en Networking and Resourcing for Multiplication http://www.plantingchurches.com © Copyright 2000 - 2008Church Community Builder. All Rights Reserved. http://www.plantingchurches.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1 http://www.plantingchurches.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1&article_id=1 In the last 10 years we have seen Church Planting take bold and aggressive faith steps throughout our area. These faith steps have spilled over into developing international church planting ministries. Besides focusing primarily on three western states we presently are coaching and training teams in India, Costa Rica and Canada. We believe the Spirit of God and because of dependence on His leading, we have seen workers raised up from the harvest field to begin new churches. We are experiencing all different kinds of strategies, different kinds of people, different kinds of visions and in all sizes of communities. The one single concern we have is the spread of the gospel and the reproducing of healthy churches. If God is tugging at your heart we encourage you to contact us, take a look at the pages and resources here and begin to see how God may want you to play a part in what He is doing as Christ builds His church. Check out our "Hot Opportunities" list. Affiliation: The Rocky Mountain District is the fellowship of the Evangelical Free Churches in Colorado, 2/3 of Wyoming and Southwest corner of South Dakota. To learn more about the assocation we belong to check out www.rockymountaindistrict.org and www.efca.org. Wed, 2 Apr 2008 09:46:21 MST http://www.plantingchurches.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=14 http://www.plantingchurches.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=14&article_id=5 There are 12 to 14 models for beginning new churches and we have discovered through the creativity of God and His people that the possibilities are unlimitied. The procedures described below have been a faithful method for a church planter not having a core team or only having a few families in place. Five Non-Negotiables as you plant:Every planting missionary must go through several assessments, including a written Behavioral Assessment. The Behavioral Assessment takes at least 3 hours by a group of trained assessors in are district. These people have church planting experience. Every planting missionary must be licensed or ordained before they begin their new ministry. Every planting missionary must attend the EFCA's Church Planter's Boot Camp before beginning their new ministry. Every planting missionary must be coached by an experienced church planter. We do not want anyone planting a church alone. Those days are over! Every planting missionary must sign a Church Planting Covenant before allowed to plant a church. Procedures and Process for Beginning New Churches: These pages were complied to help people understand the steps being taken in our region for beginning new churches. Our experience has witnessed successful starts for these new churches. Please read through the information, and then ask questions and the missionary church planting pastors are available if you would like to talk to them. The reality most church planting couples will go to an area where there are not a lot of people so we have developed a process we feel God has led us to do that has been used in over 30 new starts. It is kind of a "modified" Pioneer planting experience. The process for developing a so called "Pioneer" Plant: There are several steps we have developed and have followed over the last 7 years to ensure healthy beginnings for the pastor and their family as they begin a new church. The process for beginning new pioneer church plant projects has followed these steps as much as possible. In the Church Planter's Tool Kit written by Bob Logan and Steve Ogne, it discusses the "Farming and Networking” methods of beginning new pioneer churches. We are using a combination of both in each church start to gather people to build the initial launch team. Critical mass at we call the public launch is important. The public launch service has been happening about 10 to 12 months after beginning to gather people for the new church. Here is what we have experienced and God seems to be blessing these steps right now.Identifying the Pastor: The pastor's resume, the self assessments, references, and a behavioral assessment interview are collected and conducted before a pastor and his family are given the green light to begin a new church. Healthy churches begin with healthy pastors and families. Pastors must be credentialed through licensing or ordination transfer before beginning their ministry. The pastor must agree to some foundational principles and signs a Church Planting Covenant. The purpose behind all these steps are to ensure consistency, ease in coaching and recognizes each new church as an EFCA plant project from the beginning. The final approval for the church planters is the responsibility of the Regional EFCA pastors, a RMD staff member, the Extension Committee Chairman and the Church Planting Coordinator. Transitioning the Family and Gathering Interested People: We have been able to transition the pastors over a time span of several months with good success. Two of the pastors have been able to help their previous ministries locate another pastor to replace them before they left. This is a wonderful process, which leaves the established church with a good experience when their pastor feels called to move on. The pastor is flown to the planting area over a 4 to 5 month period. Each month the pastor comes for 4 days, prior to moving his family to the site, so he can gather the names of interested people. The gathering of people