Covenant Membership Guide
Biblical Expectations of The Port Church
The Port Church Expectations of Membership are birthed out of our love for the church body and its individual members whom we hope will experience the fullness of joy which is found in the presence of the Lord. This document serves three functions:
• To clarify the biblical obligations and expectations for both the elders of The Port Church and the individual members of The Port Church body.
• To establish teaching and doctrinal parameters for The Port Church body.
• To serve as a tool for reflection and growth toward holiness.
Each of these functions is in accordance with the document’s overall vision to provide an accessible explanation of the Scriptures in hopes that The Port Church would grow in the grace and truth of Jesus Christ.
The Port Church Membership consists of a section on the Church, the Statement of Faith, the expectations of The Port Church elders and the expectations of members of The Port Church body.
What Is the Church?
The Church exists for the display of the glory of God because all things exist for His glory. Those of us who trust in and follow Jesus are caught up in something much bigger than ourselves. We have graciously been invited into God’s redemptive purposes in the world.
Since the beginning, God has been creating and calling forth His people for the display of His glory in a grand narrative of redemption and reconciliation. Though creation now suffers the curse of Genesis 3, the gospel is the means by which the world is being made right. The gospel also carries with it the promise of ultimate renewal, a restoration even more glorious than Eden, and thus believers eagerly anticipate the return of Christ. The Church universal (i.e., all believers, everywhere) is the means by which God is fulfilling His purposes in the world (2 Cor. 5:17–20). The Church universal is being used to write God’s beautiful and dramatic story of redemption and reconciliation. In light of this reality, the opportunity to join a local church body (i.e., a particular group of believers in a particular locale) is much more than a commitment to consistent attendance or active involvement in community. It is also a sacred call to be involved in the redemptive work of our sovereign God to push back the darkness of a fallen world through the power of the Holy Spirit with the light of His Son, Jesus Christ.
The Church is the gathering of the redeemed, the household of God (Eph. 2:19), the bride of Christ (Rev. 21:2, 9), and the body of Christ (1 Cor. 12:12–31). 1 Corinthians 12 speaks of many members within the same body. Just as a human body relies upon mutual dependence of individual members for proper functioning, so the body of Christ requires sacrificial and responsible service by its individual members. As the Scriptures say, “The eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I have no need of you,’ nor again the head to the feet, ‘I have no need of you’” (1 Cor. 12:21). Likewise, a member of the church cannot say to another member that he or she is unnecessary. We all have gifts that differ according to the gracious provision of the Holy Spirit (Rom. 12:3–8). Contrary to the beliefs of our culture, we need each other.
Membership at The Port Church is participation in a family, a microcosm of the universal household of God. All members are united to Christ and thus to each other. Unity within the church is expressed in love for God and a love for others, both those within the family and those who are not. Because of the identification of Christ with His church, Christians are expected to display His gospel in a manner which is worthy of Him (Eph. 4:1).
Elders
As shepherds and overseers of a local church, elders are entrusted with protecting, leading, equipping, and caring for the corporate church body and her individual members. The following is a rather extensive overview of the requirements for elders as spelled out within the Scriptures.
The elders are expected...
to appoint elders and deacons (including staff members who serve in these offices) according to the criteria assigned to them in the Scriptures (1 Tim. 3:1–13; Titus 1:5–9; 1 Pet. 5:1–4).
to prayerfully seek God’s will for the church community and steward her resources to the best of their ability based on their study of the Scriptures and following of the Spirit (Acts 20:28; 1 Pet. 5:1–4).
to care for the church and seek her growth in grace, truth and love (Matt. 28:16–20; Eph. 4:15–16; Col. 1:28; James 5:14; 1 Pet. 5:1–4).
to provide teaching and counsel from the whole of Scripture (Acts 20:27–28; 1 Tim. 4:16; 2 Tim. 4:1–5; Titus 2:1).
to equip the members of the church for the work of ministry (Eph. 4:11–16).
to be on guard against false teachers and teachings
(Matt. 7:15; Acts 20:28–31; 1 Tim. 1:3–7; 1 John 4:1).
to lovingly exercise discipline when necessary, for the glory of God, the good of the one disciplined, and the health of the church as a whole (Matt. 18:15–20; 1 Cor. 5; Gal. 6:1; James 5:19–20).
to set an example and join members in fulfilling the expectations of church membership stated below (Phil. 3:17; 1 Tim. 4:12; Titus 2:7–8; 1 Pet. 5:3).
