of elders
(1 Timothy 5:17-18). There are other costs involved in our gatherings, but they are minimal when compared to the expenses necessary for the maintenance, and particularly the growth, of a traditional church.

A Well-tended Flock
Pastors have the God-given responsibility to diligently feed, guard, and care for whatever flock has been entrusted to them (Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:2-3). They are also informed that they will one day give an account of their care to the Chief Shepherd (Hebrews 13:17; James 3:1; 1 Peter 5:4). Any pastor who takes this responsibility and accountability seriously should shudder at the thought of giving an account for two hundred, let alone two thousand or more.Our home congregations are led individually by men who are Biblically qualified as elders (or pastors—the terms are interchangeable). This means that each elder is responsible for the care of as few as ten or fifteen, and as many as twenty-five or thirty people. In some cases, where an elder can dedicate sufficient time to two congregations, the number might be as high as fifty. And as the Lord provides, home congregations will have more than one elder, thus enhancing the care for the members. By having multiple home congregations with multiple elders, we will be establishing an extremely broad leadership base. All of this will result in a well-tended flock.

A Proven Pattern for Expansion
Consider again the rapid growth of the early church. Between Pentecost and 70 AD the church experienced the most phenomenal growth in its history, spreading from a mere handful of believers in Judea, all throughout the Mediterranean world—even as far as Ethiopia and Spain! And most scholars agree that all of this was accomplished using private homes as the primary meeting place. So what kind of "church growth plan" did the early church use? Consider the following theoretical mathematical potential for a ministry such as ours—one that is undoubtedly similar to the pattern revealed in the growth of the early church.Beginning with a single home congregation with an ongoing average membership of only twelve people, allow for that group to reproduce itself in the form of a second group after eighteen months. Then allow for each of those groups to reproduce during the next eighteen months—and so on. Allowing for growth and loss within each group, but maintaining the yearly group average of only twelve members (a very conservative estimate of group size), after 6 years, the church would have 192 members. After 12 years, it would be approaching mega-church range with 3,072 members. After 15 years, it would definitely be a creating a stir among church-growth analysts with 12,288 members. After 18 years, the numbers would be getting ridiculous with 49,152 members. And after 21 years, the overall membership of the church would be 196,608!Please don't misunderstand—we hold no illusion that Christ Fellowship will ever boast a membership of nearly 200,000 people. We simply offer these calculations as a way of showing that our philosophy of expansion has potential equal to, if not greater than any other.

The Design for New Testament Instructions
The New Testament is filled with instructions for the life and health of the church. It takes no profound reasoning to conclude that when the New Testament authors gave written instructions to the church, they were writing in light of what they knew the church to be—small assemblies meeting in homes. Now think about this: If the church were later transformed into something that had never been seen or anticipated by the authors of the New Testament, the instructions they gave to the early church might not be as readily applicable to the new form.As an example, consider this principle in light of all of the "one anothers" in the New TestamentTHE “ONE ANOTHER” COMMANDS IN THE BIBLE (N.I.V.)· Galatians 6:2 - Bear one another's burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.
· Hebrews 10:24 - and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds,
· Hebrews 10:25 - not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.
· John 13:14 - "If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet.
· John 13:34 - "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.
· John 13:35 - "By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."
· John 15:12 - "This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you.
· Romans 15:7 - "Therefore, accept one another, just as Christ also accepted us to the glory of God."
· Romans 15:14 - And concerning you, my brethren, I myself also am convinced that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able also to admonish one another.
· Romans 16:16 - Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you.
· 1 Corinthians 11:33 - So then, my brethren, when you come together to eat, wait for one another.
· Philippians 2:3 - Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves;
· 1 Thessalonians 5:11 - Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing.
· Hebrews 3:13 - But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called "Today," so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.
· 1 Peter 4:9 - Be hospitable to one another without complaint.Certainly these are faithfully kept in many larger assemblies, but it seems impossible to overlook the fact that increased size usually means increased difficulty in keeping them consistently—the increased potential that at least some will fall through the cracks. And it also seems evident that in order to keep these commands to love and care for one another, larger bodies need added structures and programs which in turn necessitate additional burdens of administration.We could multiply examples. But suffice it to say that in at least this one case, the instructions are much easier to follow consistently in a smaller gathering. We would even suggest that these instructions were designed for small gatherings.

