New Members

&

New Attenders

Orientation

for

Gainesboro Church of Christ

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MISSION STATEMENT

The Gainesboro Church of Christ (GCOC) exists to glorify God by making and maturing disciples of Jesus Christ who are becoming like Him.

I. Our Purpose—The purpose of GCOC is to glorify God.A. Romans 11:36—For of him, and through him, and to

him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.B. 1 Corinthians 10:31—Whether therefore ye eat, or

drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

II. Our Plan—Some of the last words of Christ to His disciples were: Go ye therefore and teach all nations... (Matthew 28:19-20). At GCOC we desire to be obedient to this Scripture by making and maturing disciples of Jesus Christ.

III. Our Product—To accomplish our mission, we must be producing disciples who are becoming like Him (Romans 8:29).

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CORE VALUES

We believe glorifying God as a church will involve each of the following activities:

I. WORSHIP (THE REVERENT EXPRESSION OF OUR LOVE AND ADORATION FOR GOD).A. We are planned for God’s pleasure.B. We believe that worship is the central theme around

which everything else revolves, individually and corporately. It is our privilege to gather several times a week for the expressed purpose of exalting God. Our services are designed to allow the corporate body to praise, honor and exalt God as He has reveled Himself in Scripture.1. Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his

name; worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness. (Psalm 29:2)

2. Exalt the Lord our God; worship at his footstool! Holy is He! (Psalm 99:5)

3. He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, if indeed you

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continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister. (Colossians 1:15-23)

4. And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” (Matthew 22:37)

C. We worship God corporately through God-exalted singing, Christ-centered preaching, sacrificial giving and dependent praying.1. Psalm 962. And day by day, attending the temple together

and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved. (Acts 2:46-47)

D. We do not come to church as a spectator. God is the audience and we encourage everyone to participate and be a fragrance acceptable to God.

II. EVANGELISM - WE ARE SOUGHT BY GOD TO SEEK OTHERS.A. We believe the healthy church grows not only by

receiving believers who move into our community and transfer their membership from other churches, but also by reaching the unchurched with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.1. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations,

baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age. (Matthew 28:19-20)

2. Various events to spread the Good News of the Gospel in our surrounding community are a part of our purpose and work as a church.

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B. What is the Gospel we share? For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. (Romans 1:16)1. We believe the Gospel involves three specific

truths (1 Corinthians 15:1-5):a) The Problem of Sin. The Bible teaches every

man is a sinner. God’s standard is perfection and no man is able to meet that standard. If we only consider the Ten Commandments, we can easily measure how far short we have fallen.(1)as it is written: “None is righteous, no, not

one” (Romans 3:10)(2)for all have sinned and fall short of the

glory of God (Romans 3:23)(3)Surely there is not a righteous man on

earth who does good and never sins (Ecclesiastes 7:20)

b) The Penalty of Sin. Because God is perfectly holy, He has no toleration for unholiness (sin). God does not overlook any sin; instead, He penalizes sin with death, both physical and spiritual (forever separated from God in Hell).(1)For the wages of sin is death, but the free

gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23)

(2)The wicked shall return to Sheol, all the nations that forget God. (Psalm 9:17)

(3)Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. From his presence earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had

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done. And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them, and they were judged, each one of them, according to what they had done. Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire. (Revelation 20:11-15)

c) The Payment of Sin. Christ died for our sins. He took the penalty (death) all on Himself when He died on the cross for sinners. Christ satisfied God’s judgment against sin. Following His death, Jesus was buried and then rose again the third day.(1)but God shows his love for us in that while

we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)

(2)He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. (1 Peter 2:24)

(3)For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)

2. One decision - Repent of sin and believe the Gospel. Every human being on the planet should hear the Gospel. Upon hearing, each is faced with a decision to accept Christi’s sacrifice for sin or reject it. A person accepts Christ by believing the Gospel, changing his/her understanding of everything, and trusting God’s promise of salvation as well as His direction in living (obedience).

