We are thrilled you are interested in learning more about following Jesus and connecting with Bridge of Hope. This is one of the most important decisions of your life. It is transforming to turn and follow Jesus, but to partner with other believers and follow Jesus out into the world is revolutionizing. You move from student to teacher, disciple to missionary, observer to participant.  Are you no longer content to sit in the stands as a fan? Then get in the game. Become a Partner in Ministry and find out what God really made you for.

Why We Call Church Members, Partners? 

There are two very important reasons for our use of the term partner over member.  The first reason has to do with our cultures use of the word membership.  It is true the Bible teaches that we are members of a body, but our culture tends to use the word member very differently. Look in your wallet for a moment. To how many organizations are you a member? I am a Staples Rewards Card Member, a IBC Bakery Outlet Frequent Shopper Member, and a Family Christian Stores Pastor Perks Member. My health insurer calls me a member, my car insurance company calls me a member, my credit card companies even call me a member. Get the picture. The word membership is so over used that the definition has become vague and confusing. Generally, it means we get something for less than we would if we were not members, but you better read the fine print first. Membership could mean many things today and thus is not very helpful in communicating anything to our culture. 

The second reason we prefer the word partner over member is because partner does clarify better what Scripture intends for believers regarding church involvement.  The Bible actually describes two kinds of belonging or membership.

Positional Membership: Scripture clearly teaches that when one chooses to follow Jesus Christ he/she becomes a member of the one body (1 Cor. 12:12-13; Eph. 2:13-22; 4:3-6; Col. 1:13-22).  When this occurs, you become a "positional member" in the universal Church.  Positional membership is eternal and unchanging. It comes by grace through faith. (We will discuss this more later.)

Participating Membership or Partnership: The Bible also urges positional members to continue growing by becoming participating members or partners in a specific local church (Rom. 12:4-8; 1 Cor. 12:25-31; 14:12, 26; Heb. 10:24-25; 1 Tim. 3:14-15).  Obviously a person may be a member/partner of several different local bodies during the course of his or her lifetime while maintaining an invisible bond of positional membership. 

Simply put, membership implies special privileges and rights, while partnership implies interdependence and team work. The later is clearly more God’s intent.

Why become a Partner in Ministry?

Many people assume that because they profess Christ, further identification or involvement with a local church is an optional tack on.  It is kind of like the service plan you can get at the electronics stores.  You can take it or leave it.  It’s really up to you. Partnering with other believers is not an option.  We believe there are two major reasons for church partnership. 

1. We believe partnership in a local church is a biblical mandate for every believer.  It is not optional. As a follower of Christ, we are instructed to serve alongside other believers. You may want to be a lone ranger, but God knows you need a Taunto.  Consider these passages which show examples of partnership, Teachings on partnering, and commands to partner.

Biblical Examples of Partners:

Paul’s use of “partner/yokefellow,”  “outsider,” and “join” show that the New Testament church did have partners who were committed to reaching outsiders, so that they may join the community of believers.

Paul writes to the Philippians about his joy “because of your partnership in the gospel…” (Phil. 1:5)  He considers Timothy his son and Epaphroditis his brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier. (Phil 2:22)

In Philippians 4:3 He says “Yes, and I ask you, loyal yokefellow, help these women who have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow-workers, whose names are in the book of life.” There is no doubt Paul had committed partners in his ministry.

Paul also spoke of outsiders In 1 Corinthians 5 and Colossians 4:5.  Paul’s desire was not to set up a wall, but to challenge his fellow believers to help destroy the wall that existed.  He challenged them saying “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders…” (Col. 4:5) wanting them to persuade others to join them just as Paul and Silas had done (Acts 17:4). 

Inclusion into the church was not always simple either.  Paul/Saul had set himself up as an enemy of the church and so even after his conversion joining the disciples in Jerusalem required the a trusted believer vouch for his faith.

26When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. 27But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus. 28So Saul stayed with them and moved about freely in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord. (Acts 9:26-28)   

Biblical Teachings on Partnering:
Paul was passionate about this commitment to one another. He taught, “in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” (Romans 12:5) “You are not your own; you were bought at a price.” (1 Cor. 6:19-20)  If you choose to follow Christ, you must also surrender to your fellow believers.  “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” (Eph. 5:21)

Jesus also longed for this deep commitment to one another.  The night before his crucifixion he taught “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34) And later prayed “…May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” (John 17: 23)  Uniting together is foundational to New Testament teaching.

