101 Christianity & the Bible
*Early History of Christianity
*Reformation
*Denominationalism in America
*Core Christian Concepts: Sin, Grace, Salvation
*The Biblical Narrative
201 Methodism & Theology
*John Wesley
*Francis Asbury & Thomas Coke in America
*The Road from Methodist Episcopal to The United Methodist Church
*Grace and Christian Perfection
*Poility and Structure
301 Still Waters History & Mission
*Timeline
*Mission Statement
*Church Structure
*Current ministries
*Vision for the future
401 The Meaning of Membership
*"A Place to Belong"
*"Protecting the Unity of the Church"
*Vows and Covenant:
Membership Covenant
Vows:
On behalf of the whole church, I ask you: Do you renounce the spiritual forces of wickedness, reject the evil powers of this world and repent of your sin?
Do you accept the freedom and power God gives you to resist evil, injustice, and oppression in whatever forms they present themselves?
Do you confess Jesus Christ as your Savior, put your whole trust in his grace, and promise to serve him as your Lord, in union with the Church which Christ has opened to people of all ages, all nations, and all races?
According to the grace given to you, will you remain faithful members of Christ's holy Church and serve as Christ's representatives in the world?
As members of Christ's universal Church, will you be loyal to The United Methodist Church, and do all in your power to strengthen its ministries?
As members of this congregation, Still Waters Community United Methodist Church, will you faithfully participate in our ministries by your prayers, your presence, your gifts, and your service?
Expectations:
1. Worship regularly
2. Pray for the Church (staff, members, ministries, and attendees)
3. Serve God through a volunteer ministry in the Church, community, & world
4. Radical hospitality
5. Grow in grace (disciplines, discipleship, spiritual maturity and evangelism)
6. Give in proportion to your income
We stand with churches around the world that encourage their members to do the following:
Protect the unity of the church.*
By acting in love toward other members.
By refusing to gossip.
By following the leaders
Romans 14:19; 1 Peter 1:22; Ephesians 4:29; Hebrews 13:17
Share the responsibility of the church.*
By praying for its growth.
By inviting spiritual seekers to attend.
By warmly welcoming those who visit.
1 Thessalonians 1:1-2; Luke 14:23; Romans 15:7
Serve the ministry of the church.*
By discovering my gifts and strengths.
By being equipped to serve,.
By developing a servant's heart.
1 Peter 4:10; Ephesians 4:11-12; Philippians 2:3-4,7
Support the testimony of the church.*
By attending faithfully.
By living a godly life.
By giving regularly.
Hebrews 10:25; Philippians 1:27; 1 Corinthians 16:2;
Leviticus 27:30.
(*Developed by Rick Warren and published in The Purpose Driven Church: Growth Without Compromising Your Message & Mission. Zondervan Publishing House, 1995.)
We are blessed to be a part of a growing community of faith here at Still Waters. We pray that all who have taken vows of membership will continue to be faithful in supporting us through prayers, gifts, time, and service as we find the lost, release the captive, and develop disciples of Jesus.