Summary
Why do we meet in homes?The First Christians Met in Homes: The New Testament and early church history affirm that homes were the predominant setting for the gatherings of the church.A Natural Setting for Fellowship: We enjoy the home environment in that we find it to promote excellent Christian fellowship and mutual edification.A Wise Use of Resources: The best ways to use our financial resources are for benevolence, missions, and elder support, rather than building expenses.A Well-tended Flock: The church will be healthier when elders are not overburdened by an unmanageable number of people entrusted to them.A Proven Pattern for Expansion: The multiplication of home congregations can facilitate expansion while at the same time maintaining an ideal setting for fellowship.The Design for New Testament Instructions: We believe the instructions given to the church were designed for, and can be most consistently followed, in small assemblies.

© 2007 ChristFellowshipKC.org
(Minor changes were adapted in using this article)

Statement On Church Discipline

* It is true that we are all sinners and all fall short of the glory of God, however, at the same time Scripture teaches that we are not to judge those outside the church but rather to judge those inside the church. (1 Cor 5:12-13). Therefore, out of a desire to follow the head of the church, Jesus Christ, we adhere to the practice of Biblical church discipline.

Purpose of Church Discipline
• The unity and purity of the church (Eph 5:25-27)
• The restoration of the straying church member (Matt 18:15-17)Church discipline is plainly taught in the Scriptures. It is one of the primary means that the Lord has ordained for bringing about repentance and restoration in the lives of His erring children. When practiced according to Scripture, church discipline is an act of obedience that demonstrates our love for the Lord and our desire to have fellowship with Him by walking in the light of His truth. Biblical church discipline also serves as a deterrent to sin; preserves the unity, purity, and reputation of Christ’s church; and helps to clear the conscience and reputation of the repenting member. In practicing church discipline, each member of a church assumes the responsibility of lovingly watching over the other members of the church for the purpose of encouraging holiness and discouraging disorderly behavior in each member and in the church as a whole; and each member consents to being watched over. When other Biblical measures prove ineffective, those members of the church who refuse to repent of sin and submit to the church will be expelled from the church. When the disciplined member gives sufficient evidence of genuine repentance, the church is to heartily express forgiveness and receive the offender into fellowship again.

Scriptures Regarding Church Discipline
1 Timothy 5:20 Those who are sinning rebuke in the presence of all, that the rest also may fear.Titus 3:10 Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition, knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned.1 Corinthians 5:6,7 Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump? Therefore purge out the old leaven , that you may be a new lump.1 Corinthians 6:5,6 Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you not even one, who will be able to judge between his brethren? But brother goes to law against brother, and that before unbelievers!Galatians 6:1,2 Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.Hebrews 13:7,17 Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you. . . . Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.1 Corinthians 5:12,13 For what have I to do with judging those also who are outside? Do you not judge those who are inside? But those who are outside God judges. Therefore "put away from yourselves the evil person."2 Thessalonians 3:6, 14,15 But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which he received from us. And if anyone does not obey our word in this epistle, note that person and do not keep company with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet do not count him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.1 Corinthians 5:5 Deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.Matthew 18:17 But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector.Corrective measures that are less drastic than excommunication include those outlined in Matthew 18:15-17, namely, 1. Private attempts to restore the erring brother: If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother (v.15). 2. Restoration attempts made in the presence of one or more witnesses: But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that 'by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established' (v.16). 3. Public rebuke from the church: And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector (v.17). The usefulness and responsibility of public rebuke from the church are also addressed in 1 Timothy 5:20, Those who are sinning rebuke in the presence of all, that the rest also may fear; and in Titus 1:13, Therefore rebuke them sharply that they may be sound in the faith.

_{* For a complete version of our statement on church discipline which we have adopted from Christ Fellowship of Kansas City please click on the following link: "Restoring those who Fall"}

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Thanks for being interested in visiting our home congregations. It is best to talk with a pastor prior to your visit because the home used for the meeting may change and so that he can answer any questions or concerns that you may have before visiting. Remember that our meetings are rather long (typically three and a half hours) which includes a meal.

