1. The Christian Team “…we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love” Ephesians 4:15-16. 1 To our Gold Hill family: We express our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to our new family at Gold Hill Road for the prayers, Christian hospitality, words of welcome, and expressions of love that have been offered to our family during our move to South Carolina. We are humbled and thrilled to be a part of the church here and look forward to a productive association through our service, worship and fellowship. In love we serve, Steve, Deanna, Chelsea & Isaiah

2. Practical Applications Of The Team Concept A. Every Christian is to be a part of the team. – 1. A clear sense of purpose is to be recognized by all so we might know where we are going and how we plan to get there (Matthew 6:33; 9:36). – 2. Every person is to be connected in such a way to the common team purpose that they will be aware of significant events in the lives of brothers and sisters (I Corinthians 12:26). 2

3. B. Every Christian is to be growing in the knowledge of Christ and in applying that knowledge to life. – 1. Active, directed, consistent Bible study is indispensable ( 2 Timothy 2:15). – 2. Assembling together is a must (Hebrews 10:24-25). – 3. Practice, practice, practice (Hebrews 5:14). – 4. Focus cannot be overestimated (Colossians 3:1-3). 3

4. C. Our individual acts of service need to compliment the direction the elders have developed. – 1. Following our leaders will maximize our continuity. (Hebrews 13:17). – 2. When ownership is seen as “personally embracing responsibilities,” it is good, but looking at a work selfishly as “mine” will not work. – 3. Building strong individuals to serve the purposes of the Team (Romans 12:4-5; I Corinthians 12:14-20). – 4. Factious people are to be rejected (Titus 3:10). 4

5. Men need the Church God said “It is not good for man to be alone” (Genesis 2:18). We are created for community. Fashioned for fellowship Formed for family. None of us can fulfill God’s purposes by ourselves. 5

6. Membership essential Membership in the family of God is neither inconsequential nor something to be casually ignored. The church is God’s agenda for the world (Matthew 16:18). The church is indestructible and will outlive this universe. How significant is the church? Jesus died for it (Ephesians 5:25). 6

7. A Church Family… Identifies you as a genuine believer (John 13:35) Moves you out of self-centered isolation (1 Corinthians 12:26) Helps you develop spiritual muscle (Ephesians 4:16) Needs you (1 Corinthians 12:7) Allows you to share in Christ’s mission for the world (Ephesians 2:10) Will help keep you from backsliding (Hebrews 3:13) 7

8. “The difference between being a church attender and a church member is commitment. Attenders are spectators from the sidelines; members get involved in the ministry. Attenders are consumers; members are contributors. Attenders want the benefits of a church without sharing the responsibility” (Rick Warren). 8