Members
As those who have experienced the grace of a life changed by the gospel of Jesus Christ, we have the opportunity to reflect the character of Christ through the pursuit of certain attitudes and actions and the rejection of others. The Scriptures refer to this reality as “living by the Spirit” (Rom. 8). The Expectations of Membership are in no way intended as an addition to the biblical obligations of a believer. Rather, this document functions primarily as an accessible yet non-exhaustive explanation of what the Scriptures teach about the obedience that faith produces.
I am expected...
to submit to the authority of the Scriptures as the final arbiter on all issues (Ps. 119; 2 Tim. 3:14–17; 2 Pet. 1:19–21).
to pursue the Lord Jesus Christ through regular Bible reading, prayer, fellowship, and practice of spiritual disciplines (Luke 18:1; Acts 17:11; 1 Cor. 9:24– 27; Eph. 5:1–21; 1 Thess. 5:12–22).
to follow the command and example of Jesus by participating in the ordinances prescribed to His Church:
• by being baptized after my conversion.
• by regularly remembering and celebrating the person and work of Christ through communion.
to regularly participate in the life of The Port Church by attending weekly services, engaging
in gospel-centered community, and serving those within and outside of this church (Acts 2:42–47; Heb. 10:23–25; Titus 3:14).
to steward the resources God has given me, including time, talents, spiritual gifts, and finances. This includes regular financial giving, service, and participation in community that is sacrificial, cheerful, and voluntary (Matt. 25:14–30; Rom. 12:1–2; 2 Cor. 8–9; 1 Pet. 4:10–11).
by God’s grace through the power of the Holy Spirit, to walk in holiness in all areas of life as an act of worship to Jesus Christ (1 Pet. 1:13–16, 4:1–3).
Believers should strive to put certain attitudes and actions to death while stirring and stimulating love and good deeds through the Spirit.
to refrain from such activities that the Scriptures would deem foolish (Rom. 14:14–23).
to take seriously the responsibility of Christian freedom, especially actions or situations that could present a stumbling block to another (1 Cor. 8:1–13).
to submit to the discipline of God through His Holy Spirit by:
• following the biblical procedures for church discipline where sin is evident in another—the hope of such discipline being repentance and restoration.
• receiving righteous and loving discipline when approached biblically by fellow believers (Ps. 141:5; Matt. 18:15–20; 1 Cor. 5:9–13; Heb. 12:5–11).
to do the following when I sin:
• confess my sin to God and to fellow believers.
• repent and seek help to put my sin to death (Rom. 8:13; Col. 3:5; James 5:16; 1 John 1:6–10).
to submit to the elders and other appointed leaders of the church and diligently strive for unity and peace within the church (Eph. 4:1–3; Heb. 13:17; 1 Pet. 5:5).
to do the following should I leave the church for righteous reasons:
• to notify the appropriate staff member of the campus I attend.
• to seek another church with which I can carry out my biblical responsibilities as a believer.
The Port Church Statement of Beliefs
The Port Church is a church under the lordship of Jesus Christ. Therefore, we are committed to contending for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints (Jude 1:3). In unity with the historic Christian church, we believe and confess the Apostles’, Nicene, and Chalcedonian Creeds as accurate representations of Scripture’s teaching. In addition to these historic formulations, we are situated within the evangelical, Reformed, and Baptist traditions.
The basic doctrines within The Port Church Statement of Faith represent what we believe to be core elements of biblical teaching. We expect all members of The Port Church to affirm these doctrines.
The theological distinctives within The Port Church Statement of Faith reflect what distinguishes The Port Church from other churches who would affirm the basic doctrines. These distinctives indelibly shape the way that The Port Church is led and the direction the church is headed. We do not expect all members to embrace all aspects of these distinctives, but members should expect that the distinctives will be maintained in all ministry environments at The Port Church, and members may not teach contrary to them.
Doctrine of God
We believe in one God eternally existing as one essence and three distinct persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, each of whom is fully God, yet there is one God.
We believe in one God eternally existing as one essence and three distinct persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Each person is fully, equally, and eternally God, yet there is one God. Each person has precisely the same nature and attributes and is worthy of precisely the same worship, honor, and praise. The entire Christian faith is bound together with the confession of God’s Trinitarian nature (Matt. 28:18–20).
We believe in God the Father, the Creator of heaven and earth. We believe in the Son, God from God, eternally begotten but not made, who in history assumed to Himself a human nature for the sake of our salvation (John 1:14; Heb. 1:3). He is fully God and fully man. Through Him, all things came into being and were created. He was before all things, and in Him, all things hold together by the word of His power (Col.1:15–20). He suffered, died, was buried, resurrected, ascended, and sits at the right hand of the Father until He returns for the final judgment and consummation of the Kingdom. We believe in the Holy Spirit who eternally proceeds from the Father and the Son and is sent by the Father and Son to give new life (John 15:26–27). The Holy Spirit unites believers to Jesus Christ in faith, brings about the new birth, and dwells within the regenerate (Eph. 1:13–14). The Holy Spirit has come to glorify the Son who, in turn, came to glorify the Father. He will lead the Church into a right understanding and rich application of the truth of God’s Word. He is to be respected, honored, and worshiped as God, the third person of the Trinity.