has been primarily through the consistent monthly distribution of brochures door to door and networking with other believers in the community. Referrals from others that know people living in the targeted area helps allot. During this time of transition the planting pastor is able to raise the needed financial and prayer support. We encourage 12 to 18 months of finances to be raised, but most of the families are off of support within the first 10 months after they arrive. The pastor and his wife is required to attend the EFCA's Church Planter's Boot Camp for fine tuning their skills before they begin the process. Identifying and Establishing a Proper Foundation Before Gathering People: Establishing the new church plant's mission statement, core values, the distinctives that will define what the new church will look like and the strategy for beginning the new church are developed by the planting pastor before he begins gathering people. This step enables the pastor or the launch team to encourage people to commit in harmony. If there isn't harmony then the people are encouraged to attend elsewhere. The purpose of having the pastor on the planting site first is primarily preventive and it has cut down on potential conflicts as the church develops. This process has worked well, with the pioneer church starts and mother daughter plants. The church plant will transition to a congregational rule/elder led gov't at the 2 year mark. Training and Resources for Skill Development Being Used: Church Planter's Boot Camp: The primary training vehicle for church planting coaches and planting pastors has been the EFCA's Church Planter's Boot Camp. This four day, 9 to 6 training equips the pastors and their wives with the practical skills to see a new church begin. The EFCA conducts this training throughout the USA. You can visit the National web site www.efca.org/churchplanting to register on line. Church Planter's Took Kit: This audio series is a must and every planter is required to listen to the series by Steve Ogne and Bob Logan. The instruction is very practical and helpful in understanding how to begin a new church. It offers allot of resources in beginning a new church. Check it out at NEXT STEP RESOURCES at 1-800-745-2202 and the cost is $71.25. Church Planting Workshops: This workshop was developed for people who want to begin a new church when they have not identified a pastor yet. The first field testing of the workshop was completed in the fall of 1999 and it went well. The EFCA traditionally has begun new churches through groups of people in communities over the years. This training can help build a foundation for building harmony within the launch team of people and identifying a first pastor. Coaching and Networking: We are able to offer coaching and networking among church planting pastors and needed fellowship for their wives. This facilitates accountability, creativity, and resources for the new churches in various stages of beginning. Planters are called weekly, emails; we try to meet monthly with each missionary. Mentoring opportunities are available through the district staff. Church Planting Web Site: This site offers resources, information for potential pastors and people interested in beginning a new church in their community. All the plant projects have web sites for gathering people. (I.e. aspenridge.org; graceinpagosa.org; founatincreekchurch.org; larkridgechurch.com; blueskychurch.com; mesaviewchurch.org; these are just a few for you to check out). Also, check out our district's web site for more links at www.rockymountaindistrict.org. If you have questions, please call me at 719-331-2729 or email me at brjrred@msn.com. God's blessings as you seek Him for direction. Bruce Redmond, Director of Church Planting Wed, 2 Apr 2008 09:44:31 MST http://www.plantingchurches.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=12 http://www.plantingchurches.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=12&article_id=4 These are the developmental steps and policies we follow in bringing a church to the place where it is self supporting and reproducing. Purpose of these statements: "to clearly define the guidelines, steps and the RMD involvement into a church plant becoming a full participating member of the EFCA.” Classification and the Process... Church Plant Project: Church Planter or a Lay Team begins the new church. The Church planter or Lay Team begins with a signed covenantal commitment to the RMD-EFCA and the process followed in the RMD for establishing a new church. The commitments are listed in the covenant. The Church Planter or Lay Team agrees to use the Articles of Incorporation as specified by the RMD-EFCA. The RMD or the mother church will handle the finances until a treasurer is chosen, the 501 3c is obtained and the new church is incorporated with the state. The process is limited to 6 months for the final transition for the time the church planter begins or the lay team begins services. The planter or church chairman will file state incorporation papers. RMD and mother church will stop handling the finances at that point. The Church Planter or Lay Team (if the planter is not on sight) will appoint a Provisional Leadership Team of people for the purpose of assisting the lead planter to carry out the responsibilities of developing a new church. The Church Planter (or Lay Team Chairman until there is a pastor) can remove people at their discretion if they do not support the vision, values and the "person” of the planter. The people do not necessarily need to be elder qualified but should be believers of good standing among others in the community. Church Plant: Church Planter with a Provisional Leadership Team 18months into