When do you meet?

Our meeting is Sunday morning at 10:30 and typically ends at 2:00. We also meet for Bible study on Wednesday evenings at 6:30

What is the Sunday gathering like?

(In no particular order):1. A time of worship through congregational singing2. Expository Bible preaching3. Congregational Feedback to the Sermon4. The gathering ends as we all join together for a meal and fellowship and partaking of the Lord's supper.The service is intended to bring glory to God and to edify/spur on believers and is very participatory.

Should I bring food?

Please come as our guest the first time without bringing food. After that, you may bring something to share for our meal. Eating together is an enjoyable and important part of our meeting, so please plan to come for the meal on the very first Sunday you visit.

What should I wear?

Most of us dress casually, and we all try to be modest.

What about children?

We love them! Our children are seated with their parents for the meeting itself. We see the family worshiping together in church as an integral part of a child's spiritual development. We recommend reading the article by John Piper titled "The Family: Together in God's Presence"

May we bring relatives or friends?

Yes, but it is best to let the pastor of the congregation know. We want to be sure that our homes are set up for all who will attend. It may also help for you to know the intent of our meetings. Though we make considerable efforts to evangelize outside of these meetings, we design our congregational meetings mainly to edify believers, and to help genuine seekers who have earnestly expressed a desire to know more about Christ. You will want to keep that in mind if you bring others. Any person, converted or not, will be welcome, but the real purpose of the meetings should be understood.

Will you always meet in homes?

We are planning to continue to grow and multiply home congregations around the city. It is not our intention to own or rent a sanctuary for our weekly meetings. This does not mean that we think churches that meet otherwise are wrong, but only that our church believes we have been led by God to meet this way. We do use a rented space for certain events, such as our midweek men's Bible Study and other special meetings as needed.

Are there other meetings of the church I may attend?

Yes, we have Bible studies on Wednesday evenings at 6:30 and occasional meetings of other types. For instance, men and women occasionally have their own Bible Studies.

How long may I visit?

In our view, it is God's will for each guest, if a believer, to commit to a local church within a reasonable period of time.
Until a guest is in membership with our church, he or she is outside of our sphere of church discipline. Though we hope no one needs this discipline, it is biblical for all believers to be in relationship with a church that will lovingly carry out Christ's command to discipline as needed. It is neither safe nor helpful to you or the church to live your Christian life apart from this protection. Our discipline statement is found on this website.

To us, membership is much more than a formality or a means of keeping records. By receiving people into membership, we are affirming as a church that we have not only heard them say they know Christ, but have also seen evidence of His saving work in their lives. Before we can welcome you into membership, we must be as certain as possible that your profession of faith in Christ is credible, and we must know that you have been baptized.

What do you mean by saying my profession of faith must be "credible"?

We mean first of all that your profession of faith in Christ must be based on biblical truth. There are many people who would say that they believe in Jesus, yet biblically they could not be considered Christians. They may have a false understanding of who Jesus is, or they may misunderstand the nature of saving faith in Him. Before we can welcome a person into membership, we simply must be assured that your understanding of these things is according to God's Word. Secondly, in order for a profession of faith to be credible, it must be characterized by repentance-an eagerness to turn from sin and live in obedience to the commands of Christ. We know that no one will live the Christian life perfectly, but the Bible tells us that a person who claims to be a Christian, yet does not obey Christ, "is a liar and the truth is not in him" (1 John 2:3-4). We need to get to know you for a time before we can see that your profession of faith is credible in these two ways. We haven't set any particular time frame for membership. We simply want to be careful, prayerful, and reasonable, considering each prospective member as an individual.

What type of baptism do you require?

We believe that there is only one true baptism-immersion in water following genuine conversion to Christ. We know that many people were "baptized" as infants when water was poured or sprinkled over their head, but we do not find this sort of "baptism" commanded, practiced, or inferred anywhere in the Bible.

Why Join a Church?