The triune God—Father, Son and Spirit—is the Creator of
all things, visible and invisible. As the immortal and eternal Creator, He sovereignly rules over all of His creation (Ps. 24:1).
Doctrine of Revelation
God has made Himself known to the world in Jesus Christ, the Scriptures, and creation.
We believe that God has made Himself known to His creation. He has revealed Himself to us in His Son, the incarnate Word (Heb. 1:1–2), in Scripture, the inspired Word (2 Tim. 3:16), and in creation (Ps. 8; Rom. 1:20)
We believe that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is the perfect revelation of who God is. Jesus Christ is the “image of the invisible God” (Col. 1:15), “the exact imprint of his nature” (Heb. 1:3) and a perfect reflection of God the Father (John 5:19).
We believe the Scriptures, the 66 books of the Old and New Testaments, are the inspired Word of God and are therefore without error in their original writings. These writings alone constitute the verbally inspired Word of God, which is utterly authoritative and free from error. The Scripture is sufficient for all that God requires for us to believe and do and is therefore to be believed, as God’s instruction, in. all that it teaches; obeyed, as God’s command, in all that it requires; and trusted, as God’s pledge, in all that it promises (Is. 40:6–8). As God’s people hear, believe, and obey the Word, they are equipped as disciples of Christ and witnesses to the gospel (Rom. 10:14–17).
Doctrine of Creation and Providence
We believe that God created the world from nothing and governs all things at all times in all places.
God created the whole world from nothing (Gen. 1:1–2; Ps. 24:1). God’s creative work is the overflow of the love present within the Trinitarian fellowship. Creation, according to the design of God, was good (Gen. 1:3–31).
God doesn’t let the world exist; He makes the world exist. He upholds the universe by the word of His power, and He holds the world together in Himself (Col. 1:17).
Doctrine of Humanity
We believe that all humanity is created in the image of God and possesses intrinsic dignity and worth.
God made humanity—male and female—in His own image (Gen. 1:27–30). Set apart as His image bearers, every human being is sacred. All men and all women, bearing the image of God, are meant to represent God in His creation (1 Cor. 10:31). God declares the created order to be very good, distinguishing men and women as His agents to care for, manage, and govern over it. They enjoy equal access to God by faith in Christ Jesus and are both called to move beyond passive self-indulgence to significant private and public engagement in family, church, and civic life. Adam and Eve were made to complement each other in a one-flesh union in the covenant of marriage that establishes the only God- ordained pattern of sexual relations for men and women. In God’s wise purposes, men and women are not simply interchangeable, but rather they complement each other in mutually enriching ways.
Men and women are absolutely equal in essence, dignity, and value but are distinct by divine design. As part of God’s good created order, men and women are to have different yet complementary roles and responsibilities in the home and church. As it relates to the church, men and women are both expected to lead; however, the office of elder is reserved for qualified men (1 Tim. 3; Titus 1). For more on this distinctive, read our Women in Ministry Statement.
Doctrine of Sin
We believe that sin has fractured all things, leaving the world in desperate need for salvation.
Through the temptation of Satan, humanity transgressed the command of God and fell from their original holiness and righteousness (Gen. 3). Now the entire human race inherits a corrupt nature that is opposed to God and His law (Rom. 3:9–20). Therefore, all humans are under condemnation. This depravity is radical and pervasive. It extends to the mind, will, body, and affections. Unregenerate humanity lives under the dominion of sin and Satan (Eph. 2:1–3). He is at enmity with God, hostile toward and hateful of God.
Doctrine of Salvation
We believe that salvation is by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone.
We believe that, due to universal death through sin, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless born again (John 3:5–8); that salvation is only by grace through faith in the shed blood of Jesus Christ; and that all who receive the Lord Jesus Christ through faith are declared righteous by God and become children of God (Heb. 10:19–25).
We believe the Scriptures teach that regeneration, or the new birth, is that act of God by which the Holy Spirit imparts a new nature and a new spiritual life, not before possessed, and the person becomes a new creation in Christ Jesus (Gal. 2:20). The mind is given a holy disposition and a new desire to serve God, the dominion of sin is broken, and the heart is transformed from a love of sin and self to a love of holiness and God.
