What is Membership/ Partnership?
The church is God’s plan for spreading the Gospel. Jesus did not say that he would build a publishing company, a worship band or a denomination…He said he would build his church. (Matthew 16:18). Jesus is so closely identified with the church that he said Saul was persecuting Him when he was persecuting the church. If Jesus so closely identified with the church, then we should too.
The church is much more than a church service. John Piper defines a church as “a regular assembly of people who profess and give evidence that they have been saved; a local, living and loving collection of people who are committed to Christ and committed to each other.”
The local church is a community of believers who confess Jesus Christ as Lord, organized under qualified leadership, gathering regularly for preaching worship, observing the biblical sacraments of baptism and communion, unified by the spirit and scattered to fulfill the great commission. (adapted from Mark Driscoll, Doctrine, p. 307)
The church is much more than a church service. John Piper defines a church as “a regular assembly of people who profess and give evidence that they have been saved; a local, living and loving collection of people who are committed to Christ and committed to each other.”
The local church is a community of believers who confess Jesus Christ as Lord, organized under qualified leadership, gathering regularly for preaching worship, observing the biblical sacraments of baptism and communion, unified by the spirit and scattered to fulfill the great commission. (adapted from Mark Driscoll, Doctrine, p. 307)
The Bible and Church Membership
These first three things do not depend on church membership. In other words, it’s possible to have a role in the church and a relationship with other Christians without being an official member of the church. Certainly, membership can and should enhance these things, but it must be stated that Christian love and acts of service can happen apart from membership. However, the Bible contains several other arguments that lead us to believe that membership in a local church is something that God wants for Christians today.
Finally, there is one other compelling reason for church membership, and though there is no specific Bible verse, it’s an important fact that runs throughout the New Testament.
By joining ourselves with God’s people in a local church, we show that we want to join with them to help and be help, encourage and be encouraged, rebuke and be rebuked. We show that we want to love God’s people and be loved by them. Membership is a visible commitment.
- The dominant metaphor for the church throughout the New Testament is a body. 1 Corinthians 12:12-19 paints this important picture of the church. With Jesus as the head, every Christian is a part of the body of Christ. Each part is important; each part has a function.
- 15:2, 1 John 3:23, Romans 12:10 teach us that Christians are called to love each other. In fact, the Bible says that the world will know that we are Christians by the love that we have for each other.
- Romans 12:15, Ephesians 4:2, I Thessalonians 4:11, Heb 3:13, James 5:26, 1 Peter 4:9-10 all describe the kind of relationships that Christians are to have with each other. While faith is personal, it was never meant to be private. Christians need community with other believers.
These first three things do not depend on church membership. In other words, it’s possible to have a role in the church and a relationship with other Christians without being an official member of the church. Certainly, membership can and should enhance these things, but it must be stated that Christian love and acts of service can happen apart from membership. However, the Bible contains several other arguments that lead us to believe that membership in a local church is something that God wants for Christians today.
- In Matthew 18:15-17, the “church” appears to be the final court of appeal in when it comes to disagreements between Christians. 1 Corinthians 5:12-13 describes the formal removal process of putting someone out of the church. It seems logical to assume that a formal removal process presupposes a formal inclusion process. Determining who is inside the church and who is outside the church implies that there is a formal recognition system. Church discipline in the Bible is a strong reason to believe in a membership process.
- The Bible says that shepherds are to know the condition of their flocks. Perhaps this is why early church kept a list of widows connected to the church (1 Timothy 5:9). We know that God also keeps a “master list” of everyone who is truly a Christian (the Lamb’s Book of Life).
- Hebrews 13:17 and I Thessalonians 5:12-13 teach Christians are to obey and respect their pastors and spiritual leaders. One reason that people avoid church membership is because they have a problem with spiritual authority. It would not be practical to obey EVERY spiritual leader in America, however, the Bible is clear that we should obey and respect OUR spiritual leaders and pastors. This presupposes some sort of inclusion in a local church.
- In Acts 20:28 Paul tells elders how they are to care for their flock. I Peter 5:2-3 also provides clear instruction to pastors caring for their flocks. Just as Christians have a responsibility to their leaders, church leaders have a responsibility to their flock. Again, this presupposes some sort of membership. I am not accountable for the spiritual health and well being of every Christian in the world, but as a pastor, I am accountable to care for those in my church. So Christians are to obey and respect their spiritual leaders, and pastors are to intentionally shepherd and lead those in their charge.