the process, the church planter appoints elders; If the new church is a lay driven start then the people can choose to choose it's elders before a pastor comes; If a planter comes early in the process then the lay team is encouraged to allow the pastor to take the leadership in this process. Church Planter prayerfully chooses new elders (5 page paper; interviews; examples as to why the man should be considered an elder (Acts 6)); Church Planter presents new elders to RMD representative or a Steering Committee Team if one exists; RMD Representative lays hands on the men as elders during a church service; New elders conduct membership classes (Welcome to the Family); The superintendent is called and asked to come and meet with the elders to discuss "affirmation voting”. This is critical to the leadership understanding how to function in meetings! Roberts Rule of Order is NOT encouraged. Biblical congregationalism is not democracy but God's people seeking God(Acts 1:14; Phil 2:2). New Elders present new members to RMD representative. Church Status in the RMD-EFCA: Once members have been through classes, signed a membership covenant, they are then presented to a RMD Staff member for approval. Once members are finalized, they should be recognized at the first congregational meeting; a season of prayer, a time of celebration and a few agenda items are encouraged; all the names and the addresses of first members shall be turned into the RMD offices. The names are put into the churches file in case the process is called into question. The superintendent shall present the new church to the RMD Board and the Annual Conference. Financial Support and Participation in the RMD The pastor and leaders shall participate in RMD conferences, HCN's as spelled out in the covenant and work along other EFCA's church to accomplish kingdom work. Once the pastor is paid fully by the church plant or the church the tithing process will begin. The covenantal agreement is tithing 10% of the general offering after the pastor is fully being paid. The areas where the funds go to are (1%) the National Office, (2%) RMD general fund; (2%) RMD Church Planting Fund; and that leaves another 5% to come alongside other multiplication ministries. The primary idea behind all of these steps and policies is to see a healthy reproducing cooperating church extending the kingdom of God. We can do more together then we can a part. Wed, 2 Apr 2008 09:30:07 MST http://www.plantingchurches.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=21 http://www.plantingchurches.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=21&article_id=14 In the last years we have seen over 20 new churches begin without a church planter or pastor but each of these churches did eventually seek leadership out. The inital formation of these churches has been developed by lay teams we have trained and coached. A suggested reading for this effort would be "Big Dreams Small Places" by Tom Nebel. We provide assessments, a lay boot camp and and ongoing personal coaching to see new church stay missional and relevant. If you would be interested in discussing how this can work send me at email or call me! God does want to use you and your gifts to extend His Kingdom in your community. Wed, 2 Apr 2008 09:23:30 MST http://www.plantingchurches.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=6 http://www.plantingchurches.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=6&article_id=9 TWO New Hot Opportunities...Thermopolis, WY Currently we have developing a new group of eight interested families in this community of 3,40. The county has 5,700 people. This community has thousands of tourists every year come through for fishing, hunting, boating, fishing and Thermop is known as the gateway to Yellowstone National Park. Presently the families we have connected with desire a new church that teaches the scriptures, makes disciples and is grace oriented. Contact Bruce Redmond @ brjrred@msn.com or call @ 719-331-2729.Frisco-Silverthorne, CO We have two families desiring a church planter to lead them in beginning a new church. These couples say they are able to pull other families together quickly. These communities are bedroom communities for Breckenridge resort area. Most of the individuals living there are young and like the recreational lifestyle so flexibility and creativity would be important. The people that could feed a new church would come from Keystone, Dillon, Frisco and Silverthorne which are all connected. The area is in need of a church that can reach the residents who are more edgy and yet desire a relationship with God. Parker, CO This community of 100,000 people is in need of a healthy disciple making church. There are two large EFCA churches in the nearby community of Aurora and the need is great for an additional church. The Denver area is expanding east rapidly. The area we are praying about is south of E470 and they are experiencing a new building boom with apartments and town homes. Many have tried to plant in parker in Douglas County and have not made it go. So whoever comes here must have the ability to gather and lead people. Douglas County is one of the fastest growing counties in the country and Colorado. Alamosa, CO This community of 15,000 people has a regional airport for jet transportation, a medical center and a four year college. The community includes Hispanic and Asian populations. This is a central community to the San Luis Valley which is home for a large Mormon population, early retirees and young people families. The retirees are relocating from Texas, California and New Mexico. The altitude is about 7800ft. and the valley is one of the largest mountain valleys in the nation. You must