Doctrine of the Church
We believe that the Church is the body of Christ sent into the world to shine forth the glory of God.
God, by His Word and Spirit, creates the Church, calling sinful humanity into the fellowship of Christ’s body (1Cor. 12:12–31). By the same Word and Spirit, He guides and preserves that newly redeemed humanity. The Church is made up of those who have become genuine followers of Jesus Christ and have personally appropriated the gospel. The Church exists to worship and glorify God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The ministry of the Church is an extension of the ministry of Jesus in the power of the Spirit.
The ultimate mission of the Church is to bring glory to God by making disciples (Matt. 28:18–20). The Church is called to make disciples through worship, prayer, teaching of the Word, observance of the ordinances, fellowship, the exercise of our gifts and talents, and the proclamation of the gospel both in our community and throughout the world.
We believe there are two ordinances of the Church. One is believer’s baptism in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and the other is the Lord’s Supper.
Water baptism is only intended for those who have received the saving benefits of Christ through the new birth of the Holy Spirit. In obedience to Christ’s command and as a testimony to God, the Church, oneself, and the world, believers are baptized by water in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Water baptism is a visual and symbolic demonstration of a person’s union with Christ in the likeness of His death and resurrection. It signifies that a former way of life has been put to death and vividly depicts the release from the mastery of Satan, sin, and death.
As with water baptism, the Lord’s Supper is to be observed only by those who have become genuine followers of Christ. This ordinance symbolizes the breaking of Christ’s body and the shedding of His blood on our behalf and is to be observed repeatedly throughout the Christian life as a sign of continued participation in the atoning benefits of Christ’s death. As we come to the table with an attitude of faith and self-examination, we remember and proclaim the death of Christ, receive spiritual nourishment for our souls, and signify our unity with other members of Christ’s body.
Doctrine of Resurrection and Consummation of the Kingdom of God
We believe that Jesus Christ is returning to the world in the future to judge the living and the dead.
The consummation of all things includes the future, physical, visible, personal, and glorious return of Jesus Christ, the resurrection of the dead and the glorification of those alive in Christ, the judgment of the just and the unjust, and the fulfillment of Christ’s kingdom in the new heavens and the new earth. In the consummation, Satan, with his hosts and all those outside Christ, is finally separated from the benevolent presence of God, enduring eternal punishment (Rev. 20:7–15), but the righteous, in glorious bodies, will live and reign with Him forever, serving Him and giving Him unending praise and glory. Then the eager expectation of creation will be fulfilled, and the whole earth shall proclaim the glory of God, who makes all things new (Rev. 21:1–5).
THE CORE VALUES OF THE PORT COMMUNITY CHURCH
We Desire To Be Family
We don’t want people to feel like guests around here for long. We want to invite them into the family. We realize family can be a dirty word for some due to their upbringing. But, through His church Christ teaches us how to become a healthy family, linked together by our dependence on Jesus. Family members enjoy all sorts of benefits, but they also accept their responsibilities. They take ownership of their house, siblings, values. It’s personal. When you’re family, church isn’t just a place you sometimes go, it’s a group of people and a set of values you devote yourself to.
We Desire To Be Diverse
If you could stroll up the street from our campus into a restaurant full of people that wouldn’t feel welcome at our church, we believe we’re doing it wrong. We want to be a place where the entire cross-section of our community feels loved, wanted and accepted—regardless of the color of their skin, the number of commas in their income, the way they dress or talk, the past experiences they’ve had, or the hurts, habits, hang-ups, and addictions that may currently exist in their lives.
We Desire To Be A Place Of Refuge And Restoration
We believe everyone has a built-in desire to live in harmony with God and find acceptance inside a loving community that genuinely cares about them. We believe that God placed you in proximity to the people in every area of your life to demonstrate the love of Jesus, invest in their lives and invite them to be a part of a caring community. We don’t sit back and hope God will send someone along to do what he’s called us to.
We Desire To Do Whatever It Takes To Reach People
We want to reach those no one else is reaching. And to attract people who aren’t attracted to what already exists, you’ve got to step out and try some new things. That’s why we do many things in non-traditional ways. We’re not interested just doing what’s always been done just to keep people we already have. We’re interested in connecting the disconnected and guiding them to pursue God.
We Desire To Be Healthy Disciples
A commitment to grow is a commitment to consistently step out of what’s comfortable. Most healthy habits aren’t easy or comfortable at first. But we commit ourselves to them because we know the results are worth it. That’s why we aren’t afraid of pushing ourselves out of our comfort zones to grow ourselves and our church by showing up, serving, giving, helping, loving and sacrificing now for the sake of where we want to be later.
