Membership Information
Membership Information What is Church Membership? The word “church” comes from the meaning of the Greek word ekklesia. It means “those who are called out,” or “assembly.” It has the idea that God has called together a people, a body of believers for Himself—a family. Frequently the Bible uses words and ideas related to family when talking about the church. God reveals Himself as Father, and Jesus is God the Son. The Bible talks about people coming to faith in Christ as adoption. Fellow believers are referred to as brothers. These are warm, inviting ideas that convey God’s love for us, and the love we should have for one another in Christ. Any believer in Christ is already a part of the family of God, the church universal. Local church membership gives us a home in which to live out this reality.
Why CrossPointe? Here are a few things that are important to know about CrossPointe. First our mission is Leading People to Love God and Love Others. Our vision at home is to celebrate real lives, families and legacies transformed by the power of the Gospel. Our vision around the world is to build a network of churches that work together to reach our community and the world for Christ. Finally, we have four Core Values that we try to live out. You can also think of them as family traits. Just like you might have your mom’s eyes, or your dad’s chin, these values represent areas of similarity we hope to see in members of the CrossPointe family. • Worship—To grow in our capacity to connect with God as individuals and as a church family. • Community—Loving and relating to one another in biblical, God-glorifying ways. • Equipping—Growing in our understanding of God, ministry ability, and likeness to Jesus. • Service—Using the time, ability, and resources God has entrusted to us to further His church.
1
What does CrossPointe Believe? Our beliefs in many ways define who we are. They inform our values and practices as a church. While this list is fairly comprehensive, there are many other points of doctrine not addressed in this list. CrossPointe practices a philosophy known as “open hand, closed hand” meaning that there are essentials that are in the “closed hand.” Essentials are irreducible minimums and foundational teachings. Outside of these points there may be secondary “open hand” areas of personal belief where we may not agree 100%, but maintain unity in the cause of Christ.
Concerning the Scripture We believe God breathed out the original writings of both the Old and New Testaments to human writers by means of the Holy Spirit, who chose the words employed according to the personality and background of the human author. We believe that these writings were without error and are of supreme and final authority in the lives of believers in any age (2 Timothy 3:16).
Concerning God We believe that there is but one true God, who eternally exists as three distinct persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, who exclusively share in the work of creation, maintenance of the universe, redemption and judgment (Genesis 1:1; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Corinthians 13:14).
Concerning the Father We believe the Father has planned and directs creation and redemption, and has sent the Son and Holy Spirit to accomplish all that He has decreed. (Genesis 1:1; John 1:1-2, 14:26, 17:4; 1 John 4:14)
Concerning Jesus Christ We believe that Jesus Christ is the Eternal Son - who entered the human race, conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin, Mary, and that He is fully God and fully man. He lived a life of perfect obedience to the Father and voluntarily fulfilled the will of God by laying down His life as the atoning sacrifice for humanity's sin. Having fully satisfied Divine justice, He achieved salvation for all who place their trust in Him. Raised from the dead by God, He ascended to Heaven and is currently interceding for His own, awaiting His return to consummate God's kingdom and redemptive plan (Matthew 1:22-23; John 1:1-5; Romans 1:3-4).
Concerning the Holy Spirit We believe the Holy Spirit is equal with the Father and the Son as God. He is present in the world to make men aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. The maturing Christian seeks to live under His control daily (2 Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-13; John 14:16-17).
Concerning Humanity We believe that Man was created in the image of God, but was separated from God because of Adam's sin. As a result the image of God in Man became damaged - defaced, but not erased. Therefore, all human beings are born with a sinful nature and are unable to function in moral responsibility before God. We need spiritual regeneration before we can become what God meant us to be (Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6a; 59:1-2; Romans 3:23).