be able to work with middle class and AG people as well. This valley is one of the critical areas in Colorado without healthy churches or churches at all. Six smaller surrounding communities within an hour drive of Alamosa do not have any church of any kind. They need the gospel and it will have to be contextualized in a cross cultural way at times. We'd encourage a new church here to consider beginning with a multicultural staff and English speaking. Naturally being able to speak some Spanish would be great. There is a new free church 1 1/2 hours away that would help out in practical ways. Woodland Park, CO This city calls itself the city above the clouds and is a bedroom community of Colorado Springs. There are 8,000 people living in the city limits and another 10,000 people living near by in the county. Woodland Park is fast becoming the place to live if you enjoy mountain living and desire to live close to a major city. We have several couples that may be interested in discussing the possibility of a new church. Denver, CO The city has been changing because singles and young families are moving back into the city from the suburbs. The people tend to be more middle class, and they need Jesus Christ! Check out Denver Community Church at http://www.dcc.org/ or http://www.larkridgechurch.com/. Contact one of our church planters to find out more. A church plant in Denver will need a team of people coming together to make a difference for the gospel. Then the some of the surrounding communities like Thornton are in need of a new church for the transitioning young families. Check out these communities online and get back to me. We have some contacts in the south Thornton area. Arvada, CO This north suburb of Denver is poised and ready for a church plant. It has been there quite awhile, but like most of the Denver area, it is experiencing a transition as thousands of new families move into the area trying to find affordable housing. Apartments, town homes, and single family dwellings are springing up. Green Valley, CO The community of Green Valley is a growing community that is racially and economically diverse. The location is near Denver International Airport and home to thousands of new homes, young families, and new businesses. It is located north of I-70 on both sides of Tower Road, north to 64th and eats 4 miles. This community used to have an EFCA church, so there might still be some contacts available. Near this location is another new community developing called Reunion, CO. Check out the chamber of commerce for this area, and contact our office. The community has many young families and we have contacts with several that would be interested in joining a new ministry. Wed, 2 Apr 2008 09:17:16 MST http://www.plantingchurches.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1 http://www.plantingchurches.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1&article_id=10 Mission: We seek to bring pleasure to God by seeing new churches develop committed to making disicples and reproducing healyhy churches. Motivation: The reason for this ministry is simply the gospel. Too many times the church has been ineffective in making disciples and loving people while contextualizing the message of Christ to the surrounding community. We believe the church needs get back on mission, the mission Jesus gave the church. We are not about starting churches for convenience sake. The mission of the church is clear and Church Planting is one the of the best methods to see a healthy DNA of multiplication develop. Vision: Through God's grace and His leading we seek to see 100 new churches begin by 2020. These churches will be committed to intentionally making disciples and reproducing new churches. Wed, 2 Apr 2008 08:49:41 MST http://www.plantingchurches.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=18 http://www.plantingchurches.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=18&article_id=11 We are presently praying for you and your wife as you work through the process of determining where the Lord would want you to serve. We hope you will find our time of getting to know each other and our communication based in integrity and relevant to what you are personally processing. We would encourage you to ask questions and please do NOT assume anything. The steps we will follow through the process will begin with phone calls and using email to get to know each other. Our style in the RMD focuses on a relational style and cultivating a healthy interdependence between pastors and churches. After we have received a resume these steps are followed by the RMD Church Planting Team: Step 1: Begin to communicate and to understand where the potential planting couple is coming through, their vision, past experiences and simply to begin a relationship. Three issues are critical as we proceed through "Step 1”. Are you called to a church plant as a couple? Is your ministry partner (wife) on the same page? Are there people that may want be a part of your team, to follow your vision and move here to begin a new church? (Later when a candidate completes a final interview the candidate will need to still affirm that God is calling him to a specific target area.) Step 2: Several Things need to come to the RMD Church Planting Office Receive a list of references from the candidate and permission to call the references. We are sensitive and aware of the need for possible clarification and instructions that will may need to be communicated before anyone is called. Receive 2 sermons tapes or videos. Receive the Personal Assessment Inventory completed and emailed back to the RMD before we proceed with the form signed to be able to share the assessment with our team and the future