Finally, there is one other compelling reason for church membership, and though there is no specific Bible verse, it’s an important fact that runs throughout the New Testament.
By joining ourselves with God’s people in a local church, we show that we want to join with them to help and be help, encourage and be encouraged, rebuke and be rebuked. We show that we want to love God’s people and be loved by them. Membership is a visible commitment.
Requirements for Membership at Risen King Church
At the basic level, membership is a commitment to a local church, and part of a much larger commitment to Christ.
- Individuals shall be eligible for membership who give testimony and evidence of being born-again, who are living a consistent Christian life, who have been or who are seeking to be baptized by immersion and who are willing to support God’s work with their tithes and offerings and who whole-heartedly accept our Constitution and the Church By-Laws. (John 1:12, Romans 1:24-32, Romans 6:14, 13:13-14, Ephesians 4:17-32, Malachi 3:10).
- There’s a commitment to God. You’re affirming that you are indeed a Christian who is desiring to follow Jesus, and you’ve been baptized to publicly show your allegiance to Him.
- You’re committed to the mission of Risen King Church. You know our mission statement and you are playing an active part in leading people from where they are to where God wants them to be. This means you’re serving somewhere and you’re financially supporting the church.
- You are committed to growing in your faith. No matter how long you’ve been a Christian, there are still steps you can take to become more like Christ. As a member, you’re acknowledging that you’re taking an active role in the discipleship process – either through participation in a life Group, by taking classes, or by personal, spiritual disciplines.
Church Governance
Our Church government is made up of three groups of elders:
1. Guided by Pastors
The pastoral team is led by our Lead Pastors, Pastor Jonathan Papa and Ms. Nivin Papa. This team oversees the day-to-day ministry and operations of the church. The pastoral team serves the congregation and is responsible for the development of the spiritual life of the church. The pastoral team serves as staff elders.
2. Protected by the Advisory Board
Our Advisory Board are seven partners of the congregation appointed by the Lead Pastor to oversee the finances, direct the provision of facilities needed by the church, and guide the overall spiritual life of the church. They provide counsel to the Lead Pastor regarding major financial commitments of the church. The advisory board serves temporary terms as non-staff elders.
3. Strengthened by Presbyters
The Presbyters serve as the Executive Committee of the NJ Assemblies of God, these are well respected pastors who love Risen King Church and are willing to provide spiritual protection to the church. They may be called upon to help in accountability matters relating to the Lead Pastor if requested to do so by the Advisory Board. The Presbyters serve as Apostolic Elders.
1. Guided by Pastors
The pastoral team is led by our Lead Pastors, Pastor Jonathan Papa and Ms. Nivin Papa. This team oversees the day-to-day ministry and operations of the church. The pastoral team serves the congregation and is responsible for the development of the spiritual life of the church. The pastoral team serves as staff elders.
2. Protected by the Advisory Board
Our Advisory Board are seven partners of the congregation appointed by the Lead Pastor to oversee the finances, direct the provision of facilities needed by the church, and guide the overall spiritual life of the church. They provide counsel to the Lead Pastor regarding major financial commitments of the church. The advisory board serves temporary terms as non-staff elders.
3. Strengthened by Presbyters
The Presbyters serve as the Executive Committee of the NJ Assemblies of God, these are well respected pastors who love Risen King Church and are willing to provide spiritual protection to the church. They may be called upon to help in accountability matters relating to the Lead Pastor if requested to do so by the Advisory Board. The Presbyters serve as Apostolic Elders.
Vision of Risen King Church
Connecting People, Equipping for Service, and Engaging Our Community
We truly believe that this vision statement brings to light all that God is attempting to do through us. Risen King serves as a community of people who are like-minded in faith connecting in a familial way to each other and in exaltation of Jesus. Our goal is to raise people and equip them to serve in the ministry that God has called them to. Above all we believe that Northern New Jersey is our Missions Field, God has entrusted them to us to engage them with the life changing truth of Jesus and his salvation and redemption of mankind.
We truly believe that this vision statement brings to light all that God is attempting to do through us. Risen King serves as a community of people who are like-minded in faith connecting in a familial way to each other and in exaltation of Jesus. Our goal is to raise people and equip them to serve in the ministry that God has called them to. Above all we believe that Northern New Jersey is our Missions Field, God has entrusted them to us to engage them with the life changing truth of Jesus and his salvation and redemption of mankind.