Concerning Salvation We believe that Jesus died upon the cross as a sinless substitute for sinners of all ages and times, and that the Father was thus, by means of the Spirit, reconciling the world to Himself. All who receive the risen Jesus as Lord, by grace through faith, are spiritually born into permanent membership in the family of God. (Romans 5:1; 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9; John 14:6; 1:12; Titus 3:5; Galatians 3:26)
Concerning the Christian Life We believe the Christian life is a transformation, in which Christ Himself lives His life through the believer. All Believers are still capable of responding to the urges of the flesh, and when they do so they do not please God. They can choose, rather, to rely continually upon the indwelling Holy Spirit's power and love, thus glorifying and pleasing the Father. The maturing Christian seeks to live under His control daily (Romans 6:15-18; 8:1-2, 9-11; 12:1-2; 2 Corinthians 3:5-6, 18; 5:17; Ephesians 1:13; 2:10; 5:1, 3-10; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:12; 3:16; Galatians 5:25).
Concerning the Church We believe there is one true Church universal, consisting of all who recognize Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. The body of Christ finds expression as local churches where those who have been regenerated by the Spirit come together. Operating under the direction of Jesus as Lord and Head of His body and through Godly servant leadership, believers devote themselves to worship, prayer, teaching of the Word, observance of baptism and communion, fellowship, service to the body, and outreach to the lost (Matthew 16:18; 28:18-20; Acts 2:42-47; 20:28; 1 Corinthians 12:7-12; Ephesians 4:7,11-13).
Concerning the Resurrection and the Future We believe in the imminent, bodily and visible return of Jesus Christ to this earth to bring to completion His redemptive and kingdom plan. All people who have died will be raised from the dead, and those who have been redeemed will participate in eternal life in the presence of the God, but those who have rejected Christ will suffer eternal punishment and separation from God (1 Timothy 6:14-15; Titus 2:13; Matthew 25: 31, 34, 41; 1 Corinthians 15:50-56; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-2, 3-4, 8 ; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3, 8-10 ; Revelation 3:5; 20:12; Revelations 21:1-5).
2
CrossPointe Values Like any family, CrossPointe has particular things we value. These values are important to us and found in the pages of Scripture. Worship, Community, Equipping, and Service are concepts that we want to see growing in each other’s lives. Here are the ways these values manifest themselves at CrossPointe.
Worship • • •
Meeting Sundays to worship God as a church family (Hebrews 10:24-25). Living lifestyles that give glory to God (Romans 12:1-2). Giving graciously as God has graciously given to me (2 Corinthians 9:7).
Community • • •
Being a part of a small group (Hebrews 10:24-25, Acts 2:42-47). Acting in grace and love toward CrossPointe members and guests (Ephesians 4:2, Philippians 2:3-4, Matthew 22:37-39, 1 Corinthians 8:9-13). Promoting church unity and dealing biblically with conflict (Philippians 2:3-4, Matthew 5:23-24).
Equipping • • •
Discovering and developing my spiritual gifts (1 Peter 4:10). Developing my understanding and practice of spiritual disciplines (1 Corinthians 9:2427). Being a disciple and disciple-maker to help the body grow to maturity (2 Timothy 2:2, Proverbs 27:17, Ephesians 4:15-16).
Service • • •
Developing a servant’s heart (Philippians 2:5-8) Volunteering my time, abilities, and resources (Romans 12:1-2) Increasingly becoming an ambassador for Christ across the street and around the world (Acts 1:8, 2 Corinthians 5:18-20).
3
How is CrossPointe Led? First, CrossPointe is under the authority of Jesus. He is our Chief Shepherd. Second, men who are mature Christians, have the calling to lead, and have character that is above reproach can be selected to be elders. Our Lead Pastor, Brian Blenden, is an elder. The other elders are nonpaid volunteer leaders, but could include paid pastoral staff. Finally, pastors and ministers are typically vocational staff members with direct oversight of a particular ministry area.
