Why I Love the Church: Our Personality
“And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God…” Ephesians 4:11
1. The Purpose and Priority of Church Leadership
Pastors = Elders = Overseers (Acts 20:28)
A. Priority of Pastors/Elders—Teaching/Feeding the Flock
B. Purpose of Pastors/Elders—Training the Saints for Ministry
Pastor/Elders = Spiritual Coaches/Trainers
Members/Believers = Saints/Ministers
2. The Process by which We Make Decisions as a Church
Our Process and Goal: Unity of the Body…Built Up in Love (Philippians 4:2)
A. When Giving Responsibility…Give Authority to Carry It Out
B. Encourage Ministry and Unity by Appointing Ministers Based on
Spiritual Gifts
3. Our Associations and Affiliations as a Church
A. What is a Conservative Baptist?
B. Why Belong to an Association of Churches?
Dr. Gary A. Schwarz
Shelton First Baptist Church
September 28, 2008
Why I Love the Church
OUR VISION
I. The Function of a Church
A. The church is a FELLOWSHIP
B. The Church is a FAMILY
C. The church is a BODY
II. Purpose of First Baptist Church
The purpose of FBC is to honor God as we become, and reproduce, fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ. We are committed to
Spirit-led growth in:
A. UP REACH
B. IN REACH
C. OUT REACH
D. WORLD REACH
Glen Keeffe
Shelton First Baptist Church
September 21, 2008
Why I Love the Church: Our Commitment
“You are a member of God’s very own family …
and you belong in God’s household with every other Christian.” Ephesians 2:19
1. Questions about church membership:
A. Is church membership biblical? (Acts 2:47; Acts 4:4; Acts 21:20)
B. Does membership in one church deny my solidarity with all saints?
C. What about all the hypocrites in the church? (Ephesians 5:25)
2. Reasons for church membership:
A. A practical reason—it defines who we can count on.
B. A cultural reason—we ought to be the most committed people of all. (Romans 12:2; 1 Timothy 3:14)
C. A personal reason—it will produce spiritual growth.
D. A biblical reason—Jesus died for the church. (Ephesians 5:25)
3. Steps to church membership:
A. Be baptized by immersion as a believer. (Romans 10:9-10)
B. Attend BELONG 101—our membership class.
C. Meet with an elder of the church.
D. Be introduced and affirmed as a new member in a worship service.
Dr. Gary A. Schwarz
Shelton First Baptist Church
August 24, 2008
WHAT is the TRUTH?
This summer, the students in our YOUth Ministry asked me some great questions. I used Scripture, personal experience, and extensive research to deliver them the best [and most comprehensive] answer possible. If you’ve had similar questions and you’re interested in seeing my notes, write the question or question numbers on a comment card, along with your email, and I’ll make sure to get them to you!
1. Was there as much sin in the past as there is now?
2. Can you be a Christian and still believe in Evolution?
3. Do Catholics consider themselves Cannibals because they “eat” the “Body of Jesus”?
4. Why do we copy Mars Hill Church?
5. Is it OK to listen to “sexual songs” if you aren’t doing them?
6. What’s the importance of being a “member” of a church?
7. Is [going to] church really necessary?
8. Is it OK to work on Sunday?
9. what’s more important: work and school or reading the Bible and time with GOD?
TODAY’S QUESTION: What does it mean to love people like Jesus would? In real, day-to-day life?
.justin Holzgrove
Youth Minister
Shelton 1bC 08.31.08