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a) And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” (Acts 16:31)

b) For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10:13)

c) Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life. (John 6:47)

d) For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. (Romans 10:10)

e) Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 3:21)

f) But the one who endures to the end will be saved. (Matthew 24:13)

g) For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. (Matthew 6:14-15)

C. How do we share the Gospel?1. Through personal contact and trusting God for a

“divine appointment.” Think of a divine appointment as a special opportunity arranged by God for a person to hear the Gospel, much like Paul’s opportunity to tell his story as recorded in Acts 22.

2. Through our Sunday school and Wednesday morning and evening classes.

3. Through our worship services.4. Through our involvement in missions efforts.

III.EDIFICATION - WE ARE CALLED TO BECOME LIKE CHRIST (DISCIPLESHIP). DISCIPLESHIP IS THE PROCESS BY WHICH WE GROW INTO CHRIST-LIKENESS.

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A. We believe our mandate as a church is to make and mature disciples of Jesus Christ. The teaching/preaching ministry of the church is central to this task, and is the primary means by which God saves, sanctifies and strengthens His church. Therefore we emphasize the systematic exposition of the Scripture.1. (Matthew 28:19-20)2. (2 Timothy 4:1-4)3. 1(1 Peter 5:2-4)

B. Discipleship involves putting off the old man (the flesh), renewing the mind (learning to think like Christ), and putting on the new man. The one unmistakable requirement for discipleship is obedience.1. (Ephesians 4:22-24)

C. How do we practice discipleship?1. Through the Newcomers Class.2. Through the exposition of the Scripture from the

pulpit.3. Through the Adult Bible Studies.

a) Sunday Morningsb) Sunday Night Classc) Wednesday Classes

(1)Morning Ladies’ Bible Class(2)Evening Class

d) Through special programs and events.IV.FELLOWSHIP

A. We are enlisted to encourage others.1. Fellowship is the mutual relationship of care,

support, and encouragement we have as a result of our common belief in Christ and membership in this church.a) (Acts 2:42)b) (Hebrews 3:13)c) (Hebrews 10:24-25)

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2. Everybody needs a friend. We believe developing strong relationships in the church is vital to the health of the local body of Christ.

B. How do we fellowship?1. Through the Adult Bible Studies. (The Sunday

School is the key to assimilation into the church.)2. Through various men’s and ladies’ activities.3. Through participation.4. Through our UFO’s (Unusual Fellowship

Opportunity) and other special events.V. PRAYER - PRAYER IS AN EXPRESSION OF OUR

DEPENDENCE UPON GOD.A. We believe God alone is the self- existent One who

has need of nothing. God has designed the entire universe around Himself so that all things are dependent upon Him. Prayer enables us to line ourselves up under the plan and purpose of God.1. (Acts 2:42)2. (Acts 12:5)3. (Luke 18:1)4. (1 Thessalonians 5:17)5. (1 Timothy 2:1-4)

B. Specific prayer times at GCOC:VI.SERVICE - EVERY SAINT IS TO BE A SERVANT. WE

ARE MADE TO MINISTER.A. One mark of an effective church is the degree to

which believers are engaging in ministry. Service is the outworking of our love for God and others.

B. God has gifted every believer with a spiritual gift(s) which He desires to be used for His glory and the good of His church. Each gift is a divine endowment through which the Holy spirit ministers to the body of Christ. There is a ministry waiting for you at GCOC

C. Four facts about spiritual gifts:1. All spiritual gifts have the same source: God.2. Every believer has at least one spiritual gift.

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3. The Holy Spirit enables you to use your spiritual gifts.

4. Your spiritual gift is needed to complement the body of Christ.

D. Passages relevant to this subject:1. (1 Corinthians 12:7,11)2. (1 Peter 4:10)3. (Romans 12:6)4. (1 Corinthians 12:7ff)5. (1 Corinthians 12:14-18,21)

E. Just as the symphony has many members, each playing his part under the direction of the conductor, so the church has many members, and with each playing his part and following the “Conductor,” the result is beautiful, harmonious ministry. We encourage every member to be involved in at least one ministry.

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OUR DISTINCTIVE CHARACTERISTICS

Distinctive One:Biblical AuthorityWe believe the Bible is the only authority for faith and practice.