Here are a few of the ways elders serve the CrossPointe family: 1. They prayerfully seek God’s will for our church based on guidance from Scripture and the Holy Spirit (Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:1-4) 2. They provide teaching and counsel from the whole of Scripture (Acts 20:27-28; 1 Timothy 4:16, Titus 2:1) 3. They ensure that the church is cared for (Matthew 28:16-20; Colossians 1:28; James 5:14) 4. They appoint elders and other leaders (including staff members) according to biblical criteria (1 Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-9; 1 Peter 5:1-4) 5. They lovingly exercise church discipline when necessary for the glory of God, the good of the one disciplined, and the health of the church (Matthew 18:15-20; Galatians 6:1; James 5:19-20)
How do I Join CrossPointe? There are three components to becoming a member of the church. Two are very clear biblical instructions, and a third is inferred from the epistles (biblical letters) written by the apostle Paul. First, the Bible says becoming a Christian is becoming a child of God (John 1:12). It is always a great joy for a family to welcome a new child! To become a Christian one must fully trust in Jesus as Lord and Savior of his life (John 3:16). Any pastor or elder at CrossPointe can talk with you about your relationship with God. We always rejoice at hearing a testimony of previous salvation, or leading someone to trust in Christ for the very first time. Second, the Bible teaches that all believers are to be baptized by immersion following their salvation (Acts 8:36-38). We schedule baptisms throughout the year for those who have yet to take this step of publically proclaiming their identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. It’s always a celebration! Finally, Christians should join a local church family. The evidence in the New Testament seems to indicate that from the earliest days of Christianity there were discernable local congregations (c.f. 1 Corinthians 1:2; 16:19). To indicate your desire to join, please complete the last form of this packet.
4
Member Information If married please have each spouse complete one. Name____________________________
Phone (h) ________________________________
Email____________________________
Phone (c) ________________________________
Address______________________________________________________________________ Occupation_______________________ Children __________________________ __________________________ __________________________ __________________________
Date of Birth _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________
Membership Essentials: □ I have accepted Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Please briefly share when and how you became a follower of Jesus:________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ □ I have been baptized by immersion following my salvation.
Pointe Groups Pointe Groups are small groups of CrossPointe members who meet regularly for Bible study, community, and prayer. Plus they’re fun! Let us know what days of the week and any other information that might help us find some good Pointe Group options for you. _____________________________________________________________________________
Service Opportunities (Check those where you have interest): __Children’s Ministry
__Connections/1st Impressions __Audio/Visual __Communications/Media
__Student Ministry
__Office/Administrative
__Set-up
__Adult Education
__Ministry (Mens/Womens)
__Discipleship __Music Ministry
__Missions
__Care Ministry
Signed______________________
_______
Printed Name_______________________________
__Special Events
Date___________________ __
5
Why CrossPointe? Here are a few things that are important to know about CrossPointe. First our mission is Leading People to Love God and Love Others. Our vision at home is to celebrate real lives, families and legacies transformed by the power of the Gospel. Our vision around the world is to build a network of churches that work together to reach our community and the world for Christ. Finally, we have four Core Values that we try to live out. You can also think of them as family traits. Just like you might have your mom’s eyes, or your dad’s chin, these values represent areas of similarity we hope to see in members of the CrossPointe family. • Worship—To grow in our capacity to connect with God as individuals and as a church family. • Community—Loving and relating to one another in biblical, God-glorifying ways. • Equipping—Growing in our understanding of God, ministry ability, and likeness to Jesus. • Service—Using the time, ability, and resources God has entrusted to us to further His church.
1
What does CrossPointe Believe? Our beliefs in many ways define who we are. They inform our values and practices as a church. While this list is fairly comprehensive, there are many other points of doctrine not addressed in this list. CrossPointe practices a philosophy known as “open hand, closed hand” meaning that there are essentials that are in the “closed hand.” Essentials are irreducible minimums and foundational teachings. Outside of these points there may be secondary “open hand” areas of personal belief where we may not agree 100%, but maintain unity in the cause of Christ.
Concerning the Scripture We believe God breathed out the original writings of both the Old and New Testaments to human writers by means of the Holy Spirit, who chose the words employed according to the personality and background of the human author. We believe that these writings were without error and are of supreme and final authority in the lives of believers in any age (2 Timothy 3:16).
Concerning God We believe that there is but one true God, who eternally exists as three distinct persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, who exclusively share in the work of creation, maintenance of the universe, redemption and judgment (Genesis 1:1; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Corinthians 13:14).