Core Values of Risen King Church
At Risen King we believe that we have a unique culture that allows us to help fulfill our vision of connecting people, equipping for service and engaging our community. Our Culture is embodied in 10 Core Values the we live by:
1.Passionate, Personal & Engaging Worship
We were created for relationship with God. It’s who we are! The greatest way to experience that connection with Him is through worship and prayer. We don't just believe in attending worship we believe that you can experience it in a way that transforms lives.
2.Culture of Excellence, Integrity & Commitment
At Risen King we believe in doing our best to honor God by how we choose to minister. Integrity is treasured and commitment is just not a word but an action.
3.We are Contributors, not Consumers
Followers of Jesus are people of action. Jesus did not wait around to be served but instead served, counting others before himself. We are a people that reject church consumerism in favor of being people who serve, pray and contribute financially towards the cause of Jesus. We are partakers and participants not bench warmers.
4.We Engage the Next Generation
We believe that our kids and teens are such an important part of what we do. Church should be fun, and engaging. We believe in creating environments that attract our young people to Jesus.
5.Unity in Diversity
We are multi-cultural, multiethnic church that thrives on our diversity. God loves people, all people no matter what walk of life we come from. We believe that we draw strength from our diversity.
6. Saved People, Serve People
Just as we were created for relationship with God, we were created for relationship with people. Serving in the local church is one of the best ways to connect with people, and our church will be stronger and more effective when people work together. People contributing their unique gifts and perspectives to fulfill God’s purpose and agenda - that’s life at its best.
7.We Develop Leaders: Humility under Authority
We are in the business of seeing potential in people and developing them into leaders. Our expectation is that every leader would be humble and submit to the authority placed over them.
8.It’s ok to not be ok, It’s not ok to stay that way
If you've been physically, emotionally, or psychologically hurt you can find your home at Risen King, you don't have to be ok to be a part of this church. We want imperfect people, who still struggle with getting it "right". But, God redeems our brokenness and restores what sin has attempted to take away. We believe that God accepts us as "we are" but molds us into who he wants us to be and that means maturing in Him, reflecting more of His character. There are seasons in our life when we are wounded but they're not intended to be lifetimes. We believe in walking you through into the victorious life that Jesus has for you.
9.Win the lost at any Cost
We believe that we are called to reach people who are far away from Jesus. God has positioned us to use any creative means up to the border of sin to bring people back into relationship with him.
10.We Keep Church Simple
We believe that as our church grows there will be many things that could potentially distract us from accomplishing our Vision. In order to maintain our focus we believe that our church must focus on only doing a few things, but work on doing them well. If we say that everything is important to us than truly nothing is important. These areas of focus at Risen King are ministry to Adults, Youth, Children, Compassion Ministries, and Worship, with an emphasis on Missions being woven throughout the fabric of each of these ministries. We realize that as we grow our focus will be tested and we need to have a measurable means of insuring that we maintain our priorities and continue to bring excellence and change to how we function in all of these ministries. Our church will never be the church that has an event occurring every night of the week no matter how large we get, we will never be the church that boasts 90 ministries no matter how large we get, we will maintain ourselves focused, ensuring that each person at Risen King has adequate time to practice loving their families, reaching the lost, and being salt and light in their communities.
1.Passionate, Personal & Engaging Worship
We were created for relationship with God. It’s who we are! The greatest way to experience that connection with Him is through worship and prayer. We don't just believe in attending worship we believe that you can experience it in a way that transforms lives.
2.Culture of Excellence, Integrity & Commitment
At Risen King we believe in doing our best to honor God by how we choose to minister. Integrity is treasured and commitment is just not a word but an action.
3.We are Contributors, not Consumers
Followers of Jesus are people of action. Jesus did not wait around to be served but instead served, counting others before himself. We are a people that reject church consumerism in favor of being people who serve, pray and contribute financially towards the cause of Jesus. We are partakers and participants not bench warmers.
4.We Engage the Next Generation
We believe that our kids and teens are such an important part of what we do. Church should be fun, and engaging. We believe in creating environments that attract our young people to Jesus.
5.Unity in Diversity
We are multi-cultural, multiethnic church that thrives on our diversity. God loves people, all people no matter what walk of life we come from. We believe that we draw strength from our diversity.
