My Membership Covenant
Today I am stepping across the line. I'm tired of waffling and I'm finished with wavering; I've made my choice, the verdict is in and my decision is irrevocable.
I'm going God's way. There's no turning back now!
I will live the rest of my life serving God's will with God's people in God's Kingdom for God's glory. I will use my life to celebrate His presence, cultivate His character, participate in His family, demonstrate His love, and communicate His word.
Since my past has been forgiven and I have a purpose for living and a home waiting in heaven, I refuse to waste any more time or energy on shallow living, petty thinking, trivial talking, thoughtless doing, useless regretting, hurtful resenting, or faithless worrying. Instead, I will magnify God, grow to maturity, serve in ministry, and fulfill my mission as an active member of His family.
Because this life is preparation for the next, I will value worship over wealth, "we" over "me," character over comfort, service over status, and people over possessions, position, and pleasures. I know what matters most and I'll give it all I've got. I'll do the best I can with what I have for Jesus Christ today.
I won't be captivated by culture, manipulated by critics, motivated by praise, frustrated by problems, debilitated by temptation or intimidated by the devil. I'll keep running my race with my eyes on the goal, not the sidelines or those running by me. When times get tough, and I get tired, I won't back up, back off, back down, back out or backslide. I'll just keep moving forward by God's grace. I'm Spirit-led, purpose-driven and mission-focused so I cannot be bought, I cannot be coerced, I will not be compromised, and I shall not quit until I finish the race. So help me God!
I'm a living example of God's amazing grace so I will be gracious to everyone, grateful for every day, and generous with everything that God entrusts to me. I will be a good steward.
To my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, I say: However, Whenever, Wherever, and Whatever you ask me to do, my answer in advance is yes! Wherever you lead and whatever the cost, I'm ready. Anytime. Anywhere. Anyway. Whatever it takes Lord; Whatever it takes! I want to be used by you in such a way, that on that final day I'll hear you say, "Well done, thou good and faithful one. Come on in, and let the eternal party begin!"
Statement of Practice
As a member of First United Methodist Church, I will commit myself to the following practices:
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Commit to regular worship attendance
You will not stay on the journey very long if you're not committed to its purpose. Worship is about recognizing and responding to God's extravagant grace. Worship unites us, strengthens us, and inspires us to live life to the fullest. Without worship we end up as selfish little clods struggling to understand with why the world is not making us happy.
- Discipleship Growth [prayer, Bible Study, small group accountability]
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Active participation in at least two (2) ministries within a calendar year.
By getting involved and using your spiritual gifts you are following the example of Christ, and fulfilling your commitment to serve others. Everyone can and should serve somewhere and somehow.
- Inviting and sharing your faith journey with others and build up the Body of Christ
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Significant financial support of the goals and ministries of the church [Matthew 6:21]
If you really want to know where a person's heart is, look at what they support. "Where your treasure is ...."
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Commitment to pursue spiritual growth and personal discipleship
Make a commitment to know and grow in Kingdom Values. Take full advantage of Bible studies, prayer groups, Sunday school, mission opportunities, to be transformed "until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ" Ephesians 4:13
