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| Partnership |
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At the Bridge Orlando, we strongly encourage church partnership. We do this not as a matter of separation or control, but as a point of defining those that we are regularly committed to. This level of commitment fosters trust and trustworthy relationships and is a matter of support and unity.
We refer to the act of official commitment to a specific church family as “partnership” instead of the traditional terminology of “membership” because we feel that partnership better defines the function. We are all part of the body of Christ at large but we are not committed at the same level to every person or groups of people worldwide. Just as we are not married to every woman in town nor do we accept responsibility for every family in town, we do not expect any believer to be committed at the same level to all other believers worldwide. Church Partnership is a way of defining our specific commitment as it is related to the group of individuals that we chose to fellowship regularly with. This commitment gives rise to unity, shared values, creates a place of safety and a loving environment to grow and for families to flourish.
UNDERSTANDING THE CHURCH FAMILY
“You were called to belong, not just believe.” Belonging is one of our basic soul needs. We are all created for community, for fellowship and for family.
THE CHURCH IS GOD’S PURPOSE FOR US
We cannot fulfill God’s purposes alone or by ourselves. Our love for one another is actually the measure of our love for God. When we placed our faith in Jesus Christ, we were born into His family. Now every believer is our spiritual brother or sister. We are eternally joined to one another; we are actually part of each other. This is one of the mysteries of the body of Christ; it is referred to as the unity of the faith. This unity and body connection is a compelling reason for church partnership. We are called to create a stronger bond and protect the unity of the body of Christ…what better way to do that than by giving a heartfelt commitment to a specific group of believers.
“So now Jesus and the ones he makes holy have the same Father. That is why Jesus is not ashamed to call them his brothers and sisters.” Hebrews 2:11-12
“Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ's body. We are all parts of his one body, and each of us has different work to do. And since we are all one body in Christ, we belong to each other, and each of us needs all the others.” Romans 12:3-5
“If someone says, "I love God," but hates a Christian brother or sister, that person is a liar; for if we don't love people we can see, how can we love God, whom we have not seen? And God himself has commanded that we must love not only him but our Christian brothers and sisters, too.” 1 John 4:20-21
THE CHURCH IS A LIFE-GIVING ORGANISM
The church is not an organization. It is a spiritual organism with the life of the Holy Spirit flowing through every part giving it life and making it life-giving. The head of the church is Jesus – not a man. Church leaders are to function as delegated authorities. Under the authority of Jesus Christ, church leaders are given responsibility to feed, lead and protect the church under their care.
THE CHURCH IS CALLED A TEMPLE.
We are a dwelling place for God.
THE CHURCH IS CALLED A FLOCK.
We follow the Great Shepherd.
THE CHURCH IS CALLED A FAMILY.
We are committed to one another.
THE CHURCH IS CALLED AN ARMY.
We have a mission in His Kingdom.
THE CHURCH IS CALLED A VINEYARD.
We receive the patient work of the husbandman.
At the Bridge Christian Fellowship, we want you to be aware of the necessary steps for Church Partnership.
Below are listed the 4 basic requirements along with the actual partnership agreement.
BRIDGE CHURCH Partnership
Having received Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior and having been baptized in water, I now am led by the Holy Spirit to unite with the Bridge Christian Fellowship church family. Depending on God’s grace, 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 seeking to settle any offenses that occur.
“So let us concentrate on the things which make for harmony, and on the growth of our fellowship together.” (Romans 14:19 )
2. I will share the responsibility of my church
… by praying for its pastors and leaders.
… by praying for the lost and unchurched and inviting them to attend.
… by warmly welcoming those who visit.
“So warmly welcome each other into the church, just as Christ has warmly welcomed you; then God will be glorified.” (Romans 15:7 )
3. I will seek to fulfill my purpose in the ministry of my church
… by pursuing ongoing spiritual growth.
… by discovering my gifts and talents.
… by being equipped to serve.
… by developing a servant’s heart.
“Serve one another with the particular gifts God has given each of you.”
(I Peter 4:10 )
4. I will support the testimony of my church
… by attending faithfully.
… by seeking to live a godly life.
… by giving tithes and offerings regularly.
“Whatever happens, make sure that your everyday life is worthy of the gospel of Christ.”
(Philippians 1:27 Phillips)
“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.”
(I Corinthians 16:2 Living Bible)
“A tenth of [all your] produce … is the Lord’s, and is holy.”
(Leviticus 27:30 New Century Version)
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