We Desire To Grow Through Connection
We were made to live lives of connection—with God and with others. We’re better, smarter, healthier, happier, and more fulfilled together. If your only experience of church is to sit in a row in a service, you will hear great sermons and songs, but you won’t tap into the biggest benefit we have to offer—real relationships with other imperfect people just like you. It’s when we step out of the rows we’re in and circle up our lives with others that real growth occurs.
We Desire To Serve First
We’ve all been places where we felt right at home right away. And that feeling it didn’t happen magically all on its own. People created it. They set their needs aside long enough to consider and provide for yours. We want to be these types of people. We don’t cross our arms and demand that the church to cater to all our wants, needs and desires. We aren’t afraid to open our hearts and get our hands dirty to practically take on the work of serving others first.
We Desire To Give
We believe we’re all gifted with unique talents, abilities, and finances. But we don’t just want to utilize them to serve ourselves, or even stop at using them to serve our community. We want to teach and train others how to serve our community with us. We want to impart our knowledge, experiences and expertise to people around us who will hopefully one day duplicate what we did even better than we did it. We believe that all of us should always be investing in somebody else.
THE MISSION OF THE PORT COMMUNITY CHURCH
The Port Church exists to reach every person so they may know God, know community, and know freedom.
THE VISION OF THE PORT COMMUNITY CHURCH
In the next five years, our vision is that God will lead us to plant a series of churches in our community that will be gospel-centered, discipleship-focused, and multiplying, in order to see Jesus Christ radically change the lives of the people throughout our community.
MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS
I have attended or have been through the Membership material. ____ Yes ____ No
I have a personal and public relationship with Jesus Christ. ____ Yes ____ No
I have been baptized by immersion after coming to faith in Jesus Christ. ____ Yes ____ No
I have submitted my written testimony to The Port Church. ____ Yes ____ No
I have signed this membership covenant of The Port Church. ____ Yes ____ No
I understand and agree with the Membership Expectations, Statement of Beliefs, Core Values, Mission, and Vision, and will support and submit to the spiritual guidance of the leadership of The Port Church.
Signature ________________________________________ Date__________________
Covenant Member Information
Name__________________________________________________________________
Address_________________________________________________________________
City__________________________________________State________ Zip__________
Email__________________________________________ Birthday_____/______/_____
Home Number_____________________ Cell Number______________________
Marital Status _____ Married _____Single Gender _____ Male _____Female
_______________________________________________________________________
Spouse Name Birthday Cell Number
_________________________________ ___________________________________
Child Birthday M/F Child Birthday M/F
___________________________________ ___________________________________
Child Birthday M/F Child Birthday M/F
PREVIOUS CHURCH MEMBERSHIP
Church Name____________________________________________________________
City________________________________________________ State ______________
The Port Church Expectations of Membership are birthed out of our love for the church body and its individual members whom we hope will experience the fullness of joy which is found in the presence of the Lord. This document serves three functions:
• To clarify the biblical obligations and expectations for both the elders of The Port Church and the individual members of The Port Church body.
• To establish teaching and doctrinal parameters for The Port Church body.
• To serve as a tool for reflection and growth toward holiness.
Each of these functions is in accordance with the document’s overall vision to provide an accessible explanation of the Scriptures in hopes that The Port Church would grow in the grace and truth of Jesus Christ.
The Port Church Membership consists of a section on the Church, the Statement of Faith, the expectations of The Port Church elders and the expectations of members of The Port Church body.
What Is the Church?
The Church exists for the display of the glory of God because all things exist for His glory. Those of us who trust in and follow Jesus are caught up in something much bigger than ourselves. We have graciously been invited into God’s redemptive purposes in the world.
Since the beginning, God has been creating and calling forth His people for the display of His glory in a grand narrative of redemption and reconciliation. Though creation now suffers the curse of Genesis 3, the gospel is the means by which the world is being made right. The gospel also carries with it the promise of ultimate renewal, a restoration even more glorious than Eden, and thus believers eagerly anticipate the return of Christ. The Church universal (i.e., all believers, everywhere) is the means by which God is fulfilling His purposes in the world (2 Cor. 5:17–20). The Church universal is being used to write God’s beautiful and dramatic story of redemption and reconciliation. In light of this reality, the opportunity to join a local church body (i.e., a particular group of believers in a particular locale) is much more than a commitment to consistent attendance or active involvement in community. It is also a sacred call to be involved in the redemptive work of our sovereign God to push back the darkness of a fallen world through the power of the Holy Spirit with the light of His Son, Jesus Christ.
