The early church believers would regularly make commitments/pledges to one another in their gatherings. With that in mind, we thought it would be a good practice for us as believers to re-commit periodically to God’s call and our obligation to one another laid out in Scripture. If you are receiving this email, then at some point in Hope’s 10 years, you declared your desire to join with Hope’s mission by becoming a member and signing the covenant below. We want to ask you each to reflect on these commitments and reaffirm that desire here on our 10th birthday. The text in blue is the original membership agreement for Hope Community Church. We do not desire this to be a formality. We also realize that we all fall short in fulfilling our call to the Lord and to one another. However, may this help us recommit to making the most of every opportunity to bring honor to God and together offer HOPE, grow in COMMUNITY, and be the CHURCH.
Membership at Hope Community Church
I, __________________________________________________, have received Jesus Christ as my personal Savior and Lord. I have read the Statement of Faith of HCC and accept this as the expression of this body’s belief and teaching. I acknowledge the Bylaws of Hope Community Church are the guide for the organization and operation of HCC. I hereby desire to unite with the fellowship and testimony of this church and agree to the following:
I love the words here that we “desire to unite with the fellowship”, and we are called in Ephesians 4:3 to make every effort to preserve the spirit of unity with the bonds of peace. We have attached below the Statement of Faith for Hope as well as the Bylaws if you would like to look at them once again. The Statement of Faith is just the essential truths we are committed to in this fellowship, and the Bylaws are how we operate, vote, etc.
- I will endeavor to connect with the people of HCC by being involved in one of its many ministries where I can walk in Christian love with my brothers and sisters, mutually exercising Christian care and watchfulness over one another, and praying for one another as we share our burdens, sorrows, and joys.
One of our core values for the last 10 years has been: “Every member is a minister.” We are all called to be involved and we are all called to: “exercise Christian care for one another”. Please look at Philippians 2:3-11 as you think about our commitment to consider other people above ourselves. This is a humbling commitment to make to one another.
- I will submit to the authority of God’s Word in all matters of faith and morality, making it a priority for study and meditation.
In an era where many are moving away from the clear teaching of Scripture, let us recommit to our personal submitting to the Word of God as a church family. This also is a commitment to try to grow in our own understanding of God’s Word.
- I will regularly commit myself to both corporate and personal worship.
Hebrews 10:23-25 calls us to consider how we may spur one another on and encourage each other in our faith. Home groups, the public reading of Scripture, and corporate worship are vital to our walk with Jesus. Let us then commit to gathering for worship regularly and delighting in the Lord personally as well. Obviously, during COVID, many have had to learn to be creative on how to connect safely with one another.
- I will submit to the leadership of the elders as they submit to God’s Word.
Those who disregard discipline despise themselves, but the one who heeds correction gains understanding (Proverbs 15:32). Because we are all still in process of becoming holy, from time to time, we must be corrected, rebuked, and exhorted. This is a commitment to be teachable within the body of Christ.
- I will contribute to the works of the Lord at HCC by actively using the gifts, talents, and resources God has given me.
Acts 2:42-47 describes to us how the first church took care of each other by contributing their own resources for whatever was needed. This is a good opportunity for us all to reflect on the question: “Am I contributing the gifts, talents, and resources that God has entrusted to me for His Kingdom causes and to help those in need?”
- I will pursue spiritual growth for myself and others within the ministries of HCC, and endeavor to share my faith in Jesus Christ as God provides opportunity.
Lastly, we all made a commitment at this church to grow spiritually (grow in community) and we also desired to strive to share our faith as God provided opportunities (offer hope). This is a great time to renew that commitment for all of us.
After prayer and reflection, if it is still your desire to be actively involved at Hope Community Church in these ways, please respond below.
