Church in the 'Boro: Statesboro, GA

Partnership Sunday

January 24, 2011

This Sunday at Church in the Boro we finally instituted official church membership. This is really exciting for the life of our church and brings us to a place of unity and gives us a sense of vision. At Church in the Boro our pastor Rob Wilkerson decided to replace the word "membership" with "partnership". He explains why in Phil 1:3-6

3 I give thanks to my God for every remembrance of you, 4 always praying with joy for all of you in my every prayer, 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. 6 I am sure of this, that He who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

I feel so blessed to be a part of a church that puts so much emphasis on not only being a member, but a partner and participator. I think this is an important distinction when so many people have a consumer mindset when it comes to the church. Because of our American upbringing we tend to look for a church the same way we shop for anything. We ask ourselves, "Which church could best meet my needs?" This is instead of asking God, "Where is the place that I can submit to leadership and serve that will contribute most to the advancement of your kingdom and the sanctification of the saints?" A local church is not a country club, it's not a gym, it's not an organization with which we pay our dues and become a member. It is a family of people with which we build relationships, worship God, and ultimately fulfill His Great Commission.

Lord, thank you for Church in the Boro. I pray that you could continue to conform us to the image of your son. Make us one, as the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are one!