coach. Step 3: A Behavioral Assessment will be completed by a RMD Assessment Team. The team will provide all candidates with a written review of the assessment interview with suggestions for possible next steps. With the assessment will be specific recommendations for next steps toward seeing the candidates visions realized. For instance, the assessment may only encourage planting a church as a team, others will be encouraged to do a pioneer church plant. A pre-assessment questionnaire will need to be filled out before a face to face assessment takes place with a RMD Assessment Team. A permission form will need to be signed so the final written assessment can shared with others. Step 4: A final interview will be completed with the RMD Church Planting Team, the RMD Superintendent (if available) and the Church Planting Coordinator. During the time the candidate is in the RMD for the final interview there will be set aside to explore, confirm and affirm the potential community being targeted for a new church. Remember being called to a specific community is critical for a church planter and his family. Step 5: After final acceptance and a completed written assessment the candidate will receive a letter of call to begin a church plant project under the oversight of the RMD Church Planting Team. At this time it would be important to send a letter out to friends, family and previous people you may have served to begin to bring together a prayer team of 100 people. This an excellent opportunity to begin to cast vision for what the Lord may be doing in the candidate's life. Step 6: The candidate then can download the credentialing files necessary to follow through with the licensing process. The preparing of a doctrinal paper for the licensing council must be completed before anyone begins there ministry. The 3 year license leading to ordination is suggested and encouraged for each candidate. The licensing council will NOT be scheduled until the RMD Ministerial Team leader has received all the papers and referrals necessary to call a council. Follow the guidelines sent to you with the file. If a candidate had not attended Trinity Seminary for his education than 5 books will be required to be read before the licensing council takes place. The credentialing files can be downloaded from our district web site at www.rockymountaindistrict.org . Step 7: The church planting missionary will be encouraged to attend the next Boot Camp and begin communicating with his assigned coach. The goal is for a healthy transition for the entire family. Tue, 7 Feb 2006 13:29:55 MST http://www.plantingchurches.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1 http://www.plantingchurches.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1&article_id=13 Our Church planting efforts offer assessment for the planting couples and their teams, equipping skills through the EFCA's Church Planter's Boot Camp and coaching by experienced church planters/pastors. Numberous workshops are offered by district staff to develop leaders and help each new church be successful through the process. Every church planter is individually coached and resources are available. Our district strategy includes a true commitment to the priesthood of believers. We have been very successful in empowering lay teams beginning new churches that are active and healthy. Recognizing that God has specifically gifted each of His children, we desire to come alongside those of you seeking to use your giftedness to reach your community and region for Jesus. We offer the same resources, coaching and networking for lay starts as we do church planting missionary pastors. Where ever you live, work and play God may be calling you to consider beginning a new church committed to principles of multiplication. The older saints used to say "bloom where you are planted"! I wonder what would really happen in America if the church (God's people) became the church for this century and beyond until Jesus returns. It's Jesus' church, He causes the church to grow and the gates of hell will not prevail. So the question that faces all of us who know Christ is, what is God asking of us today to make a difference for tomorrow? Be a part a changing future, begin or be a part of new church team that will take us deep into this next century for the cause of Jesus Christ. Fri, 16 Sep 2005 09:38:35 MST http://www.plantingchurches.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=2 http://www.plantingchurches.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=2&article_id=7 Our Mission The Evangelical Free Church of America movement exists to glorify God by multiplying healthy churches among all people. Our Vision Our church planting vision is to bring pleasure to God by using proactive, servant leadership to mobilize a church planting movement in the United States of America, where every healthy EFCA church will become a reproducing church, and no EFCA church planter will be left alone. Our Values We envision planting Healthy (Great Commandment), Disciplemaking (Great Commission),Reproducing (Multiplying Churches),EFCA (Interdependent) churches. Our Strategy To accomplish this vision, we will develop a national church planting strategy and the strategic support systems to sustain a church planting movement that will last. Our EFCA districts are in process of developing seven systems: Launching, Recruiting, Assessing, Coaching, Training, Funding, and Reproducing. Fri, 16 Sep 2005 09:38:35 MST http://www.plantingchurches.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=15 http://www.plantingchurches.