Download

It is no surprise that one of the illustrations the Scripture uses to describe the church is the family.  Paul wrote these words: “Wives, submit to your own husband as to the Lord, for the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church.  Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself for her to make her holy” (Ephesians 5:22-26). 

   Paul goes on to speak about the relationship of parents and children: “Children, obey your parents as you would the Lord.. . Fathers, don’t stir up anger in your children, but bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:1-4).

   These passages remind us of the importance of the family to the church.  We are to encourage our family members to be faithful to the church.  How can I teach my children to love and support the church?  Let me list a few key ways.

Pray Together as a Family for the Church. 

 Pray for the leadership of the church: for spiritual protection, for the preaching of the Word, for their families, for physical strength, for courage, for discernment, for wisdom in leadership.  Pray for other members in the Body, calling by name those in need of physical healing, restoration of relationships, jobs, or spiritual growth.   Pray for our church building construction.  Pray for an ingathering of souls, especially as we approach the Christmas season.

Worship Together as a Family

  As a church member, I am responsible to encourage and lead my entire family to worship together in the church.  I can accomplish this, not by sending them to church, but by bringing them to church.  If I am married, I seek to include my spouse.  If I am a parent, I seek to include my children.  My family must see my love for the church.

  Many church members are single.  Although you have no immediate family with whom to worship in the church, be assured people in the Body care about you and are watching out for you.  Many members come from unbelieving families.  It can be lonely to be the only believer

in an unbelieving family.  Be encouraged: God has given you a mission field.  You have the privilege of telling the good news in your own home.  Your deep love for Christ’s church will influence your unbelieving family and move them closer to Christ. 

Become a Member of a Carecell

Our small group ministry is especially designed to minister to the needs of the family.  In a large church, it is important to belong to a small group of friends who know you and your family well.  They will love you, encourage you, pray for you and share in fellowship with you.  Being part of a Carecell also gives you opportunity for service as we channel Mission trips through our Carecells.  Today is the perfect day to join; there are counters located throughout the church and lawn areas where you can sign up to join a Carecell.  Take advantage of this opportunity!

Fall Deeply in Love with the Bride of Christ

  As a church member, I am not only to like my church or serve my church well.  I am to fall deeply in love with my church.  Christ is the bridegroom, and the church is the bride.  My commitment is to love that bride with an unwavering and unconditional love.  In some circles, church bashing has almost become a sport.  I must warn you, however, that you cannot love Jesus and despise His wife, the Bride of Christ.

                                                 The Fourth Pledge

                                              I Am a Church Member

            I will lead my family to be good members of the church.   We will

            pray together for our church. We will worship together in our church.

            We will serve together in our church.  And we will ask Christ to help

            us fall more deeply in love with this church because He gave His life

            for her.

            _________________________________________________________

                                                        Sign and Date