1. New

2. MEMBERSHIP What is the meaning of membership? Being a member means that you are part of our spiritual family and have decided that this is your church home. Why do you need a spiritual family?

3. MEMBERSHIP – WHAT DO YOU NEED 1. YOU NEED HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS. Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. —Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 NLT 2. YOU NEED A PLACE WHERE YOU CAN USE YOUR GIFTS. Do not neglect the gift that is in you... —1 Timothy 4:14 God has given each of you a gift from His great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. —1 Peter 4:10 3. YOU NEED A PLACE WHERE YOU CAN GROW. All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals, and to prayer. —Acts 2:42 NLT 4. YOU NEED TO BELONG TO SOMETHING BIGGER THAN YOURSELF. For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. —Romans 12:4-5

4. Is Church Membership Taught in the New Testament? Membership in a local church involves commitment to worship the Lord corporately, edifying brothers and sisters through mutual exhortation and service, cooperating in mission, and holding each other accountable to walk in a manner pleasing to the Lord as a witness to the truth of Christ in the world.

5. Is Church Membership Taught in the New Testament? We believe that covenant church membership is a wise and helpful path for those who desire to walk together in obedience to the Lord and in a manner that is worthy of the gospel of Christ (Philippians 1:27).Philippians 1:27 This becomes evident when we consider how the New Testament teaching on church government and church discipline relate to mutual accountability and thus to the concept of covenant membership. The New Testament teaching about church government and church discipline would be meaningless if some form of commitment to mutual accountability in a body of believers were not expected. Philippians 1:27 - New International Version (NIV) Life Worthy of the Gospel 27 Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, [a] striving together as one for the faith of the gospela

6. Church Government Implies a Membership of Accountability The New Testament teaches that the local church has elders or overseers who have special responsibility to equip (Ephesians 4:11) and care for (Acts 20:28) and teach (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:9) the members. The New Testament teaches that the members are to respect (1 Thessalonians 5:12f.) and be submissive to (Hebrews 13:17) these leaders, but not to treat them as infallible (1 Timothy 5:20) or in the place of Christ (Matthew 23:8-12). They are servants, not masters (Luke 22:26), and their leadership comes from their divine call to serve (Acts 20:28), not from their desire to rule. Their leadership does not replace the congregation of believers as the body with final authority under the Lord (Matthew 18:17; 1 Corinthians 5:4; Acts 6:3; 15:22).Ephesians 4:11Acts 20:281 Timothy 3:2Titus 1:91 Thessalonians 5:12fHebrews 13:171 Timothy 5:20Matthew 23:8-12Luke 22:26Acts 20:28Matthew 18:171 Corinthians 5:4Acts 6:315:22 This whole picture of called leaders and people who affirm that leadership, assumes the existence of church membership that consists in a corporate life of mutual accountability. Leadership and submission has no meaning where there is no commitment to accountability.

7. Church membership implies a membership of accountability Phillipians 2:2 “...make my joy complete by being like minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.” Genesis 11:6 “The Lord said,”If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they planned to do will be impossible for them” Objective: This course is to inspire and inform you to purposefully commit your time, you talent in ministry and your treasure to advance God’s work here, and thereby fulfilling your own God-given potential. The Commitment that we will request from you: 1. Commitment to RFC’s Values 2. Commitment to a Home Group 3. Commitment to serving in a ministry 4.Commitment to financially supporting the Church.

8. Qualities of a Restoration Family Church Member 1. A love of the church and what it stands for 2. A total commitment to enlarge the house both numerically and spiritually through service and giving 3. A total commitment to the senior pastor and the vision of the church that has no strings attached and no hidden motives 4. A right heart attitude to ministry, serving out of love and a sense of calling rather than a desire to be seen respected and receive praise. 5. A heart after God that is clearly visible in worship, prayer, giving and lifestyle. 6. A loyalty that does not entertain accusations and negativity from people but discerns the good from the bad and is constructive at all times, seeking to add value to the church.

9. Qualities of a Restoration Family Church Member 7.Moral purity in romantic, family, business and church relationships and environments. 8.A flexibility based on sound biblical principles that avoids a legalistic and nitpicking spirit. 9.Openness to change and an ability to flow with new methods, procedures and styles. 10. A reliance on the power of God and the grace of God and not purely a proud self dependence based on skills training and natural gifting. 11. A healthy prayer life that brings people, the vision, problems and the weights of responsibility to God in Faith. 12. A team spirit that embraces and appreciates the different temperaments of staff, key leaders and senior pastor. An ability to work with others towards the big picture.

10. Qualities of a Restoration Family Church Member 13.A spirit of sacrifice with regards to time, money and ministry service. 14. A heart willing to fulfil the vision of the church leadership, while believing God to fulfil their own visions. 15. A commitment to on going development in biblical knowledge, ministry skills, people skills and ministry capacity.