Welcome New Members

What were you doing two weeks ago on Saturday, June 14th? Well if you weren't here at Central, then you missed a great time because something fun and significant happened on June 14th that we want you to know about.

As you know, Central has been growing over the last few years for some good reasons: George's great teaching, a welcoming spirit, and our distinct services. People here are naturally telling others about what is happening and inviting them to come and experience what God is doing.

Guests are becoming regular attenders. They start calling Central their "home church." They start making relationships and connecting to church life. They might look for a small group, join a class or start to help in a ministry. They begin to make the important shift from receiving to giving.

Then something else happens. Regular attenders decide to become members. They decide to make a commitment to join us in the responsibility that comes with being a corporate body. They will join to make the "Body of Christ" more complete.

This past June 14th, more than 35 people came together to explore the possibility of membership. Over the course of 6 lessons, from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm they learned about the history of Central, the importance of their testimony-making sure that they were first members of God's family, and how they can begin to understand how God created them to be part of the body here at Central and how to use their spiritual gifts in ministry and service to others. In addition, they learned about the importance of giving back to the Body; their time, tithe and the need to be a part of God's great commission in reaching others.

For these people it was a chance to seriously focus and dialogue about committing themselves to membership. For those who decided to join with us they were asked to sign a "Covenant of Membership," stating their commitment to Christ and the body. Here are its main points:

I will protect the unity of my church:

...by acting in love toward other members
...by refusing to gossip
...by following the leaders

I will share the responsibility of my church:

...by praying for its growth
...by inviting the un-churched to attend
...by warmly welcoming those who visit

I will serve the ministry of my church:

...by discovering my gifts and talents
...by developing a servant's heart
by being equipped to serve by my pastors

I will support the testimony of my church:

...by attending faithfully
...by living a godly life
...by giving regularly

As you meet these people today would you welcome and thank them for their decision and commitment? Their names, pictures and a little word about them are included in this issue of News & Views.

And how about you? If you've been thinking about becoming a contributing member here at Central, would you consider joining us in membership? Our next class will be Saturday, September 6th right here at Central. Call the office and we can answer any question you might have about membership.