The Church is the gathering of the redeemed, the household of God (Eph. 2:19), the bride of Christ (Rev. 21:2, 9), and the body of Christ (1 Cor. 12:12–31). 1 Corinthians 12 speaks of many members within the same body. Just as a human body relies upon mutual dependence of individual members for proper functioning, so the body of Christ requires sacrificial and responsible service by its individual members. As the Scriptures say, “The eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I have no need of you,’ nor again the head to the feet, ‘I have no need of you’” (1 Cor. 12:21). Likewise, a member of the church cannot say to another member that he or she is unnecessary. We all have gifts that differ according to the gracious provision of the Holy Spirit (Rom. 12:3–8). Contrary to the beliefs of our culture, we need each other.
Membership at The Port Church is participation in a family, a microcosm of the universal household of God. All members are united to Christ and thus to each other. Unity within the church is expressed in love for God and a love for others, both those within the family and those who are not. Because of the identification of Christ with His church, Christians are expected to display His gospel in a manner which is worthy of Him (Eph. 4:1).
Elders
As shepherds and overseers of a local church, elders are entrusted with protecting, leading, equipping, and caring for the corporate church body and her individual members. The following is a rather extensive overview of the requirements for elders as spelled out within the Scriptures.
The elders are expected...
to appoint elders and deacons (including staff members who serve in these offices) according to the criteria assigned to them in the Scriptures (1 Tim. 3:1–13; Titus 1:5–9; 1 Pet. 5:1–4).
to prayerfully seek God’s will for the church community and steward her resources to the best of their ability based on their study of the Scriptures and following of the Spirit (Acts 20:28; 1 Pet. 5:1–4).
to care for the church and seek her growth in grace, truth and love (Matt. 28:16–20; Eph. 4:15–16; Col. 1:28; James 5:14; 1 Pet. 5:1–4).
to provide teaching and counsel from the whole of Scripture (Acts 20:27–28; 1 Tim. 4:16; 2 Tim. 4:1–5; Titus 2:1).
to equip the members of the church for the work of ministry (Eph. 4:11–16).
to be on guard against false teachers and teachings
(Matt. 7:15; Acts 20:28–31; 1 Tim. 1:3–7; 1 John 4:1).
to lovingly exercise discipline when necessary, for the glory of God, the good of the one disciplined, and the health of the church as a whole (Matt. 18:15–20; 1 Cor. 5; Gal. 6:1; James 5:19–20).
to set an example and join members in fulfilling the expectations of church membership stated below (Phil. 3:17; 1 Tim. 4:12; Titus 2:7–8; 1 Pet. 5:3).
Members
As those who have experienced the grace of a life changed by the gospel of Jesus Christ, we have the opportunity to reflect the character of Christ through the pursuit of certain attitudes and actions and the rejection of others. The Scriptures refer to this reality as “living by the Spirit” (Rom. 8). The Expectations of Membership are in no way intended as an addition to the biblical obligations of a believer. Rather, this document functions primarily as an accessible yet non-exhaustive explanation of what the Scriptures teach about the obedience that faith produces.
I am expected...
to submit to the authority of the Scriptures as the final arbiter on all issues (Ps. 119; 2 Tim. 3:14–17; 2 Pet. 1:19–21).
to pursue the Lord Jesus Christ through regular Bible reading, prayer, fellowship, and practice of spiritual disciplines (Luke 18:1; Acts 17:11; 1 Cor. 9:24– 27; Eph. 5:1–21; 1 Thess. 5:12–22).
to follow the command and example of Jesus by participating in the ordinances prescribed to His Church:
• by being baptized after my conversion.
• by regularly remembering and celebrating the person and work of Christ through communion.
to regularly participate in the life of The Port Church by attending weekly services, engaging
in gospel-centered community, and serving those within and outside of this church (Acts 2:42–47; Heb. 10:23–25; Titus 3:14).
to steward the resources God has given me, including time, talents, spiritual gifts, and finances. This includes regular financial giving, service, and participation in community that is sacrificial, cheerful, and voluntary (Matt. 25:14–30; Rom. 12:1–2; 2 Cor. 8–9; 1 Pet. 4:10–11).
by God’s grace through the power of the Holy Spirit, to walk in holiness in all areas of life as an act of worship to Jesus Christ (1 Pet. 1:13–16, 4:1–3).
Believers should strive to put certain attitudes and actions to death while stirring and stimulating love and good deeds through the Spirit.
to refrain from such activities that the Scriptures would deem foolish (Rom. 14:14–23).
to take seriously the responsibility of Christian freedom, especially actions or situations that could present a stumbling block to another (1 Cor. 8:1–13).
to submit to the discipline of God through His Holy Spirit by:
• following the biblical procedures for church discipline where sin is evident in another—the hope of such discipline being repentance and restoration.