The title of this introduction raises a good question, doesn't it? Even among those who support the idea of church membership, there are valid reasons to wonder why most churches have established membership roles as well as procedures for welcoming people into membership.For example, we cannot overlook the fact that the word "membership" is not used anywhere in the Bible. No matter how hard you look, you will never find a verse or passage in the New Testament that directly commands believers to maintain membership roles or establish membership procedures. Such direct commands are simply never given. And there are no clear examples in the New Testament of written membership lists being kept.With this in mind, one cannot help but wonder if the whole idea of church membership isn't an unnecessary addition to Scripture—a legalistic tradition added to the simplicity of the Christian life. If church membership is seen as such an addition, it is no wonder that it has become an unpopular idea.Then, when one introduces into this discussion the individualistic philosophies of Western (particularly American) thought, church membership becomes even more unpopular. In a culture where self-reliance, self-worth, , self-esteem, and , self-fulfillment are considered to be the most desirable personal characteristics, membership in a local church, where mutual submission, accountability, and inter-dependence are the way of life, seems foreign and even counter-productive.By the very fact that we have written this article, you know that we do value the idea of church membership. Hopefully, you have also become aware of how highly we value the Bible, not merely as the only message for the salvation of mankind and the divine standard for personal holiness, but also as the manual of instruction for the conduct of the church. With this in mind, we hope to answer your question, Why should I join a church? by giving you the following three biblical reasons for doing so.

Reason #1: Personal Safety

The worst thing that can happen to a Christian is not persecution, physical injury, or death. In many respects, these are the best things that can happen to us. Jesus said that we are blessed when we are "persecuted for righteousness' sake" (Matthew 5:10). Paul decided to "take pleasure in infirmities . . . for Christ's sake . . . For when I am weak, then I am strong" (2 Corinthians 12:10). Jesus said to His followers, "My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do" (Luke 12:4). This makes perfect sense, because for the believer, "to be absent from the body" is "to be present with the Lord. " None of these earthly threats should hold any sway over us whatsoever.But there is one thing that should make us tremble, and that is the prospect of being overtaken by sin. Sin is what Christ suffered for on the cross (2 Corinthians 5:21). Sin grieves the Holy Spirit of God (Ephesians 4:30). Sin in the life of a true believer invites the discipline of the Father (Hebrews 12:5-8). And sin, if it characterizes the life of a professing Christian, may indicate that the profession of faith is false (Titus 1:16; 1 John 2:3-4). Even as those whose sins have been forgiven, we must never forget that sin is the one thing that sends people to eternal torment in hell.As Christians, we are involved in a battle. Our arch-enemy is Satan who "walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour" (1 Peter 5:8). The way in which he devours unwary people is by tempting them to sin—by convincing them that sin is a more rewarding master than Christ. He therefore disguises himself and his agents, and he makes the pleasures of sin appear very appealing to us. And Satan does not just attack us from the front where we can clearly see him coming; he attacks from every side.How much better it would be, then, to have spiritual eyes in the back of our heads. If we did, we could see "the wiles of the devil" much more clearly. Even alone, we could guard effectively against his schemes. But we don't have such panoramic spiritual vision, do we? In fact, it often seems that we don't even have very good peripheral vision. We need help! And that is precisely the purpose of the church—the fellow Christians to whom we unite ourselves in a relationship of accountability.That is why we are told to "exhort one another daily . . . lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin" (Hebrews 3:13). That is why Paul said to the church at Rome that they, being "full of all goodness, filled with all knowledge," were to "admonish one another" (Romans 15:14). And that is why, in the familiar passage in Hebrews chapter 10, we are told to "consider one another in order to stir up love and good works." These passages all speak of the fellowship of the church as a preventative measure—a means of restraining one another from sin.Never in the New Testament are Christians told to "tough it out" on their own. On the contrary, for the person who thinks he can do that, in 1 Corinthians chapter 10, Paul gives a number of Old Testament examples of failure—of sin that led to destruction. Then, in verses 11-12, he says that "all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition . . . . Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. "We are not called to live the Christian life apart from the protection of the church. The fellowship of a group of committed believers is vital to our spiritual health and to our endurance in the faith. The church, in the midst of this "crooked and perverse generation, " is just as important for our survival as the ark was to Noah and his family; they simply would not have survived without it.This need for the protection of committed brothers and sisters is seen most clearly in the fact that even with it, many Christians fall into sin. In Galatians 6:1, Paul writes, "Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. "What Paul is describing here is a rescue mission. A soldier is down behind enemy lines having been wounded by enemy gunfire, and those who are able are to carefully, yet courageously rescue him. Paul is not describing a callous and prideful rebuke; he doesn't want us to ridicule the soldier for getting himself shot. In another place he writes, "Yet do not count him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother. " (2 Thessalonians 3:15). What he tells us to do is gently, cautiously pull this wounded soldier back to safety, watching that we don't get picked-off by the same enemy sniper who shot our brother. In this context, the lone soldier, apart from the protection of his platoon, has no chance of survival.Likewise, when a person who maintains that his Christianity is "a private thing" is overcome by sin, he has no one to rescue him through such accountability. He may simply withdraw from the church he has attended, but never joined. If he has not committed himself to a particular body of believers, and they to him, he may weaken and die with no one ever realizing that he was even wounded.Why should you join a church? Because your spiritual survival depends on it. In those churches where the fellowship always seems positive and upbeat, but no membership procedure is established, there may be a willingness to confront sin in a biblical manner, but there is no authority to take Christian accountability to its final degree when necessary. That kind of authority—the ability to properly and consistently exercise such loving accountability—is the subject of the next section.

