The document discusses the importance of church and community for Christians. It emphasizes that the church is like a family and that Christians should be members of a local church family. It provides guidance on various aspects of church involvement like baptism, communion, worship, small groups, evangelism, and resolving conflicts.

1. Community Core Course Nel Slater

2. KEY VERSE “ You are a member of God’s very own family...and you belong in God’s household with every other Christian.” Ephesians 2:19 (LB)

3. The church is a family . God expects you to be a member of a family. A Christian without a church family is an orphan . KEY TRUTHS

5. OUR SALVATION God made me to love me! We were created to enjoy a personal relationship with God and to all of the rest of His creation, we are special! When we know and love God, and live in harmony with His purpose, it produces tremendous benefits in our lives.

8. WHAT DOES GOD WANT ME TO DO? Ask God to be first place in your life and ask Him to forgive your sins. Realize that Jesus died to pay for your sins and He rose again and is alive today.

9. WHAT DOES GOD WANT ME TO DO? Accept God’s free gift of salvation. Don’t try to earn it. Invite Jesus Christ to come into your life and be the CEO (“Lord”) of your life.

10. WHY SHOULD I BE BAPTIZED? To follow the example set by Christ . Because Christ commands it. It demonstrates that I really am a believer .

11. WHAT IS THE MEANING OF BAPTISM? It illustrates Christ’s burial and resurrection. It illustrates my new life as a Christian.

12. WHY BE BAPTIZED BY IMMERSION? Because Jesus was baptized that way. Every baptism in the Bible was by immersion. The word “baptize” means to “ immerse” under water. It best symbolizes a burial and resurrection.

13. WHO SHOULD BE BAPTIZED? Every person who has believed in Christ.

14. WHEN SHOULD I BE BAPTIZED? As soon as you have believed!

15. WHAT IS COMMUNION? It is a simple event. It is a serious reminder. It is a symbolic event. It is a significant event. It is a statement of your faith.

16. WHO SHOULD TAKE COMMUNION? Only those who are already believers.

17. To WORSHIP our God To EVANGELIZE His world To DISCIPLE His followers To deploy into MINISTRY His Church To FELLOWSHIP with His family OUR MISSION

18. WHY WE MUST KEEP GROWING Because God loves people Because God commands us to reach out to people Because growth is God’s will

19. WE BELIEVE Every member is a Minister Every task is a Ministry Every member is a “10” in something

20. THE BENEFITS OF CHURCH Strength and focus Stability and maturity Self-expression and contribution Support and connection Significance and purpose

21. ONE STEP AT A TIME 1. Make a commitment to join the family. 2. Grow in becoming a better person (more like Jesus) 3. Understand and use your unique spiritual gifts 4. Experience the benefit of sharing God’s love with those who don’t know Christ

22. GETTING THE MOST OUT OF CHURCH Experience encouragement and celebration through a SUNDAY CHURCH SERVICE Experience meaningful and authentic relationships through HOUSE CHURCH

23. WHY BE A MEMBER? The difference between “attenders” and “members” is commitment . A. Biblical Reason B. Cultural Reason C. Personal Reason

24. CHILD DEDICATION What does it mean for the parent? Making a vow or covenant (commitment) with God Asking for wisdom from God to raise the child Recognizing the child’s heavenly Father

25. CHILD DEDICATION What does it mean for the child? It is not salvation for the child It is not special grace for the child

26. CHURCH CONFLICT Does the Bible talk about it? Paul talked about it Jesus talked about it

27. REPAIRING A RELATIONSHIP Approach the other person Approach with one or two other people Discuss with the church leadership If necessary, discontinue associating with the person

28. FUNCTIONS OF A LOCAL CHURCH 1. The church is a fellowship 2. The church is a family 3. The church is a body

29. At Westheights, we have a simple structure so we can maximize ministry and minimize maintenance. The people are the “ ministers ” The pastors are the “ administers” SIMPLE STRUCTURES

30. FUNCTIONS OF A LOCAL CHURCH 1. The church is a fellowship 2. The church is a family 3. The church is a body 4. The church is a flock

31. NATURAL CHURCH DEVELOPMENT 1,000 Churches 32 Countries 18 Languages 5 Continents 200 + Denominations

32. WHAT THEY DISCOVERED A. Healthy churches are growing churches B. Quality can be measured quantitatively

33. EIGHT QUALITY CHARACTERISTICS Empowering Leadership Gift-oriented Ministry Passionate Spirituality Functional Structures Inspiring Worship Services Holistic Small Groups Need-oriented Evangelism Loving Relationships

34. WESTHEIGHTS PROFILE Empowering Leadership Gift-oriented Ministry Passionate Spirituality Inspiring Worship Services Functional Structures Holistic Small Groups Need-oriented Evangelism Loving Relationships

35. Brethren in Christ Church North America

37. Thank you for viewing this presentation