• receiving righteous and loving discipline when approached biblically by fellow believers (Ps. 141:5; Matt. 18:15–20; 1 Cor. 5:9–13; Heb. 12:5–11).
to do the following when I sin:
• confess my sin to God and to fellow believers.
• repent and seek help to put my sin to death (Rom. 8:13; Col. 3:5; James 5:16; 1 John 1:6–10).
to submit to the elders and other appointed leaders of the church and diligently strive for unity and peace within the church (Eph. 4:1–3; Heb. 13:17; 1 Pet. 5:5).
to do the following should I leave the church for righteous reasons:
• to notify the appropriate staff member of the campus I attend.
• to seek another church with which I can carry out my biblical responsibilities as a believer.
The Port Church Statement of Beliefs
The Port Church is a church under the lordship of Jesus Christ. Therefore, we are committed to contending for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints (Jude 1:3). In unity with the historic Christian church, we believe and confess the Apostles’, Nicene, and Chalcedonian Creeds as accurate representations of Scripture’s teaching. In addition to these historic formulations, we are situated within the evangelical, Reformed, and Baptist traditions.
The basic doctrines within The Port Church Statement of Faith represent what we believe to be core elements of biblical teaching. We expect all members of The Port Church to affirm these doctrines.
The theological distinctives within The Port Church Statement of Faith reflect what distinguishes The Port Church from other churches who would affirm the basic doctrines. These distinctives indelibly shape the way that The Port Church is led and the direction the church is headed. We do not expect all members to embrace all aspects of these distinctives, but members should expect that the distinctives will be maintained in all ministry environments at The Port Church, and members may not teach contrary to them.
Doctrine of God
We believe in one God eternally existing as one essence and three distinct persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, each of whom is fully God, yet there is one God.
We believe in one God eternally existing as one essence and three distinct persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Each person is fully, equally, and eternally God, yet there is one God. Each person has precisely the same nature and attributes and is worthy of precisely the same worship, honor, and praise. The entire Christian faith is bound together with the confession of God’s Trinitarian nature (Matt. 28:18–20).
We believe in God the Father, the Creator of heaven and earth. We believe in the Son, God from God, eternally begotten but not made, who in history assumed to Himself a human nature for the sake of our salvation (John 1:14; Heb. 1:3). He is fully God and fully man. Through Him, all things came into being and were created. He was before all things, and in Him, all things hold together by the word of His power (Col.1:15–20). He suffered, died, was buried, resurrected, ascended, and sits at the right hand of the Father until He returns for the final judgment and consummation of the Kingdom. We believe in the Holy Spirit who eternally proceeds from the Father and the Son and is sent by the Father and Son to give new life (John 15:26–27). The Holy Spirit unites believers to Jesus Christ in faith, brings about the new birth, and dwells within the regenerate (Eph. 1:13–14). The Holy Spirit has come to glorify the Son who, in turn, came to glorify the Father. He will lead the Church into a right understanding and rich application of the truth of God’s Word. He is to be respected, honored, and worshiped as God, the third person of the Trinity.
The triune God—Father, Son and Spirit—is the Creator of
all things, visible and invisible. As the immortal and eternal Creator, He sovereignly rules over all of His creation (Ps. 24:1).
Doctrine of Revelation
God has made Himself known to the world in Jesus Christ, the Scriptures, and creation.
We believe that God has made Himself known to His creation. He has revealed Himself to us in His Son, the incarnate Word (Heb. 1:1–2), in Scripture, the inspired Word (2 Tim. 3:16), and in creation (Ps. 8; Rom. 1:20)
We believe that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is the perfect revelation of who God is. Jesus Christ is the “image of the invisible God” (Col. 1:15), “the exact imprint of his nature” (Heb. 1:3) and a perfect reflection of God the Father (John 5:19).
We believe the Scriptures, the 66 books of the Old and New Testaments, are the inspired Word of God and are therefore without error in their original writings. These writings alone constitute the verbally inspired Word of God, which is utterly authoritative and free from error. The Scripture is sufficient for all that God requires for us to believe and do and is therefore to be believed, as God’s instruction, in. all that it teaches; obeyed, as God’s command, in all that it requires; and trusted, as God’s pledge, in all that it promises (Is. 40:6–8). As God’s people hear, believe, and obey the Word, they are equipped as disciples of Christ and witnesses to the gospel (Rom. 10:14–17).
Doctrine of Creation and Providence
We believe that God created the world from nothing and governs all things at all times in all places.
God created the whole world from nothing (Gen. 1:1–2; Ps. 24:1). God’s creative work is the overflow of the love present within the Trinitarian fellowship. Creation, according to the design of God, was good (Gen. 1:3–31).