Reason #2: Simple Obedience

We did say that membership is never directly commanded in the New Testament. But while it is never directly commanded, it is most definitely implied and also taught by example. This is most clearly seen in the commands given by Christ and the Apostle Paul regarding the removal of an unrepentant member from the church. In Matthew 18, verses 15-17, Jesus gives the church step-by-step instructions for dealing with a "brother" (a professing Christian) who falls into sin. If that "brother" persists in his sinful behavior even after being confronted privately, the matter is to be told "to the church." Unless there is some kind of established dividing line—some way of knowing who is part of the church and who is not—we have no way of properly obeying Christ's command.Further, if the brother still does not repent even after the matter is told to the church, he is to be considered "a heathen and a tax collector" (in other words, a non-Christian). Christ's clear meaning is that such a person is to be cast out of the fellowship of believers (the term "excommunication" is commonly used to describe this church action).Paul uses even stronger language to describe the removal of an unrepentant "brother" from the church. In 1 Corinthians chapter 5, regarding a professing Christian who was leading a grossly immoral life, he tells that church to "deliver such a one to Satan . . . " (v. 5). He goes on to say that they were "not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral . . . not even to eat with such a person" (v. 11). Then, in verse 12, Paul makes a very interesting distinction. He writes, "For what have I to do with judging those also who are outside? Do you not judge those who are inside? " What did Paul mean by distinguishing between those who were "outside" and those who were "inside It seems clear that he was referring to some sort of separation between groups. Those who were "inside" must have been a recognized group—a list (even if it was not written down) of the people who comprised that local church. This group must have been bound together by more than just an informal relationship—not just a bond among people who said they were Christians (remember that the man who was cast out was "named a brother").In other words, there must have been some system by which they affirmed one another as Christians—as members of that church. In what other way could these people have obediently followed Paul's instructions in verse 13 when he said, "Therefore 'put away from yourselves the evil person?'"? If a person were never affirmed or accepted as a member of that particular group, there would be no way to obey the command to remove him from that group.In what other way could a Christian obey the command given in Hebrews 13:17, "Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive . . . "? How would a particular Christian know whom to obey, if not by committing himself to the leadership and care of a particular elder or group of elders? We certainly would not expect a Christian to follow the instructions or submit to the leadership of any and every person in his city, or state, or nation, who is considered a pastor. Think of the implications of that; think of the utter confusion that would certainly follow.How else could a particular elder properly obey Paul's command in Acts chapter 20 when he passionately implored those in Ephesus to "shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood"? How would those Ephesian elders have known who in particular was under their care as a shepherd if not for some system of membership? For a moment, put yourself in the position of an elder. How else could you know which people comprise the group that Peter referred to as "those entrusted to you" (1 Peter 5:3)? What other way could you have of knowing those for whom you will be held accountable (cf. Hebrews 13:17)?In addition to the commands to discipline and shepherd, believers are commanded to diligently care for one another—to "do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith" (Galatians 6:10). "Love one another," Jesus says, "as I have loved you," giving a command for Christians to love other Christians (John 13:34). The writer of Hebrews exhorts Christians to "consider one another in order to stir up love and good works" (Hebrews 10:24). How do we know who these one anothers are? How do we know who belongs to this "household of faith" if not for some system of membership?The true intent of these commands is to demonstrate to the world that the church, in a given locality, is an intimately unified family—sons and daughters of God who rejoice together, struggle together, learn together, and grow together. These commands for commitment to "one another," to the well-being of "the household of faith," lose much of their emphasis when the church is nothing more than a loosely knit group of professing believers (and even admitted unbelievers in many cases).Why should you join a church? Because it is an act of obedience to the commands of Christ and His New Testament Apostles. Where people come and go as they please, never demonstrating any kind of dedication or true commitment to a particular body of brothers and sisters in Christ, the church cannot be in subjection to Christ its Head; Christians cannot fulfill their purpose.

