WHAT IS PARTNERSHIP?
“I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.” — Philippians 1:3-5
A True partnership in the church is an active partnership in the gospel — a close relationship of mutual benefit, promoting the gospel through cooperation, sympathy, suffering, financial giving, active labor, prayer, and love. Paul’s letter to the churches in Philippi provides a wonderful example of this kind of relationship within the church. The Philippians had shared in Paul’s proclamation of the gospel, sympathized with his suffering for it, suffered for it themselves, gave sacrificially to support the cause of Christ, worked together to be a distinct people on display in their city, and prayed for Paul and the progress of the gospel — all as an overflow of love born in them by the Spirit. This is the kind of partnership we desire among the people of Redeemer, and we recognize this through a partnership commitment. Our partnership commitment helps us clarify what it means to be a part of our church family and lets our leaders know who is wanting us to shepherd and encourage them to learn and live the way of Jesus. Essentially this commitment allows those who want to partner with us to enter into a more formal relationship with our people and our leaders.
The essential elements of our partnership at Redeemer are:
1) a commitment that we believe the whole and true gospel, and have been baptized in response
2) a commitment to grow in discipleship in the context of a gospel community
3) a commitment to regularly gather with the whole church on Sundays where we are guided in word, worship, and sacraments
4) a commitment to give of our time, talents, and money to strengthen the church in its mission.
Lastly, we recognize that there might be seasons where you are unable to fulfill or affirm certain aspects of this commitment. This doesn’t automatically mean you are no longer a partner. While we want to strive towards unity in these things we want to be a church that makes space for its partners to work through difficulties or doubts. There might be a season where you are struggling financially and you're unable to give financially. There might be a season where you are wrestling with a theological issue or cultural concern. If these issues arise, we want to walk with you through them. We simply ask, in those seasons, you let the church walk with you in whatever it is you're working through.
A True partnership in the church is an active partnership in the gospel — a close relationship of mutual benefit, promoting the gospel through cooperation, sympathy, suffering, financial giving, active labor, prayer, and love. Paul’s letter to the churches in Philippi provides a wonderful example of this kind of relationship within the church. The Philippians had shared in Paul’s proclamation of the gospel, sympathized with his suffering for it, suffered for it themselves, gave sacrificially to support the cause of Christ, worked together to be a distinct people on display in their city, and prayed for Paul and the progress of the gospel — all as an overflow of love born in them by the Spirit. This is the kind of partnership we desire among the people of Redeemer, and we recognize this through a partnership commitment. Our partnership commitment helps us clarify what it means to be a part of our church family and lets our leaders know who is wanting us to shepherd and encourage them to learn and live the way of Jesus. Essentially this commitment allows those who want to partner with us to enter into a more formal relationship with our people and our leaders.
The essential elements of our partnership at Redeemer are:
1) a commitment that we believe the whole and true gospel, and have been baptized in response
2) a commitment to grow in discipleship in the context of a gospel community
3) a commitment to regularly gather with the whole church on Sundays where we are guided in word, worship, and sacraments
4) a commitment to give of our time, talents, and money to strengthen the church in its mission.
Lastly, we recognize that there might be seasons where you are unable to fulfill or affirm certain aspects of this commitment. This doesn’t automatically mean you are no longer a partner. While we want to strive towards unity in these things we want to be a church that makes space for its partners to work through difficulties or doubts. There might be a season where you are struggling financially and you're unable to give financially. There might be a season where you are wrestling with a theological issue or cultural concern. If these issues arise, we want to walk with you through them. We simply ask, in those seasons, you let the church walk with you in whatever it is you're working through.
COMMITTED TO THE GOSPEL
I affirm the whole Gospel message as proclaimed by the Apostles:
Jesus was prophesied as the coming Messiah who would reconcile man to God through the forgiveness of sins and the placing of God’s Spirit in man. All of this was a part of God’s unfolding plan to bless the nations through the offspring of Abraham. Jesus fulfilled this, being born of a virgin by the Holy Spirit, entering fully into human flesh through the line of David.
Jesus, being fully God and fully man, lived a sinless life, died a death by crucifixion, was buried, and rose again on the third day according to the Scriptures. After appearing to many witnesses, Jesus ascended to the Father and was given all authority in heaven and on earth. Jesus promised to return to judge the earth and set up the kingdom of God for all time. He will make all things new, including His people. He will abolish the presence of sin and reign forever and ever.
Those who hear this message, repent, and believe will be reconciled to God, receive forgiveness of sins, and be given the Spirit of God as a deposit of their inheritance. Jesus is the only way for us to be made right with God, and those who reject Him will be cast out of the presence of God and into eternal hell. Those who believe now live eagerly awaiting the return of Jesus.
In summary:
● I believe the gospel is the good news that Jesus has defeated sin, death, and evil through His own life, death, and resurrection and is making all things new, even us.
