May 18, 2008 |
Volume XXVII - Number 20 |
Leadership Reflections (3)
Placing Membership
As elders of the congregation, we desire that the congregation grow "in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and for ever" (2 Pet. 3:18).
If this growth is to take place under His directive, we must permit Him to provide the guidance. We, as elders, must have the well being and interest of every member of the congregation always before us. We solicit your help and prayers in such efforts.
When others desire to be identified with the congregation, the elders are delighted that such an interest is manifested. However, those desiring to be identified with us need to understand who we are, and that for which we stand and something of the program of work outlined for the congregation.
In like manner, the elders need to know of the interest and background of those seeking membership of the congregation. We do not intend for this to be understood as suspicious of our brethren. However, we need to know our members, their interest and potential for being helpful in the growth and development of the congregation and our brotherhood.
Biblical Principles
The church at Jerusalem was suspicious of Saul, and Barnabas confirmed Paul's faithfulness that enabled him to be recognized as a faithful member of the body of Christ (Acts 9:26-30).
When Apollos was corrected by Priscilla and Aquila and when Apollos left Ephesus and went to Achaia, the brethren wrote to the disciples there to receive him, and he was a great help to the church in Corinth (Acts 18:24-28; 1 Cor. 3:6).
Phoebe receives endorsement from Paul for her assistance to him and the church in Cencreae. He includes this endorsement in the letter to the church in Rome that she might use her talent and service to the church there (Rom. 16:1-2).
Application
In view of these principles, the elders will ask that any desiring to place membership with the congregation make it known to the elders and following further communication with the person and/or persons an announcement can be made relative to including them in the membership. In like manner, those desiring membership should provide the elders with written communication from the congregation they were last members.
The elders will be happy to provide members who decide to leave the congregation at Orange Street with a letter that will reflect the spiritual state of the person and/or persons leaving our care.
– the elders
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For The Pantry
Your help in keeping this program working is greatly appreciated. Men's Breakfast Ghana 2008 |
TODAY'S SERMONS
AM:"The High Cost of Fear" PM: "Did God Renege on His Promises?" PRAYER LIST
Robert Thomas, Betty Raisebeck, Jenny Witawski, Pat Ford, Theresa Hardman, Jim Huggins, Hazel Starling, Haskel DeBord, Wanda Greene, John Baker, Norm Stricklin, Frances Kidwell, Juanita Murphy, Tammy Amidon, Juanita Hilborn, Zach Mathis, Cindy Chambers, Pete Peeples, Luther Pendergrass, Wilda Cox, Pansy Sims, Brice Oliver, Gina Dupree – Shut Ins – Ken Skinner, Robert Cox, Frances Black, Jason Powell, Mattie Hughs – In The Nursing Homes – Robert Pearson (Tandem) |
The food distribution program provided food for 19 families consisting of 49 individuals this past Thursday. We need the following items to replenish the pantry:
The 2008 Ghana Campaign is quickly approaching and plans are being made to gather supplies and funding for the trip. Bob Bauer and Jim Hall will be leaving on the annual missionary campaign in about a month. There is a list of needs posted on the bulletin board in the foyer. Also don't forget to be gathering your loose change and dollar bills for the "Change for Ghana"
collection. Larger donations may be given to one of the elders.