Reason #3: Christian Purpose

Paul wrote to the church at Philippi, instructing them to "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling . . . " (Philippians 2:12). In using the term "work out," Paul was not telling those Christians to come up with their own plan for salvation (work out your own arrangement). He was also not telling them to work off a debt (like paying off a credit card) after it seemed that they had gotten something for free. Paul's meaning here comes from a single Greek word that is translated by the two English words, "work out." It means, in simple terms, to fulfill your purpose—to accomplish that which you were meant to accomplish. Understanding, then, that every Christian was created by God for a purpose, we must ask ourselves what that purpose is.Initially it seems that Christians have several purposes. We are meant to live a righteous and holy life so that God will be glorified (Matthew 5:16; Ephesians 2:10; Titus 3:1, 8, 14). We are commanded to do the work of evangelism (Matthew 9:36-38; 28:18-20; Mark 16:15). We are supposed to seek spiritual growth (2 Peter 3:11-18; Hebrews 5:12-14). We must be teachers and guardians of the truth (1 Timothy 3:15; 1 Peter 3:15; 1 Timothy 6:20). And we are told to care for those in need (Matthew 25:31-46; Galatians 2:10; 6:10; James 1:27).These various Christian behaviors and qualities are undeniably commanded in the Bible. But is the core of the Christian purpose really so varied? Should we merely seek balance as we try to be and to do all of these things? Or can our purpose be reduced to a more central idea?We believe that the purpose for the Christian and for the church is better understood as a singular purpose—one that promotes balance and stimulates obedience to all these other commands. That singular purpose is love.Jesus said that the greatest commandment is love—to love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself. "There is no other commandment greater than these" (Mark 12:30-31). When Paul referred to the commandment to love our neighbor, he concluded by saying, "Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore, love is the fulfillment of the law" (Romans 13:10). And when Jesus gave His disciples "a new commandment," it was that they should love one another as He loved them (John 13:34-35).So it seems to us that our highest purpose—the one that encompasses and encourages all of the others—is the purpose of love. That is our supreme mission. And how are we to accomplish that mission? Are we supposed to be innovative? Should we strike out on our own initiative? Or do we have instructions to guide us in fulfilling our purpose? Have we been given a context in which love will be learned, taught, and lived according to God's design?The New Testament speaks of the church as the context where biblical love should be given and experienced in its highest form. And most biblical references to the church are to the local church. When the New Testament writers speak of love, they use language that brings to mind unity among members and reliance upon one another. Nowhere do we find language that would encourage or affirm individuality.For example, in Paul's letter to the church at Ephesus he spoke of Christ the Head of the church, "from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love" (Ephesians 4:16).Paul also pleaded with the Philippian Christians, saying, ". . . fulfill my joy by being likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind" (Philippians 2:2). After instructing the Colossians to "put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering . . . forgiving one another . . . , " he said in conclusion, "But above all these things put on love which is the bond of perfection" (Colossians 3:12-14).So the love of the New Testament is a "likeminded" love, a love that knits Christians together in fellowship and purpose, a love that bonds us together like the strongest glue. And all of this understanding is further affirmed by the New Testament metaphors used to describe the church—the metaphor of a building with individual Christians being building stones, and that of a body with every Christian being an integral and functioning body part.When we relate Paul's description of the church as "God's building" (1 Corinthians 3:9) to Peter's description of individual Christians as "living stones" who are "being built up a spiritual house" (1 Peter 2:5), we can easily see the need for a strong glue (or cement if you prefer) to hold this building together. Love, as Paul says, is that perfect bond.