● I believe because of our faith in Christ alone, we have been saved from the penalty of sin (justification), are being saved from the present power of sin (sanctification), and will be saved from the presence of sin (glorification).
● I believe and fully affirm the historic Christian faith as articulated in the Apostles, Nicene, and Athanasian Creeds. I have also read and affirmed Redeemer’s Expanded Doctrinal statement. While I might still be growing in my understanding of some of these statements, I recognize that the Elders will preach, teach, and counsel from these core biblical and theological convictions. Where I might have convictions leading me in other directions, I will not pursue nor promote divisiveness within the church.
I affirm I have responded to the Gospel message in the following ways:
● Repentance: I have turned away from living life my own way and turned to put my faith in Jesus as my source of new life.
● Baptism: In obedience to Jesus, I affirm that I have been baptized as a sign of my identification with Jesus and His family, the church.
● Discipleship: As part of Jesus’ family I am committed to learning and living the way of Jesus as part of this local church community.
Jesus was prophesied as the coming Messiah who would reconcile man to God through the forgiveness of sins and the placing of God’s Spirit in man. All of this was a part of God’s unfolding plan to bless the nations through the offspring of Abraham. Jesus fulfilled this, being born of a virgin by the Holy Spirit, entering fully into human flesh through the line of David.
Jesus, being fully God and fully man, lived a sinless life, died a death by crucifixion, was buried, and rose again on the third day according to the Scriptures. After appearing to many witnesses, Jesus ascended to the Father and was given all authority in heaven and on earth. Jesus promised to return to judge the earth and set up the kingdom of God for all time. He will make all things new, including His people. He will abolish the presence of sin and reign forever and ever.
Those who hear this message, repent, and believe will be reconciled to God, receive forgiveness of sins, and be given the Spirit of God as a deposit of their inheritance. Jesus is the only way for us to be made right with God, and those who reject Him will be cast out of the presence of God and into eternal hell. Those who believe now live eagerly awaiting the return of Jesus.
In summary:
● I believe the gospel is the good news that Jesus has defeated sin, death, and evil through His own life, death, and resurrection and is making all things new, even us.
● I believe because of our faith in Christ alone, we have been saved from the penalty of sin (justification), are being saved from the present power of sin (sanctification), and will be saved from the presence of sin (glorification).
● I believe and fully affirm the historic Christian faith as articulated in the Apostles, Nicene, and Athanasian Creeds. I have also read and affirmed Redeemer’s Expanded Doctrinal statement. While I might still be growing in my understanding of some of these statements, I recognize that the Elders will preach, teach, and counsel from these core biblical and theological convictions. Where I might have convictions leading me in other directions, I will not pursue nor promote divisiveness within the church.
I affirm I have responded to the Gospel message in the following ways:
● Repentance: I have turned away from living life my own way and turned to put my faith in Jesus as my source of new life.
● Baptism: In obedience to Jesus, I affirm that I have been baptized as a sign of my identification with Jesus and His family, the church.
● Discipleship: As part of Jesus’ family I am committed to learning and living the way of Jesus as part of this local church community.
COMMITTED TO Gathering regularly
I commit to:
● Regular, active participation in the various gatherings of our church as we gather on Sundays and in Gospel Communities. I understand that partnership means regularly attending and being present with my church family.
● Using my gifts to serve the body of Redeemer, either at our Sunday gatherings or in other ways.
● Submitting to the leadership of Redeemer’s Elders as they teach and shepherd me. If I have an issue, I will honestly and lovingly approaching them with it rather than turning to gossip or divisiveness.
● Regular, active participation in the various gatherings of our church as we gather on Sundays and in Gospel Communities. I understand that partnership means regularly attending and being present with my church family.
● Using my gifts to serve the body of Redeemer, either at our Sunday gatherings or in other ways.
● Submitting to the leadership of Redeemer’s Elders as they teach and shepherd me. If I have an issue, I will honestly and lovingly approaching them with it rather than turning to gossip or divisiveness.
COMMITTED TO GROWING IN GOSPEL COMMUNITY
I commit to:
● Developing a personal practice of scripture reading, prayer, Sabbath rest, and cultivating my own spiritual formation. If I don't know how to do this, I will ask a leader at Redeemer to help me.
● Humbly embracing the teaching of Jesus (as we see in scripture) as my authority and guide for all of life.
● Regularly showing up, participating, and helping in my Gospel Community meetings.
● Relating with those in my GC with love, honesty, patience, grace, kindness, and care. If I have an issue I will go directly to that person in the pursuit of peace (avoiding gossip or bitterness).
● Showing and speaking the love of Jesus with the people God places in my life (neighbors, coworkers, family, and even enemies).