I. THE BIBLE IS GOD’S REVELATION TO MAN.A. God has revealed himself generally in nature.

(Psalms 19:1-2; Romans 1:20)B. God has revealed himself specifically in Scripture.

(Luke 24:27; John 5:39; 20:30-31)C. God inspired His Word. (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter

1:20- 21)II. THE BIBLE IS GOD’S STANDARD FOR MANKIND.

(II TIMOTHY 3:14-17; II PETER 3:2)A. The pattern of the early church was that doctrine

guided fellowship. Acts 2:42--the apostles’ doctrine was the eyewitness account from the apostles of Christ’s life and teachings. This was the authority of the church until the NT was completed.

B. The Scripture was their guide concerning their faith (what they believed). Romans 16:17-18; Jude 3

C. The Scripture was their guide concerning their practice (how they behaved). 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Thessalonians 3:14.

D. The Bible is our only authority for faith and practice. It is not the final authority. That implies there are others and the Bible is the greatest. It is the only authority.

Distinctive Two: Autonomy of the Local ChurchWe believe the local church, with God’s help, is capable and responsible for handling its own affairs. Consequently, The Local Church:

I. SELF-GOVERNINGA. Deacons are elected by the local church (Acts

6:1-7).

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B. Pastors are given oversight for a specific congregation (1 Peter 5).

C. The church answers only to Christ, its head (Ephesians 1:22-23; 5:23).

II. SELF-ADMINISTRATINGA. The church maintains its doctrinal integrity (Gal.

1:8-9).B. The church commissions its own people (Acts

13:1-4).III.SELF-DISCIPLINING - THE CHURCH DISCIPLINES

ITS OWN MEMBERS A. (1 Cor. 5:1-7)B. (Matt. 18:15-17)

It it noteworthy that while we are independent in structure, we are not independent in attitude.

Distinctive Three: Priesthood of the BelieverWe believe that every believer is an individual priest before God. (I Peter 2:9)

Then:• Levitical

priesthood• Delayed

confession• Representative

Relationship

As our High Priest Jesus Christ opens the way to God.

Now:• You can worship

directly.• You can confess

immediately.• You can

fellowship personally.

What does this mean for the local church?• That is why there is no altar in a New Testament church.

The once-for-all sacrifice of Christ has already been made. (Hebrews 10:11-14)

• That is why we don’t have confessional booths or a pastor who pronounces forgiveness (absolution) from sin. Though the pastor is our leader and shepherd, only Jesus can forgive sin! (1 Timothy 2:5)

• As believer-priests, we should daily use our privilege to come before God through His Word and prayer. (Hebrews 4:14-16)

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• Preachers differ from laymen only in the nature of their service and responsibility. All believers have equal spiritual privileges before God.

Distinctive Four: We believe the local church has two ordinances.

I. THE ORDINANCE OF BAPTISMA.What it means: Baptizo means “to dip, submerge, or

immerse.” The NT picture of baptism is the complete immersion of the believer in water (Matt. 3:16; Mark 1:10; Acts 8:38, 39).

B.What is symbolizes:1.It symbolizes the death, burial and resurrection of

Christ (Rom. 6:4-5).2.It identifies the believer with the local church

because God puts the believer there (Acts 2:41).II.The Ordinance of the Lord’s Supper

A.What it means: 1 Corinthians 11 clearly explains the Lord’s Supper as a table of remembrance in which the church remembers the sacrifice of Christ on Calvary.

B.What is symbolizes:1.The bread symbolizes the body of Christ broken

on Calvary.2.The juice symbolizes the blood of Christ shed on

Calvary.3.The regular remembrance reminds us of our

expectation of the Lord’s return.4.The table is celebrated among believers. (Matt.

26 - celebrated among the eleven after Judas left.)

Distinctive Five: Individual Responsibility and Faith

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We believe that every individual has the liberty and responsibility to choose what he believes is right in the religious realm.

No one should be forced to assent to or deny any belief against his will. No pope, priest, organization, convention, fellowship, association or any other human being has the authority to come between the soul of a man and God.