When Paul describes the church as a body in 1 Corinthians chapter 12, he consistently refers to the individual Christians as members of that body (vv. 12, 14, 18, 19, 20, 23, 25, 26, 27). Never does Paul, or any other biblical author describe a Christian as one who functions or exists in isolation from the whole. Paul closes 1 Corinthians chapter 12 by mentioning spiritual gifts given to individuals as the Holy Spirit wills. But then, in his very last sentence he writes, "And yet I show you a more excellent way" (v. 31). The entire next chapter speaks of the perfection of love—a thing that exceeds even faith and hope in greatness (1 Corinthians 13:13). "Without love," Paul writes, "I am nothing" (13:2).Where the New Testament presents love as "the bond of perfection," and where the consistent metaphors that picture the church describe things which must be bound together in order to exist (a body or a building), love must represent something much greater than personal goodness or the idea of being nice to others. Even if an individual who remains uncommitted to a local church is loving on a personal level, the Bible still informs us that such a person cannot be exercising true Christian love according to its design. This is because Christian love is described as the bond that holds the building or the body (the church) together.Why should you join a church? Because by committing yourself in that way you will help to fulfill your purpose as a Christian. It seems pretty obvious from these biblical metaphors of building stones and body parts that the Christian life was not meant to be lived alone. You, as a Christian, were designed and created by God, not for a life of individuality and self-will, but to fill a niche in the spiritual building called the church. And as any police officer will tell you, individual bricks that are left lying around, unattached to a building, are more often used for vandalism and burglary, than for their intended purpose.With that in mind, consider the words of Charles Spurgeon regarding the obligation of every Christian to unite with a church in membership:
"I know there are some who say, 'Well, I have given myself to the Lord, but I do not intend to give myself to any church.'"
"Now, why not?"
"Because I can be a Christian without it."
"Are you quite clear about that? You can be as good a Christian by disobedience to your Lord's command as by being obedient? There is a brick. What is it made for? To help build a house. It is of no use for that brick to tell you that it is just as good a brick while it is kicking about on the ground as it would be in the house. It is a good-for-nothing brick. So you rolling-stone Christians, I do not believe that you are answering your purpose. You are living contrary to the life which Christ would have you live, and you are much to blame for the injury you do."If you desire to be used by Christ in the building of His body the church, then carefully and prayerfully find a local body of believers with whom to unite in membership. There, in the committed relationship of a local church, you can be protected from the deceitfulness of sin. There you can be fully obedient to the Law of Christ, enabling and encouraging others to be obedient as well. And there you can "work out your own salvation" in the manner described in the pages of God's Word.

* Adapted from the Statement of Faith of Christ Fellowship of Kansas City (Copyright © 2003 Christ Fellowship of Kansas City)
* Permission is granted to adapt this statement for your church, using the phrase, "Adapted from the Statement of Faith of Christ Fellowship of Kansas City" in the copyright statement.