6. Saved People, Serve People
Just as we were created for relationship with God, we were created for relationship with people. Serving in the local church is one of the best ways to connect with people, and our church will be stronger and more effective when people work together. People contributing their unique gifts and perspectives to fulfill God’s purpose and agenda - that’s life at its best.
7.We Develop Leaders: Humility under Authority
We are in the business of seeing potential in people and developing them into leaders. Our expectation is that every leader would be humble and submit to the authority placed over them.
8.It’s ok to not be ok, It’s not ok to stay that way
If you've been physically, emotionally, or psychologically hurt you can find your home at Risen King, you don't have to be ok to be a part of this church. We want imperfect people, who still struggle with getting it "right". But, God redeems our brokenness and restores what sin has attempted to take away. We believe that God accepts us as "we are" but molds us into who he wants us to be and that means maturing in Him, reflecting more of His character. There are seasons in our life when we are wounded but they're not intended to be lifetimes. We believe in walking you through into the victorious life that Jesus has for you.
9.Win the lost at any Cost
We believe that we are called to reach people who are far away from Jesus. God has positioned us to use any creative means up to the border of sin to bring people back into relationship with him.
10.We Keep Church Simple
We believe that as our church grows there will be many things that could potentially distract us from accomplishing our Vision. In order to maintain our focus we believe that our church must focus on only doing a few things, but work on doing them well. If we say that everything is important to us than truly nothing is important. These areas of focus at Risen King are ministry to Adults, Youth, Children, Compassion Ministries, and Worship, with an emphasis on Missions being woven throughout the fabric of each of these ministries. We realize that as we grow our focus will be tested and we need to have a measurable means of insuring that we maintain our priorities and continue to bring excellence and change to how we function in all of these ministries. Our church will never be the church that has an event occurring every night of the week no matter how large we get, we will never be the church that boasts 90 ministries no matter how large we get, we will maintain ourselves focused, ensuring that each person at Risen King has adequate time to practice loving their families, reaching the lost, and being salt and light in their communities.
Statement of Faith & Important Documents for Membership
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Membership Covenant
Risen King Church Membership Covenant
Having received Jesus as my Lord and savior and being in agreement with the values, ideas and beliefs presented in Step One & Two of the Growth Track. I now fee led by the Holy Spirit to unite with the Risen King Church family. In doing so, I make the following commitment to God and my fellow covenant partners.
1. I will protect the unity of my church by:
Acting in love towards other covenant partners.
Refusing to gossip.
Following the leaders.
Not letting church be about my preferences.
“Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.”
Romans 14:19
“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had.”
Romans 15:5
“Have a sincere love for other believers, love one another earnestly with all your heart.”
1 Peter 1:22 GNT
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
Ephesians 4:29
“Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.”
Hebrews 13:17
“You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.”
Matthew 23:23
“‘Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,’ says the Lord Almighty, ‘and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.’”
Malachi 3:10
Giving is one the central themes in the Bible. Jesus talked more about this subject than Heaven, Hell, or prayer. To understand what it means to be a Christ-follower, we must also understand what it means to be a giver.
1.Tithe
The tithe, or “first fruits” of our labor/income belong to God. We find this principle all through God’s Word. Tithing, giving God the first 10% of our income to the local church, is the primary, practical way we acknowledge that God is first (Proverbs 3:9-10).
2.Offerings
An offering is giving over and above the tithe. The Bible says that by giving generously, we are able to “take hold of the life that is truly life.” You aren’t really living unless you are freely giving (1 Timothy 6:18-19).
3.The Gift of Giving
The gift of giving is a spiritual-gift that God gives to some people (Romans 12:8). It is a Spirit-given capacity and desire to serve God by giving of your material resources, far beyond the tithe, to further the work of God.
Many people love to give to God and as they do, they want to feel confident in the organization through which the give. At Risen King, we want people to understand they are giving to God through the church, not to the church. As we openly share the honesty, integrity, and spiritual values that guide the financial practices of Risen King, we believe people can focus on what God is calling them to give and trust that He is leading our church to steward it well.
The giving of tithes and offerings is worship to Jesus and an expression of the relationship between the individual giver and the Lord. That is why we don’t have people fill out pledge cards or make faith promises. Funds are not “just income,” they are worship are not considered to be a business transaction but an expression of gratitude toward God.