While a person is free to make his own choices, this does not exempt him from his responsibility to the Word of God or from his accountability to God for those choices (Romans 14:1-5, 12; 2 Corinthians 4:2, 5:10).

Limitations:1. This liberty does not justify one’s disobedience to the Word of God.2. This liberty does not empower one to act without regard for others.

Distinctive Six: The Church and the State Are Not the Same.We believe the church and the government, though both are ordained by God, are separate institutions.

Distinctions: Matthew 22:15-22

• There is a realm called Caesar’s: the civil government (political realm)

• There is a realm called God’s: the church (spiritual realm)

• Christians operate in both realms

4 possible relationships between church & state:

1. CHURCH STATE: Church above the state = Romanism

2. STATE CHURCH: CHURCH under the state = Communism

3. CHURCH + STATE: Church alongside the State = Liberalism

4. (CHURCH)/(STATE) Church separate from the state = NT Church (Romans 13:3-4; Genesis 9:5-6; 1 Timothy 2:2)

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Division of Responsibilities:The believer’s three responsibilities to the state:1. Pray—1 Timothy 2:1-22. Pay—Matthew 22:15-22; Romans 13:73. Obey—Romans 13:1-6; 1 Peter 2:13-15

God is the source of all authority and, therefore, the ultimate authority. He established the government as an authority for mankind. It pleases God when we obey our government. The only time disobeying the government is ever condoned is in the extreme cases when we are commanded to do something contrary to the Law of God. Then we must obey God and graciously suffer the consequences (Acts 4:18-21; 5:29).

The state’s responsibility to the citizen:1. To serve the citizenry (Romans 13:4)2. To subdue the lawbreaker providing peaceful society

(Romans 13:3-4; Genesis 9:5-6; 1 Timothy 2:2)

Distinctive Seven: Leadership Assignments and FunctionWe believe that church leadership has designated functional “offices.”

1 Timothy 3:1-13 gives a record of two distinct offices:1. Pastor/Elder - Three Greek words are used to refer to

this one office.• episkopos—bishop, overseer, supervise, lead• poimenas—shepherd, pastor, protect, provide• presbuteros—elder, administrator, maturity, dignity

NOTE: All three words are used interchangeably of the same office.

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Acts 20:17, 28—And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders (presbuteros) of the church...Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers (episcopos), to feed (poimenas) the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

1 Peter 5:1-2—The elders (presbuteros) which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder (presbuteros), and a witness of the sufferings of (pomenos) the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight (episkopos) thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;

2. DeaconOne Greek word is used to speak of this office: diakonos—deacon, servant serve, minister

NOTE: The office of deacon arose in response to the needs of the growing church. Rather than focus on the decision-making “board” of deacons, the New Testament word and model is that deacons put into action the church’s passion for ministering to people “hands on.”

SUMMARY: The church has two offices outlined in the Scripture with accompanying qualifications. Each office has very distinct responsibilities.

ELDER—1 Peter 5:2● Overseer● Spiritual care

DEACON—Acts 6:2-4● Serving● Physical care

We believe the model for scriptural church government is:• Christ is the head, Colossians 1:18• The elders are the human leaders, Hebrews 13:7, 17• The deacons serve, Acts 6:3-4

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• The elders and deacons all serve with the approval of the congregation, whose will is the final human authority at GCOC.

2 Questions:

Q: What about the preacher? Where does he fit into this?A: The preacher, in this case it is Wayne Wells, is a

combination. He serves at the pleasure of the local church to function as a teacher, evangelist, mentor and shepherd for those who choose to see him as such. Since he is financially supported sufficiently to remove concerns about “punching a time-clock to pay the bills,” he is very flexible in his availability. While it is not “un-biblical” for a preacher to serve as an elder, that is not the case here. Wayne does not make the administrative kinds of decisions that are typically the elders’ responsibility.

Q: Can women be elders?A: The Leadership Argument

Ephesians 5:22-24 -Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the savior of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.

1 Peter 3:1 - Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear. Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not

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corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands: Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement. Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honor unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as be- ing heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.

Application:• For the wife—God wants you to recognize that

submission to your husband is not man’s idea, but God’s.