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=15&article_id=6 The Seven Support Systems for launching a church planting movement in the Rocky Mountain District. LAUNCHING: Creating Strategy Summits as a catalytic event to mobilize current EFCA churches into a church planting movement. RECRUITING: Aggressively networking with potential planters through dependent prayer and developing a farming system where church planters can be equipped. ASSESSING: We desire to see all potential church planters properly assessed. COACHING: We need pastors who will tithe their time to equip, empower and encourage our planters. TRAINING: We desire to equip all church planters through the Church Planter's Boot Camp. FINANCIAL SUPPORT: We desire to develop a district Church Planter's Start Up Fund that will be able to sustain future movements within the RMD. REPRODUCING: We desire to see churches naturally reproducing themselves into healthy daughter churches committed to promoting a disciplemaking lifestyle. Fri, 16 Sep 2005 09:38:35 MST http://www.plantingchurches.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=16 http://www.plantingchurches.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=16&article_id=8 Rocky Mountain District Church Plant Covenant Recognizing that there exists an interdependency among churches affiliated with the EFCA, and that those who attend EFCA churches must exhibit a spirit of humility, mutual support and accountability among the association of other EFCA churches. I wish to openly state our commitment to work within the following guidelines: I am unreservedly in agreement with the EFCA Statement of Faith. I am in agreement with implementing a congregational form of government with in the two-year time frame after "Prevue Services” begin. I fully agree to the process of developing leaders for the new church. Beginning with the Provision Leadership Team and eventually appointing elders for the new church recognizing the process may take 2 years or more. I fully agree to be credentialed (license or ordination) before beginning official meeting for this new ministry. Each additional staff pastor will be encouraged to be credentialed. I will demonstrate a spirit of harmony in working with my brothers and sisters in Christ (even across denominational lines), with the RMD representatives, and with the Regional Steering Committee assigned to us. I agree to use the Articles of Incorporation approved by the Rocky Mountain District as proposed by the Church Planting Coordinator. Any by-laws written prior to the new church functioning congregationally must receive final approval by the RMD Superintendent. I fully agree to have the new church plant support financially the EFCA, the Rocky Mountain District, the RMD's Church Planting efforts and missions, as the agreed upon in Articles of Incorporation state. The pastor must be receiving his full salary from the church before it begins tithing. I will attend the Church Planter's Network Meetings, Coaching Sessions, the Regional EFCA Pastor's Gatherings, and the RMD Annual Conference. signed: ______________________________ date: ____________ phone:_________________ email address:___________________________ Fri, 16 Sep 2005 09:38:35 MST http://www.plantingchurches.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=3 http://www.plantingchurches.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=3&article_id=3 1) The Scriptures, both Old and New Testaments, to be the inspired Word of God, without error in the original writings, the complete revelation of His will for the salvation of men and the Divine and final authority for Christian faith and life.   2) In one God, Creator of all things, infinitely perfect and eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  3) That Jesus Christ is true God and true man, having been conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He died on the cross, a sacrifice for our sins according to the Scriptures. Further, He arose bodily from the dead, ascended into heaven, where, at the right hand of the Majesty on High, He is now our High Priest and Advocate.   4) That the ministry of the Holy Spirit is to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ and, during this age, to convict men, regenerate the believing sinner, and indwell, guide, instruct and empower the believer for godly living and service.   5) That man was created in the image of God but fell into sin and is, therefore, lost, and only through regeneration by the Holy Spirit can salvation and spiritual life be obtained.   6) That the shed blood of Jesus Christ and His resurrection provide the only ground for justification and salvation for all who believe, and only such as receive Jesus Christ are born of the Holy Spirit and, thus become children of God. 7) That water baptism and the Lord's Supper are ordinances to be observed by the Church during the present age. They are, however, not to be regarded as means of salvation.   8) That the true Church is composed of all such persons who through saving faith in Jesus Christ have been regenerated by the Holy Spirit and are united together in the Body of Christ of which He is the Head.   9) That only those who are, thus, members of the true Church shall be eligible for membership in the local church.   10) That Jesus Christ is the Lord and Head of the Church and that every local church has the right, under Christ, to decide and govern its own affairs.   11) In the personal premillennial and imminent coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and that this "Blessed  Hope" has a vital bearing on the personal life and service of the believer.   12) In the bodily resurrection of the dead; of the believer to everlasting blessedness and joy with the Lord; of the unbeliever to judgment and everlasting conscious punishment. Fri, 16 Sep 2005 09:38:35 MST