Biblical Commands to Partner:

In the Old Testament God instructed Moses to count and make a list of all the Israelite families. (see Num. 3:40) The New Testament does not contain any equivalent command, but Paul’s instructions clearly call us to work together as partners in sharing the Good News.

“Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you.” (Phil. 3;17)

“I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought.” (1 Cor. 1:10)

“It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up…” (Eph. 4:11-12)

2. We Believe partnership is beneficial and essential to your spiritual health.  In a culture where commitment is no longer highly valued, recognizable partnership is an important step that moves each of us out of the vague clouds of our good intentions and into the clear light of committed participation.  It presents a challenge to "step out of the stands" and publicly affirm a commitment to Christ and to a specific local body.  In this sense, partnership can be a significant "defining moment" in one's lifelong discipleship journey.  This step is essential  to our spiritual health for basic reasons.

First, we need support. We were not designed to walk alone. Paul instructed the believers to “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (Gal. 6:2)  There was one thing wrong with creation, Adam was alone.  God gave him Eve.  So to, we need others to support us in life.

Second, we need guidance.  We read in Hebrews “And let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Heb. 10:24-25) And later we read “But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” (Heb. 3:13)  In both of these verses the word “encourage” means to entreat, admonish, or instruct.  We need people around us who urge us to live holy lives, who keep us accountable, and who guide us through life’s temptations.

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone.” (1 Thes. 5:11-14)

An Excerpt from: “Why Should I Join a Church?”

Written by Jim Elliff and Daryl Wingerd

The worst thing that can happen to a Christian is not persecution, physical injury, or death. In many respects, these are the best things that can happen to us. Jesus said that we are blessed when we are "persecuted for righteousness' sake" (Matthew 5:10). Paul decided to "take pleasure in infirmities . . . for Christ's sake . . . For when I am weak, then I am strong" (2 Corinthians 12:10). Jesus said to His followers, "My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do" (Luke 12:4). This makes perfect sense, because for the believer, "to be absent from the body" is "to be present with the Lord." None of these earthly threats should hold any sway over us whatsoever.

But there is one thing that should make us tremble, and that is the prospect of being overtaken by sin. Sin is what Christ suffered for on the cross (2 Corinthians 5:21). Sin grieves the Holy Spirit of God (Ephesians 4:30). Sin in the life of a true believer invites the discipline of the Father (Hebrews 12:5-8). And sin, if it characterizes the life of a professing Christian, may indicate that the profession of faith is false (Titus 1:16; 1 John 2:3-4). Even as those whose sins have been forgiven, we must never forget that sin is the one thing that sends people to eternal torment in hell.

As Christians, we are involved in a battle. Our arch-enemy is Satan who "walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour" (1 Peter 5:8). The way in which he devours unwary people is by tempting them to sin—by convincing them that sin is a more rewarding master than Christ. He therefore disguises himself and his agents, and he makes the pleasures of sin appear very appealing to us. And Satan does not just attack us from the front where we can clearly see him coming; he attacks from every side.

How much better it would be, then, to have spiritual eyes in the back of our heads. If we did, we could see "the wiles of the devil" much more clearly. Even alone, we could guard effectively against his schemes. But we don't have such panoramic spiritual vision, do we? In fact, it often seems that we don't even have very good peripheral vision. We need help! And that is precisely the purpose of the church—the fellow Christians to whom we unite ourselves in a relationship of accountability.

That is why we are told to "exhort one another daily . . . lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin" (Hebrews 3:13). That is why Paul said to the church at Rome that they, being "full of all goodness, filled with all knowledge," were to "admonish one another" (Romans 15:14). And that is why, in the familiar passage in Hebrews chapter 10, we are told to "consider one another in order to stir up love and good works." These passages all speak of the fellowship of the church as a preventative measure—a means of restraining one another from sin.

Never in the New Testament are Christians told to "tough it out" on their own. On the contrary, for the person who thinks he can do that, in 1 Corinthians chapter 10, Paul gives a number of Old Testament examples of failure—of sin that led to destruction. Then, in verses 11-12, he says that "all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition . . . . Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. "

We are not called to live the Christian life apart from the protection of the church. The fellowship of a group of committed believers is vital to our spiritual health and to our endurance in the faith. The church, in the midst of this "crooked and perverse generation, " is just as important for our survival as the ark was to Noah and his family; they simply would not have survived without it.