● Developing a personal practice of scripture reading, prayer, Sabbath rest, and cultivating my own spiritual formation. If I don't know how to do this, I will ask a leader at Redeemer to help me.
● Humbly embracing the teaching of Jesus (as we see in scripture) as my authority and guide for all of life.
● Regularly showing up, participating, and helping in my Gospel Community meetings.
● Relating with those in my GC with love, honesty, patience, grace, kindness, and care. If I have an issue I will go directly to that person in the pursuit of peace (avoiding gossip or bitterness).
● Showing and speaking the love of Jesus with the people God places in my life (neighbors, coworkers, family, and even enemies).
COMMITTED TO GIVING GENEROUSLY
I commit to:
● Regularly giving financially to Redeemer as the Spirit leads (cheerfully & sacrificially) and as I am able.
● Giving, serving, and caring for those who need help in our city.
● Regularly and prayerfully asking God how I might be generous with my time, talents, and treasure.
● Praying for God's mission and how he would use me in it, both globally and locally.
● Regularly giving financially to Redeemer as the Spirit leads (cheerfully & sacrificially) and as I am able.
● Giving, serving, and caring for those who need help in our city.
● Regularly and prayerfully asking God how I might be generous with my time, talents, and treasure.
● Praying for God's mission and how he would use me in it, both globally and locally.
A COMMITMENT TO THE PARTNERS:
The Elders of Redeemer Round Rock commit to the partner commitments listed above.
In addition, we also commit to holding to the biblical requirements of local church Elders, which are:
● to appoint elders and deacons (including staff members) who serve in these offices, according to the criteria assigned to them in the Scriptures (1 Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-9; 1 Peter 5:1-4)
● to prayerfully seek God’s will for our church community and steward her resources to the best of our ability based on our study of the Scriptures and leading of the Spirit (Acts 20:28, 1 Peter 5:1-4)
● to care for the partners of the church and seek her growth in grace, truth, and love (Matthew 28:16-20; Ephesians 4:15-16; Colossians 1:28; James 5:14)
● to provide Gospel-centered teaching and counsel from the whole of Scripture (Acts 20:27-28; 1 Timothy 4:16; 2 Timothy 4:1-5; Titus 2:1)
● to equip the partners of the church for the work of ministry (Ephesians 4:11-16)
● to be on guard against false teachers and teachings (Matthew 7:15; Acts 20:28-31; 1 Timothy 1:3-7; 1 John 4:7)
● to lovingly exercise church discipline when necessary, for the glory of God, the good of the one disciplined and the health of the church as a whole (Matthew 18:15-20; 1 Corinthians 5; Galatians 5:7; James 5:19-20)
● to lead as an example fulfilling the same requirements we ask of every covenant partner and to each lead by example in a missional community (Acts 20:27-28; 1 Timothy 4:16; 2 Timothy 4:1-5; Titus 2:1)
● to provide teaching and counsel from the whole of Scripture (Acts 20:27-28; 1 Timothy 4:16; 2 Timothy 4:1-5; Titus 2:1)
● to regularly pray for each partner (Acts 20:27-28; 1 Timothy 4:16; 2 Timothy 4:1-5; Titus 2:1)
In addition, we also commit to holding to the biblical requirements of local church Elders, which are:
● to appoint elders and deacons (including staff members) who serve in these offices, according to the criteria assigned to them in the Scriptures (1 Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-9; 1 Peter 5:1-4)
● to prayerfully seek God’s will for our church community and steward her resources to the best of our ability based on our study of the Scriptures and leading of the Spirit (Acts 20:28, 1 Peter 5:1-4)
● to care for the partners of the church and seek her growth in grace, truth, and love (Matthew 28:16-20; Ephesians 4:15-16; Colossians 1:28; James 5:14)
● to provide Gospel-centered teaching and counsel from the whole of Scripture (Acts 20:27-28; 1 Timothy 4:16; 2 Timothy 4:1-5; Titus 2:1)
● to equip the partners of the church for the work of ministry (Ephesians 4:11-16)
● to be on guard against false teachers and teachings (Matthew 7:15; Acts 20:28-31; 1 Timothy 1:3-7; 1 John 4:7)
● to lovingly exercise church discipline when necessary, for the glory of God, the good of the one disciplined and the health of the church as a whole (Matthew 18:15-20; 1 Corinthians 5; Galatians 5:7; James 5:19-20)
● to lead as an example fulfilling the same requirements we ask of every covenant partner and to each lead by example in a missional community (Acts 20:27-28; 1 Timothy 4:16; 2 Timothy 4:1-5; Titus 2:1)
● to provide teaching and counsel from the whole of Scripture (Acts 20:27-28; 1 Timothy 4:16; 2 Timothy 4:1-5; Titus 2:1)
● to regularly pray for each partner (Acts 20:27-28; 1 Timothy 4:16; 2 Timothy 4:1-5; Titus 2:1)