Discipleship Community Church
“Covenant of the Heart”

We have repented of our sin, trusted in Christ as our Savior and Lord, and been baptized as a true believers.
^{Mark 1:15, Lk 13:1-5, Acts 2:38, 2 Cor 7:10, Acts 16:30-31, Acts 8:36-38}

We will strive to show the world the love and devotion we have for one another.
^{1 Thess 5:11, Acts 2:42, Eph 4:1-6, Phil 2:1-4, Mt 18:15-17, Gal 6:1-2, 2 Thess 3:14-15, James 5:16, James 2:1-5, Mt 5:23-24, Rom 12:18, Rom 14:19, 1 Cor 13:4-7, Col 3:12-15, James 1:19-20, Eph 4:25, Rom 12:13-15, 1 John 3:16-18, 1 Cor 6:1-8, Ps 133:1, Rom 15:5-6, 1 Cor 1:10, 2 Cor 13:11, Phil 2:2, Jn 13:34-35, 1 John 4:7-21}

We will strive to show the world how Christians ought to live.
^{1 John 2;15-17, 1 Tim 4:7, 2 Pet 1:5-11, Pr 6:16-19, Pr 10:19, Eph 4:29, James 3:6-10, Micah 6:8, Mt 5:16, Mt 5:37, 1 Cor 6:9-11, 1 Cor 6:18, Gal 5:22, 1 Thess 4:3-7, Heb 13:4, Mt 5:31-32, Mt 25:34-40, James 5:19-20}

We will aspire to be a Biblical church.
^{Romans 14:19, Eph 4:16, Acts 2:41-47, Heb 10:24-25, Rom 12:3-8, 1 Cor 12:4-7, 18-27, Eph 4:11-16, Titus 2:1-8, James 5:14-16, 1 Tim 5:20, Heb 13:17, 1 Cor 5, 1 Cor 6:1-8, 2 Cor 8:1-7, Titus 1:9, 1 Thess 5:12-14, Gal 1:6-9, 2 John 9-11, 2 Tim 4:1-5}

We will spur each other on to love & good deeds and labor in making disciples.
^{Pr 27:17, Mt 28:18-20, Heb 10:24-25, James 5:19-20, Eph 2:10, Titus 3:8, Mt 9:36-38, Rom 10:14-15,1 Pet 3:15}

Mission of our Members

As a follower of Jesus Christ, I joyfully and thoughtfully enter into a bond of mutual edification, fellowship, and accountability with the other members of this body. I have repented of my sin, trusted in Christ as my Lord and Savior, and been baptized as a true believer.I will faithfully participate with this church in worship, prayer, study, and fellowship. I will use my spiritual gifts for the common good. Through my involvement, and even sacrifice, I will seek to illustrate to my family and a watching world the immense significance of life in the body of Christ.In addition to the regular meetings of the church and in the spirit of a true disciple of Christ, I will diligently train myself and my family in the discipline and instruction of the Lord, seeking to develop Christian character, knowledge, and skills.I will accept and fellowship with all members, regardless of race, gender, background, social status, or level of education, since all are of equal value in Christ.I will pursue peace with all people, especially with other believers, always being slow to take offense and eager to reconcile . I will shun gossip and divisive words, knowing that they are destructive to Christian fellowship.I will seek to live a life that is above reproach. I will be just and honest in my dealings and faithful in my responsibilities and commitments. I will abide by the standards of sexual purity and ethical integrity as taught in the Bible.I will seek the preservation of marriage and I will submit to biblical regulations pertaining to marriage and divorce.I will watch over the other members in love as they watch over me. I will remember them in prayer, help them in sickness and distress, promote their spiritual growth, restrain them from sin, and stir them up to love and good deeds.I will submit to the church's discipline upon myself and lovingly assume my responsibility to participate in the discipline of other members, as taught in Scripture. If I am offended in connection with a disciplinary matter, I will seek resolution within the church. I will never initiate or pursue civil legal action against the church or any other Christian.I will contribute cheerfully and regularly to this church for its general ministry and expenses, the relief of the poor, the cause of reformation and revival, the spread of the Gospel throughout the world, as well as the support of the pastors. I will dedicate myself, my money, and my possessions to the cause of Christ as a faithful steward, avoiding all forms of greed.I will seek the salvation of my family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, acquaintances, and people of all nations.I promise to remain faithful to this church in membership. If I sense that God is directing me elsewhere I will meet with the pastor and do so in a way that Christ would be pleased.In summary, I will love the Lord my God with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength, and I will love others as Christ loves me.

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