This need for the protection of committed brothers and sisters is seen most clearly in the fact that even with it, many Christians fall into sin. In Galatians 6:1, Paul writes, "Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. "

What Paul is describing here is a rescue mission. A soldier is down behind enemy lines having been wounded by enemy gunfire, and those who are able are to carefully, yet courageously rescue him. Paul is not describing a callous and prideful rebuke; he doesn't want us to ridicule the soldier for getting himself shot. In another place he writes, "Yet do not count him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother. " (2 Thessalonians 3:15). What he tells us to do is gently, cautiously pull this wounded soldier back to safety, watching that we don't get picked-off by the same enemy sniper who shot our brother. In this context, the lone soldier, apart from the protection of his platoon, has no chance of survival.

Likewise, when a person who maintains that his Christianity is "a private thing" is overcome by sin, he has no one to rescue him through such accountability. He may simply withdraw from the church he has attended, but never joined. If he has not committed himself to a particular body of believers, and they to him, he may weaken and die with no one ever realizing that he was even wounded.

Why should you join a church? Because your spiritual survival depends on it…  It seems pretty obvious from these biblical metaphors of building stones and body parts that the Christian life was not meant to be lived alone. You, as a Christian, were designed and created by God, not for a life of individuality and self-will, but to fill a niche in the spiritual building called the church. And as any police officer will tell you, individual bricks that are left lying around, unattached to a building, are more often used for vandalism and burglary, than for their intended purpose.

With that in mind, consider the words of Charles Spurgeon regarding the obligation of every Christian to unite with a church in membership:

"I know there are some who say, 'Well, I have given myself to the Lord, but I do not intend to give myself to any church.'" "Now, why not?" "Because I can be a Christian without it."

"Are you quite clear about that? You can be as good a Christian by disobedience to your Lord's command as by being obedient? There is a brick. What is it made for? To help build a house. It is of no use for that brick to tell you that it is just as good a brick while it is kicking about on the ground as it would be in the house. It is a good-for-nothing brick. So you rolling-stone Christians, I do not believe that you are answering your purpose. You are living contrary to the life which Christ would have you live, and you are much to blame for the injury you do." 

(Copyright © 2003 Christ Fellowship, Why Should I Join a Church?,  Written by Jim Elliff and Daryl Wingerd, www.ChristFellowshipKC.org)

What is the process to become a Partner in Ministry?

We believe it is a valuable thing for every partner to renew this covenant each year, just as Jonathan asked David to reaffirm his commitment in 1 Samuel 20:17.  We have broken the process up into four steps and ask everyone to re-evaluate their commitment each January.

1.      Consider – The prospective partner reviews the Partner in Ministry overview.  Each person investigates this information at his or her own pace. 

2.      Calculate – The prospective partner now responds by attending the Partner in Ministry Course.

3.      Covenant – After completing the Partner in Ministry Course, the prospective partner signs the Partner in Ministry Covenant.  The individual then meets with a small group of leaders (elders) who receive the signed covenant and formally receive the individual as a Partner in Ministry.

4.      Celebrate – New partners are then recognized and honored at a worship service. Small groups are also encouraged to celebrate with the new partners.

What is the Partner in Ministry Covenant?

A covenant is a joint commitment between two parties.  In this case, it is a commitment between you and the other partners of Bridge of Hope. When a couple gets married they make a covenant with each other to work together. The intent is to bring stability and to clarify the level of commitment in the relationship.  The same is true for the church. Without a covenant, relationships often fall into unhealthy ruts and never develop true intimacy.  Our Partner in Ministry Covenant describes summarizes Our Partner in Ministry Commitments.   These commitments can seem overwhelming from a human perspective.  We are all flawed and tend to turn away from God’s design.

      Perfection is obviously impossible here on earth, but perfection is our goal.  Jesus said, “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (Mat. 5:48) To shoot for less is inadequate.  We only ask that you be real with us, so that we might grow in humility and love together.

We have set high expectations for partners, for several reasons. First, “Membership means more than a walk down an aisle and a hearty ‘amen.’ …Membership means ministry. Salvation by grace results in works. And inactive membership is fast becoming a contradiction in terms.” (Rainer, Thomas, High Expectations, Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1999, p.27) Second, “Where a church covenant was required, retention was extremely effective. Indeed, the churches with required covenant signings were more than twice as effective in assimilation compared to the other churches in our study.” (High Expectations, p. 63) Finally, it is far better to judge ourselves than for God to judge us (1 Cor. 11:31). We want believers to fully understand God’s desires for His Church.