• For the husband—God wants you to recognize that honoring and understanding your wife is a prerequisite to having your prayers answered.

A: The Qualifications Argument1 Timothy 3:1-5 - This is a true saying, If a man

desire the office of a bishop, he desires a good work. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teach; Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; One that rules well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)

Application:• Every reference to elders in the NT is masculine,

indicating God intends that elders be men.

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• A man’s ability to lead his own home is prerequisite to his qualification to lead a church.

A: The Direct Prohibitions Argument1 Timothy 2:11-12 - Let the woman learn in silence

with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.

Application:• God designed the roles of men and women in the

church.• The roles of men and women in the home and

church do not indicate inferiority or superiority, but are for order and function.

Based on these principles of the Scripture, we do not believe a woman should serve as an elder. There are, however, many other places for women to serve in the church!

Distinctive Eight: Saved Church MembershipWhile everyone is welcome, and we enjoy a close relationship with many who have not yet committed their lives to Christ, we believe that church membership is only for believers.

I. Biblical evidence demands a regenerate church membership.

A. Only saved people were added to the local churches in the NT (Acts 2:41,47)

B. The members of the local churches are called saints. (1 Corinthians 1:2; Ephesians 1:1; Philippians 1:1; Colossians 1:1,2; 1 Thessalonians 1:1-4)

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C. The local churches were rebuked for tolerating unbelievers in their membership. (Rev. 2:20)

D. Unbelievers who try to influence members to lead lives of self-will instead of sanctified living are regarded as intruders in the local church. (Jude 4)

II. The nature of the church demands a regenerate church membership.

A. The church’s name demands this.1. The Greek word, ecclesia, is the word translated

“church.”2. It is formed by two words: ek (out) and kaleo (to

call). It’s meaning is: called out assembly.B. The church’s commission demands this. (Matthew

28:18-20)C. The church’s work demands this. (Matthew 16:18;

Ephesians 2:1-3)

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OUR MEMBERSHIP PHILOSOPHY

I. The ImportanceA. The Bible describes church membershipB. The biblical example is a Christian attached to a

local church.C. Today, many Christians minimize church

membership.II. The Requirements

A. Salvation (Includes Baptism)III. The Expectations

A. What you may expect from GCOC:1. Christ-honoring services with biblically-sound

preaching and teaching2. Encouragement every time we are gathered

together3. Ministry in time of need4. Financial and moral integrity in leadership5. Warm, loving environment

B. What GCOC expects from you:1. Attend the Newcomers Class2. Regular attendance at the gatherings

a) God commands our faithfulnessb) Each of our services has a specific purpose

(1) Sunday School: Fellowship, Bible Study, Ministry to Each Other

(2) Sunday Morning Worship: Worship & evangelism

(3) Sunday Evening: Discipleship & Christian growth

(4) Wednesday Evening: Prayer & Bible studyc) Becoming involved in the Adult Bible Studies

is key to being assimilated into the church family and developing relationships. This can not be stressed enough!

d) Many people join churches and take a casual approach to attendance. We expect our members to attend regularly, both for their

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own personal spiritual health and because others need them.

e) Members who do not attend regularly:(1) Do not grow spiritually(2) Are disobedient believers (Hebrews 10:25)

3. Invite others to church worship, classes, and other gatherings. 80% of those who visit a church do so because of a friend, relative, associate, or neighbor.

4. Participate in ministrya) We offer many opportunities for your spiritual

growth and involvement.b) Watch the Sunday bulletin and listen for

announcements for other activities in which you may wish to participate.

5. Givea) This is God’s plan for the local church. (1

Corinthians 16:1-3)b) This is God’s plan for blessing in the

believer’s life. (Luke 6:38)

How can you experience God’s best in your new church home?1. Develop a quiet time with God each day.2. Develop relationships with others through your Adult Bible Study.3. Attend the worship services.4. Support the ministry through your offerings.5. Find a ministry in which you can serve and get involved.

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OUR CONGREGATIONAL POLICIESWays in which we desire to minister to you and your family.