Concerning the Father We believe the Father has planned and directs creation and redemption, and has sent the Son and Holy Spirit to accomplish all that He has decreed. (Genesis 1:1; John 1:1-2, 14:26, 17:4; 1 John 4:14)
Concerning Jesus Christ We believe that Jesus Christ is the Eternal Son - who entered the human race, conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin, Mary, and that He is fully God and fully man. He lived a life of perfect obedience to the Father and voluntarily fulfilled the will of God by laying down His life as the atoning sacrifice for humanity's sin. Having fully satisfied Divine justice, He achieved salvation for all who place their trust in Him. Raised from the dead by God, He ascended to Heaven and is currently interceding for His own, awaiting His return to consummate God's kingdom and redemptive plan (Matthew 1:22-23; John 1:1-5; Romans 1:3-4).
Concerning the Holy Spirit We believe the Holy Spirit is equal with the Father and the Son as God. He is present in the world to make men aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. The maturing Christian seeks to live under His control daily (2 Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-13; John 14:16-17).
Concerning Humanity We believe that Man was created in the image of God, but was separated from God because of Adam's sin. As a result the image of God in Man became damaged - defaced, but not erased. Therefore, all human beings are born with a sinful nature and are unable to function in moral responsibility before God. We need spiritual regeneration before we can become what God meant us to be (Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6a; 59:1-2; Romans 3:23).
Concerning Salvation We believe that Jesus died upon the cross as a sinless substitute for sinners of all ages and times, and that the Father was thus, by means of the Spirit, reconciling the world to Himself. All who receive the risen Jesus as Lord, by grace through faith, are spiritually born into permanent membership in the family of God. (Romans 5:1; 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9; John 14:6; 1:12; Titus 3:5; Galatians 3:26)
Concerning the Christian Life We believe the Christian life is a transformation, in which Christ Himself lives His life through the believer. All Believers are still capable of responding to the urges of the flesh, and when they do so they do not please God. They can choose, rather, to rely continually upon the indwelling Holy Spirit's power and love, thus glorifying and pleasing the Father. The maturing Christian seeks to live under His control daily (Romans 6:15-18; 8:1-2, 9-11; 12:1-2; 2 Corinthians 3:5-6, 18; 5:17; Ephesians 1:13; 2:10; 5:1, 3-10; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:12; 3:16; Galatians 5:25).
Concerning the Church We believe there is one true Church universal, consisting of all who recognize Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. The body of Christ finds expression as local churches where those who have been regenerated by the Spirit come together. Operating under the direction of Jesus as Lord and Head of His body and through Godly servant leadership, believers devote themselves to worship, prayer, teaching of the Word, observance of baptism and communion, fellowship, service to the body, and outreach to the lost (Matthew 16:18; 28:18-20; Acts 2:42-47; 20:28; 1 Corinthians 12:7-12; Ephesians 4:7,11-13).
Concerning the Resurrection and the Future We believe in the imminent, bodily and visible return of Jesus Christ to this earth to bring to completion His redemptive and kingdom plan. All people who have died will be raised from the dead, and those who have been redeemed will participate in eternal life in the presence of the God, but those who have rejected Christ will suffer eternal punishment and separation from God (1 Timothy 6:14-15; Titus 2:13; Matthew 25: 31, 34, 41; 1 Corinthians 15:50-56; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-2, 3-4, 8 ; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3, 8-10 ; Revelation 3:5; 20:12; Revelations 21:1-5).
2
CrossPointe Values Like any family, CrossPointe has particular things we value. These values are important to us and found in the pages of Scripture. Worship, Community, Equipping, and Service are concepts that we want to see growing in each other’s lives. Here are the ways these values manifest themselves at CrossPointe.
Worship • • •
Meeting Sundays to worship God as a church family (Hebrews 10:24-25). Living lifestyles that give glory to God (Romans 12:1-2). Giving graciously as God has graciously given to me (2 Corinthians 9:7).