  Therefore, we require that those wanting to join us in ministry participate in our Partner in Ministry Classes and then sign “Our Partner in Ministry Covenant”.  Every January all Partners are asked to recommit to the church by signing the covenant.   In doing this we affirm our desire to let God work in us and give the church elders insight into the health of the church as a whole.

COMMITMENT TO TRUST: (faith)

Because I was rescued by grace, I will trust Jesus as my Lord and Savior.

COMMITMENT TO CONNECT: (fellowship)

Because I was formed for God's family, I will connect deeply with other believers.

         COMMITMENT TO GROW: (discipleship)

            Because I was created to become like Christ, I will grow continually

                  to be like Christ.

COMMITMENT TO SERVE: (ministry)

Because I was shaped for serving God, I will serve selflessly according to my SHAPE.

         COMMITMENT TO REACH: (evangelism)

            Because I was made for a mission, I will reach-out courageously to           the world.

COMMITMENT TO SURRENDER: (worship)

Because I was planned for God's pleasure, I will surrender completely to Him.

_______________________________________

(Name)

You've renewed your vows today that GOD is your God, that you'll live the way he shows you; do what he tells you in the rules, regulations, and commandments; and listen obediently to him.

(Deuteronomy 26:17 Msg)

COMMITMENT TO TRUST: (faith)                                                                  

Because I was rescued by grace, I will trust Jesus as my Lord and Savior.

I confess that I have turned from God and His plans for me.

I accept God’s forgiveness through Jesus Christ, my Savior, because He took my punishment on the cross.

I submit to the Lordship of Jesus Christ, my King and to the authority of His Word.

I will seek to live according to God’s plans and purposes.

I will seek to share this commitment with my unbelieving friends and family.

COMMITMENT TO CONNECT: (fellowship)

Because I was formed for God's family, I will connect deeply with other believers.

I will seek to build others up by being positive and friendly.

I will seek to cultivate deep, authentic relationships with believers through regular small group involvement.

I will seek to regularly connect with my immediate family (parent, siblings, kids and spouse).

I will seek to be more loving, grace giving and forgiving; resolving conflict with others in a Biblical manner.

I will seek to preserve the unity of the church by respecting our mission, beliefs, leaders, and overall direction.

COMMITMENT TO GROW: (discipleship)

Because I was created to become like Christ, I will grow continually to be like Christ.

I will seek to learn more of God’s Word through relevant and meaningful ways.

I will seek to develop relationships with others who encourage and inspire spiritual health & growth.

I will seek to establish healthy habits: (spiritual disciplines) first of which will be a quiet time in His Word and prayer.

I will seek to respond to challenges with peace and faith rather than anxiety and fear (spiritual fruit).

I will seek to honor God with my finances (budget) and my personal giving to His work (tithing).

  COMMITMENT TO SERVE: (ministry)

  Because I was shaped for serving God, I will serve selflessly according to my SHAPE.

I will seek to nurture a humble, servant-hearted attitude in all I do.

I will seek to evaluate my unique God-given design (S.H.A.P.E.) and how well my activities fit who I am.

I will seek to express my S.H.A.P.E. by serving in a ministry in the church or community at least once a month.

I will seek to expand and develop my unique S.H.A.P.E. for ministry as God guides me.

I will seek to equip and empower others for ministry.

            COMMITMENT TO REACH: (evangelism)

             Because I was made for a mission, I will reach-out courageously to              the world.

I will seek to captivate unbelievers by sharing Christ’s love through intentional, sacrificial acts of kindness.

I will seek to actively pray for and courageously cultivate relationships with unbelieving friends and family.

I will seek to sow seeds of faith in unbelievers by connecting them with other believers and ministries.

I will seek to share my spiritual story with unbelievers and lead them into a relationship with Jesus.

I will seek to pray about, reflect on, and ultimately go where God wants to use me cross-culturally.

  COMMITMENT TO SURRENDER: (worship)

  Because I was planned for God's pleasure, I will surrender completely to Him.

I will seek to faithfully engage my body, mind, and heart in inspiring worship of God.

I will seek to nurture a deep commitment and desire to pray (personal & corporate).

I will seek to honor God with my physical and personal health (exercise & nutrition).

I will seek to be holy by reflecting on my life, confessing sin, receiving forgiveness, and submitting to guidance.

I will seek to please God with every dimension of my life by balancing His purposes in my life.