I. Death in the familyA. Please let us know by calling the church office

(931.268.9828).B. When the funeral is local, if requested, we may be

able to provide a meal for the family after the funeral (assuming no other church is taking care of this).

II. Immediate family member in the hospitalA. Please let us know by calling the church office.B. After hours, please call an elder or minister at

home, regardless of the time.1. Wayne Wells (931.319.0084)2. John Fox (931.268.9365)3. Gary Gill (931.268.8484)

III. Planning a WeddingA. First, contact the church office and let us know of

your plans. All weddings held at GCOC are to be booked on the church calendar in the church office. Wayne Wells will meet with each couple to discuss their upcoming marriage.

B. The minister, Wayne Wells, will provide pre-marital counseling for all weddings held at GCOC. Wayne Wells will perform the wedding ceremony if he deems it appropriate. If, for any reason he cannot officiate at a wedding, or you wish to have another person officiate, he will talk with you about the possibilities.

C. A series of pre-marital counseling sessions will be completed before the wedding date.

D. The church auditorium may be reserved for weddings of members only. Any exceptions will be considered on an individual basis.

IV. Expecting a baby

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A. Please contact the church office and let the church secretary, Nell Cowan know (931.268.9828).

B. We ask that all moms of babies take a turn in the nursery (if it is being staffed).

V. Using Church FacilitiesA. When using the church facilities for class functions,

activities, etc., please schedule the event with the church office at least two weeks prior to the event.

B. The person responsible for the activity should contact the church office to obtain keys, etc.

C. Other than for church-wide activities, the person responsible for the activity is to set up the room in its original condition after the event.

VI. Borrowing Church PropertyA. Arrangements for borrowing church property

(tables, chairs, etc.) for church activities should be made through the office.

B. Items belonging to the church will be loaned for church-related activities only. Any exceptions will be considered on an individual basis.

VII. Scheduling AppointmentsA. Appointments with the elders or minister can be

made through the church office.B. Appointments may also be made by contacting the

minister or elders directly.1. Wayne Wells (931.319.0084)2. John Fox (931.268.9365)3. Gary Gill (h. 931.268.8484; w. 931.268.0434)

C. Church office hours are generally 9:10am-2:00pm, Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday.

D. Church telephone: 931.268.9828VIII.Fundraising Activities

A. GCOC does not engage in any fundraising activity which involves any form of commercial functions. This would include bake sales, car washes, or any such activity for the purpose of generating funds for church programs.

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B. All resources necessary for support of the ministry of the church are to be generated through the biblical stewardship method of tithes and offerings by those who are members of the church.

C. GCOC will have a limited number of opportunities for the members to support its various programs. Members contribute to these projects strictly on a voluntary basis.

IX. Hospitality PolicyIt is a joy for the members of Gainesboro Church of

Christ Ladies’ Food Groups to provide meals for other members in need. Decisions will be made on an individual basis by the Ladies’ Food Groups.

X. Dress PolicyOur ministry is comprised of many different families. Some families are new believers and some have been Christians for many years. Personal/family standards regarding dress will run the spectrum. While respecting our differences we believe it is prudent for us to develop a standard that both honors the biblical principles of dress as well as skillfully applies those principles to our particular ministry

We believe the following principles should determine how we dress:• Modesty—lots, loose, & long as opposed to little, tight,

& short (1 Tim. 2:9; 1 Peter 3:3-4; Prov. 7:10ff)• Distinction—lady-like and gentlemanly (Gen. 1:27;

2:21-25; 1 Corinthians 11:1-16)• Association (2 Cor. 6:14-17; 1 John 2:15-17)• Appropriateness (Phil. 1:10)

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OUR FINANCIAL POLICYFOUNDATIONAL TRUTH: God owns everything!I. Biblical Principles of Stewardship

A. Psalm 24:1 - The earth is the Lord’s…1. God owns the place: the heavens and the earth.

(Deuteronomy 10:14; Job 41:11b) a) God is the owner by virtue of His work in

creation (Genesis 1:1).b) Man is a part of that creation and therefore

has no claim of ownership. God is the Creator; man is the creation.