Community • • •
Being a part of a small group (Hebrews 10:24-25, Acts 2:42-47). Acting in grace and love toward CrossPointe members and guests (Ephesians 4:2, Philippians 2:3-4, Matthew 22:37-39, 1 Corinthians 8:9-13). Promoting church unity and dealing biblically with conflict (Philippians 2:3-4, Matthew 5:23-24).
Equipping • • •
Discovering and developing my spiritual gifts (1 Peter 4:10). Developing my understanding and practice of spiritual disciplines (1 Corinthians 9:2427). Being a disciple and disciple-maker to help the body grow to maturity (2 Timothy 2:2, Proverbs 27:17, Ephesians 4:15-16).
Service • • •
Developing a servant’s heart (Philippians 2:5-8) Volunteering my time, abilities, and resources (Romans 12:1-2) Increasingly becoming an ambassador for Christ across the street and around the world (Acts 1:8, 2 Corinthians 5:18-20).
3
How is CrossPointe Led? First, CrossPointe is under the authority of Jesus. He is our Chief Shepherd. Second, men who are mature Christians, have the calling to lead, and have character that is above reproach can be selected to be elders. Our Lead Pastor, Brian Blenden, is an elder. The other elders are nonpaid volunteer leaders, but could include paid pastoral staff. Finally, pastors and ministers are typically vocational staff members with direct oversight of a particular ministry area.
Here are a few of the ways elders serve the CrossPointe family: 1. They prayerfully seek God’s will for our church based on guidance from Scripture and the Holy Spirit (Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:1-4) 2. They provide teaching and counsel from the whole of Scripture (Acts 20:27-28; 1 Timothy 4:16, Titus 2:1) 3. They ensure that the church is cared for (Matthew 28:16-20; Colossians 1:28; James 5:14) 4. They appoint elders and other leaders (including staff members) according to biblical criteria (1 Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-9; 1 Peter 5:1-4) 5. They lovingly exercise church discipline when necessary for the glory of God, the good of the one disciplined, and the health of the church (Matthew 18:15-20; Galatians 6:1; James 5:19-20)
How do I Join CrossPointe? There are three components to becoming a member of the church. Two are very clear biblical instructions, and a third is inferred from the epistles (biblical letters) written by the apostle Paul. First, the Bible says becoming a Christian is becoming a child of God (John 1:12). It is always a great joy for a family to welcome a new child! To become a Christian one must fully trust in Jesus as Lord and Savior of his life (John 3:16). Any pastor or elder at CrossPointe can talk with you about your relationship with God. We always rejoice at hearing a testimony of previous salvation, or leading someone to trust in Christ for the very first time. Second, the Bible teaches that all believers are to be baptized by immersion following their salvation (Acts 8:36-38). We schedule baptisms throughout the year for those who have yet to take this step of publically proclaiming their identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. It’s always a celebration! Finally, Christians should join a local church family. The evidence in the New Testament seems to indicate that from the earliest days of Christianity there were discernable local congregations (c.f. 1 Corinthians 1:2; 16:19). To indicate your desire to join, please complete the last form of this packet.
4
Member Information If married please have each spouse complete one. Name____________________________
Phone (h) ________________________________
Email____________________________
Phone (c) ________________________________
Address______________________________________________________________________ Occupation_______________________ Children __________________________ __________________________ __________________________ __________________________
Date of Birth _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________
Membership Essentials: □ I have accepted Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Please briefly share when and how you became a follower of Jesus:________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ □ I have been baptized by immersion following my salvation.
Pointe Groups Pointe Groups are small groups of CrossPointe members who meet regularly for Bible study, community, and prayer. Plus they’re fun! Let us know what days of the week and any other information that might help us find some good Pointe Group options for you. _____________________________________________________________________________
Service Opportunities (Check those where you have interest): __Children’s Ministry
__Connections/1st Impressions __Audio/Visual __Communications/Media
__Student Ministry
__Office/Administrative
__Set-up
__Adult Education
__Ministry (Mens/Womens)
__Discipleship __Music Ministry
__Missions
__Care Ministry
Signed______________________
_______
Printed Name_______________________________
__Special Events
Date___________________ __
5