2. I will share the responsibility of my church by:
Praying for its growth and health.
Inviting the unchurched to attend.
Warmly welcoming those who visit.
“To the Church…we always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers”
1Thessalonians 1:1-2
“Go out into the country…and urge anyone you find to come, so that the house will be full.”
Luke 14:23 TLB
“So warmly welcome each other into the church, just as Christ has warmly welcomed you; then God will be glorified”
Romans 15:7 TLB
3. I will serve the ministry of my church by:
Discovering my gifts and talents.
Using my God-given gifts to make a difference in the lives of others.
Developing a servant’s heart.
“God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.”
1 Peter 4:10 NLT
“So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.”
Ephesians 4:11-12
4. I will support the testimony of my church by:
Attending church and life groups faithfully.
Living a Godly life.
Giving regularly.
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”
Acts 2:42
“And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.”
Hebrews 10:25 NLT
“Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ. Then, whether I come and see you again or only hear about you, I will know that you are standing together with one spirit and one purpose, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News.”
Philippians 1:27 NLT
Having received Jesus as my Lord and savior and being in agreement with the values, ideas and beliefs presented in Step One & Two of the Growth Track. I now fee led by the Holy Spirit to unite with the Risen King Church family. In doing so, I make the following commitment to God and my fellow covenant partners.
1. I will protect the unity of my church by:
Acting in love towards other covenant partners.
Refusing to gossip.
Following the leaders.
Not letting church be about my preferences.
“Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.”
Romans 14:19
“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had.”
Romans 15:5
“Have a sincere love for other believers, love one another earnestly with all your heart.”
1 Peter 1:22 GNT
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
Ephesians 4:29
“Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.”
Hebrews 13:17
“You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.”
Matthew 23:23
“‘Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,’ says the Lord Almighty, ‘and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.’”
Malachi 3:10
Giving is one the central themes in the Bible. Jesus talked more about this subject than Heaven, Hell, or prayer. To understand what it means to be a Christ-follower, we must also understand what it means to be a giver.
1.Tithe
The tithe, or “first fruits” of our labor/income belong to God. We find this principle all through God’s Word. Tithing, giving God the first 10% of our income to the local church, is the primary, practical way we acknowledge that God is first (Proverbs 3:9-10).
2.Offerings
An offering is giving over and above the tithe. The Bible says that by giving generously, we are able to “take hold of the life that is truly life.” You aren’t really living unless you are freely giving (1 Timothy 6:18-19).
3.The Gift of Giving
The gift of giving is a spiritual-gift that God gives to some people (Romans 12:8). It is a Spirit-given capacity and desire to serve God by giving of your material resources, far beyond the tithe, to further the work of God.
Many people love to give to God and as they do, they want to feel confident in the organization through which the give. At Risen King, we want people to understand they are giving to God through the church, not to the church. As we openly share the honesty, integrity, and spiritual values that guide the financial practices of Risen King, we believe people can focus on what God is calling them to give and trust that He is leading our church to steward it well.
The giving of tithes and offerings is worship to Jesus and an expression of the relationship between the individual giver and the Lord. That is why we don’t have people fill out pledge cards or make faith promises. Funds are not “just income,” they are worship are not considered to be a business transaction but an expression of gratitude toward God.
2. I will share the responsibility of my church by:
Praying for its growth and health.
Inviting the unchurched to attend.
Warmly welcoming those who visit.
“To the Church…we always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers”
1Thessalonians 1:1-2
“Go out into the country…and urge anyone you find to come, so that the house will be full.”
Luke 14:23 TLB
“So warmly welcome each other into the church, just as Christ has warmly welcomed you; then God will be glorified”
Romans 15:7 TLB
3. I will serve the ministry of my church by:
Discovering my gifts and talents.
Using my God-given gifts to make a difference in the lives of others.
Developing a servant’s heart.
“God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.”
1 Peter 4:10 NLT
“So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.”
Ephesians 4:11-12
4. I will support the testimony of my church by:
Attending church and life groups faithfully.
Living a Godly life.
Giving regularly.
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”
Acts 2:42
“And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.”
Hebrews 10:25 NLT
“Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ. Then, whether I come and see you again or only hear about you, I will know that you are standing together with one spirit and one purpose, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News.”
Philippians 1:27 NLT