B. ...and the fullness thereof…1. God owns the possessions

a) God owns the whole universe.b) All money ultimately belongs to God. (Haggai

2:8)c) In addition to money, God makes an

interesting comment in Leviticus 25:23 concerning the land: “The land shall not be sold in perpetuity, for the land is mine. For you are strangers and sojourners with me.”

C. ...the world, and they that dwell therein.1. God owns the people. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

The spiritual reality is that we can never own anything in this world.

It all belongs to God.

Even though God owns everything, He doesn’t just drop things out of heaven for each of us. So how does man acquire things? Money and possessions are acquired through work.

This is the primary way to honestly acquire things under God’s economy.I. Man’s responsibility:

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A. Acknowledge God’s right to own. Our work will be transformed when we know that we work for God, not a human employer. (Colossians 3:23-24)

B. Accept the responsibility to work. Bookstore shelves are filled today with books promoting ways to get rich without hard work. The ultimate goal of many today is to become independently wealthy and retire before middle age. The idea of retirement, ceasing to be productive, is an American ideal, but not a biblical concept. (Proverbs 28:19; 2 Thessalonians 3:10)

C. Work is not only a means of providing for our needs, but it also gives us an opportunity to share with others. (Ephesians 4:28)

II. God’s responsibility:A. God provides ability/strength to man.

(Deuteronomy 8:11-18; James 1:17)1. As we enter into this partnership, God gives the

ability and the strength to work. God gives us the ability to succeed.

2. The American culture has always celebrated the rugged individualism of the self-made man. In truth, there is no such person. We are utterly dependent upon God Who gives us resources to produce wealth.

3. An important provision for our strength God gave to us is the complete refocus and recognition of God and His rescue of mankind every Lord’s Day through worship.

B. God provides the needs of man. (Psalm 37:25)1. We have no cause to worry about God’s ability

to provide. His ownership reveals His capacity to respond to any need we might have. (Matthew 6:25-34)

2. In contrast, those who refuse to work should expect to live in poverty. (Proverbs 20:4,13)

FOUNDATIONAL TRUTH: Man is a steward.

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A steward is one who takes care of another’s goods.

To be a good steward...1. Give obediently (Gen. 28:22b; Prov. 3:9-10; Luke

6:38)2. Give proportionately (1 Corinthians 16:2)3. Give sacrificially (Mark 12:41-44; Hebrews 13:16; Phil.

4:18-19)4. Give secretly (Matt. 6:1-4)5. Give consistently (1 Corinthians16:2)6. Give cheerfully (2 Corinthians 9:7)7. Give sensitively (Acts. 2:43-47)8. Give generously (2 Corinthians 8:2b, 9:5-6)

II. PRACTICAL GUIDELINES FOR HANDLING CHURCH FINANCE

A. Concerning the budget1. The fiscal year for the church runs January

through December.2. The budget is prepared by the Elders and

presented to the congregation for approval at our annual business meeting.

3. The elders seek to expend the funds in a manner consistent with the budget. This keeps the congregation from being encumbered with details of day-to-day church administration, and frees us to focus on our mission of reaching the lost and ministering to God’s people.

B. Concerning your giving1. Contribution records are maintained and

recorded for all contributions given directly to the church treasury. As a general rule, the church secretary records these amounts after the count has been taken and the contributions deposited in the appropriate bank account.

2. In the event that individual contributions are given in amounts required to be receipted to the

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donor, a statement of your giving will be provided to you each January.

C. Concerning our financial accountability1. The elders are responsible to deal with financial

details on a monthly basis. The regular bills are received, processed and paid by the church secretary under the supervision of the elders.

2. A general financial report is presented to the congregation each year at the annual business meeting.

3. Any active member should feel the liberty to discuss financial matters with the elders. Contribution records are not generally areas of discussion, as these are considered confidential.

4. Detailed financial reports can be made available monthly in the church office.

5. The elders are considered to be the stewards of the church’s resources, and operate on behalf of the congregation, and not independent of it.

6. We will not sell, rent or loan our mailing list, or a list of our contributors, to any individual or ministry.

7. Methods other than voluntary offerings will not be used to finance the work of God.

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