Last week
someone asked me, “What do you expect from those who attend First Free?” I
first responded with, “What a great question.” Most of the time I get asked
about programs, ministries, views about certain doctrines, but rarely an
expectation question.
My answer comes from our partnership covenant that we ask every partnering attender to sign. It really challenges if you have made two commitments based on 2 Corinthians 8:5. First, a commitment to Christ personally. In other words, you have trusted in Him as your Savior. Second, you have made a commitment to one another in the context of a local church.
We expect people (yes, expect) to protect the unity of the church by acting in love (Romans 14:19) towards other partners, refusing to gossip (Ephesians 4:29), and following the leaders (Hebrews 13:17).
Second, we expect them to share the responsibility of the church by praying for its growth (1 Thessalonians 1:2), inviting their unchurched friends to attend (Luke 14:23-24), and warmly welcoming anyone who visits.
Third, we expect people to serve the ministry of the church by discovering their gifts and talents (1 Peter 4:10), being equipped to serve- with the help of our pastors (Ephesians 4:11-12), and developing a servant's heart (Philippians 2:3-4, 7).
A fourth expectation we have is to support the church by attending faithfully (Hebrews 10:25), living a godly life (Philippians 11:27), and giving regularly to the church (1 Corinthians 16:2).
All of these expectations are based on the Bible and are the desires of Jesus for the church He is building. If you would like to learn more about this expectation and commitment and become a partnering member, contact Brian Abbott or Julie Florom, or call the church office at 402.483.7635.
Together as partners, I know we can accomplish our mission: to introduce people to Jesus Christ, develop them into full, devoted followers, and equip them to reach their neighborhoods.
Blessings,My answer comes from our partnership covenant that we ask every partnering attender to sign. It really challenges if you have made two commitments based on 2 Corinthians 8:5. First, a commitment to Christ personally. In other words, you have trusted in Him as your Savior. Second, you have made a commitment to one another in the context of a local church.
We expect people (yes, expect) to protect the unity of the church by acting in love (Romans 14:19) towards other partners, refusing to gossip (Ephesians 4:29), and following the leaders (Hebrews 13:17).
Second, we expect them to share the responsibility of the church by praying for its growth (1 Thessalonians 1:2), inviting their unchurched friends to attend (Luke 14:23-24), and warmly welcoming anyone who visits.
Third, we expect people to serve the ministry of the church by discovering their gifts and talents (1 Peter 4:10), being equipped to serve- with the help of our pastors (Ephesians 4:11-12), and developing a servant's heart (Philippians 2:3-4, 7).
A fourth expectation we have is to support the church by attending faithfully (Hebrews 10:25), living a godly life (Philippians 11:27), and giving regularly to the church (1 Corinthians 16:2).
All of these expectations are based on the Bible and are the desires of Jesus for the church He is building. If you would like to learn more about this expectation and commitment and become a partnering member, contact Brian Abbott or Julie Florom, or call the church office at 402.483.7635.
Together as partners, I know we can accomplish our mission: to introduce people to Jesus Christ, develop them into full, devoted followers, and equip them to reach their neighborhoods.
Pastor Mark "The Bru" Brunott
P.S. Do you ever feel a weight is on your back because you keep holding on to something you know God wants you to let go of? You tried to master it, but it seems to keep mastering you. What do you do? Join us this week at 9:00 AM or 10:30 AM as we discover some answers to your questions.
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