Mission FriendsThe Meaning of Membership

SESSION ONE

The Mission of God

• Take an in-depth look at our congregation• Underscore our commitments to God’s mission in

the world• Introduce our denominational family• Build and deepen friendships• Explore what it means to be a member• Outline the process for joining our church

PURPOSE OF THIS GATHERING

• Four topics:

1. The Mission of God

2. The Mission of the Evangelical Covenant Church

3. The Mission of Our Church

4. The Mission of a Member

• Four one-hour sessions

FORMAT FOR THIS GATHERING

OBJECTIVES FOR THIS SESSION

• Provide an overview of the work of God in the world

• Allow for personal expressions of worship to God

• Introduce, build, and deepen relationships

• Acquaint people with the mission of God for each person and for the church

• Begin the process of discovering membership at our church

Why “Mission Friends?”

The term “Mission Friends” was an early nickname given

to Covenant people. Covenanters have from the

beginning sought to build a culture of friendship in

Christ, pursuing the mission of God together.

One-on-One Introductions

1. How did you start attending our church?

2. What is one question you would like to see answered during our time together?

The Mission of God:God’s Mission to You

GODISNOWHERE

THE WAYS GOD IS WITH US

Students of the Bible speak of three ways that God is with us:

• Creator

• Redeemer

• Sustainer

• God as…Creator: “For you created my inmost being;

you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise

you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”

Psalm 139:13,14

• God as…Redeemer: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ,

the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new

is here!” 2 Corinthians 5:17

“In him we have redemption through his blood, the

forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of

God's grace.” Ephesians 1:7

• God as…Sustainer: “He who began a good work in

you will carry it on to completion until the day of

Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6

REFLECTION

1. Consider the three ways that Biblical scholars describe God (Creator, Redeemer, Sustainer) and the corresponding Scripture. To which of the three dimensions do you most relate?

2. How have you experienced God as Creator?

3. Is there someone you can think of who has made God’s redeeming love especially real for you?

4. How do you experience God’s sustaining presence in your life today?

The Mission of God:God’s Mission through You

GOD IS A…

The Bible tells us that God is love. Because God is love, God is also:

• A Seeking God

• A Reconciling God

• A Healing God

REFLECTION

1. What do I see as my role in working out God’s mission in the world?

The X-FactorGod’s mission to you

^

The X-Factor

^God’s mission through you

The X-Factor

^God’s mission through you

God’s mission to you

^

TimelineNote the following on your timeline:

•Significant events that have shaped your view of God (good or bad).

•God’s mission to you: time when you first remember being aware of God; time(s) when you have been keenly aware of God’s presence.

•God’s mission through you: time(s) when you have cared for others, reached out to the hurting, acted on injustice, shared the good news of Jesus with others.