God doesn’t let the world exist; He makes the world exist. He upholds the universe by the word of His power, and He holds the world together in Himself (Col. 1:17).
Doctrine of Humanity
We believe that all humanity is created in the image of God and possesses intrinsic dignity and worth.
God made humanity—male and female—in His own image (Gen. 1:27–30). Set apart as His image bearers, every human being is sacred. All men and all women, bearing the image of God, are meant to represent God in His creation (1 Cor. 10:31). God declares the created order to be very good, distinguishing men and women as His agents to care for, manage, and govern over it. They enjoy equal access to God by faith in Christ Jesus and are both called to move beyond passive self-indulgence to significant private and public engagement in family, church, and civic life. Adam and Eve were made to complement each other in a one-flesh union in the covenant of marriage that establishes the only God- ordained pattern of sexual relations for men and women. In God’s wise purposes, men and women are not simply interchangeable, but rather they complement each other in mutually enriching ways.
Men and women are absolutely equal in essence, dignity, and value but are distinct by divine design. As part of God’s good created order, men and women are to have different yet complementary roles and responsibilities in the home and church. As it relates to the church, men and women are both expected to lead; however, the office of elder is reserved for qualified men (1 Tim. 3; Titus 1). For more on this distinctive, read our Women in Ministry Statement.
Doctrine of Sin
We believe that sin has fractured all things, leaving the world in desperate need for salvation.
Through the temptation of Satan, humanity transgressed the command of God and fell from their original holiness and righteousness (Gen. 3). Now the entire human race inherits a corrupt nature that is opposed to God and His law (Rom. 3:9–20). Therefore, all humans are under condemnation. This depravity is radical and pervasive. It extends to the mind, will, body, and affections. Unregenerate humanity lives under the dominion of sin and Satan (Eph. 2:1–3). He is at enmity with God, hostile toward and hateful of God.
Doctrine of Salvation
We believe that salvation is by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone.
We believe that, due to universal death through sin, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless born again (John 3:5–8); that salvation is only by grace through faith in the shed blood of Jesus Christ; and that all who receive the Lord Jesus Christ through faith are declared righteous by God and become children of God (Heb. 10:19–25).
We believe the Scriptures teach that regeneration, or the new birth, is that act of God by which the Holy Spirit imparts a new nature and a new spiritual life, not before possessed, and the person becomes a new creation in Christ Jesus (Gal. 2:20). The mind is given a holy disposition and a new desire to serve God, the dominion of sin is broken, and the heart is transformed from a love of sin and self to a love of holiness and God.
Doctrine of the Church
We believe that the Church is the body of Christ sent into the world to shine forth the glory of God.
God, by His Word and Spirit, creates the Church, calling sinful humanity into the fellowship of Christ’s body (1Cor. 12:12–31). By the same Word and Spirit, He guides and preserves that newly redeemed humanity. The Church is made up of those who have become genuine followers of Jesus Christ and have personally appropriated the gospel. The Church exists to worship and glorify God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The ministry of the Church is an extension of the ministry of Jesus in the power of the Spirit.
The ultimate mission of the Church is to bring glory to God by making disciples (Matt. 28:18–20). The Church is called to make disciples through worship, prayer, teaching of the Word, observance of the ordinances, fellowship, the exercise of our gifts and talents, and the proclamation of the gospel both in our community and throughout the world.
We believe there are two ordinances of the Church. One is believer’s baptism in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and the other is the Lord’s Supper.
Water baptism is only intended for those who have received the saving benefits of Christ through the new birth of the Holy Spirit. In obedience to Christ’s command and as a testimony to God, the Church, oneself, and the world, believers are baptized by water in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Water baptism is a visual and symbolic demonstration of a person’s union with Christ in the likeness of His death and resurrection. It signifies that a former way of life has been put to death and vividly depicts the release from the mastery of Satan, sin, and death.
As with water baptism, the Lord’s Supper is to be observed only by those who have become genuine followers of Christ. This ordinance symbolizes the breaking of Christ’s body and the shedding of His blood on our behalf and is to be observed repeatedly throughout the Christian life as a sign of continued participation in the atoning benefits of Christ’s death. As we come to the table with an attitude of faith and self-examination, we remember and proclaim the death of Christ, receive spiritual nourishment for our souls, and signify our unity with other members of Christ’s body.
Doctrine of Resurrection and Consummation of the Kingdom of God
We believe that Jesus Christ is returning to the world in the future to judge the living and the dead.
The consummation of all things includes the future, physical, visible, personal, and glorious return of Jesus Christ, the resurrection of the dead and the glorification of those alive in Christ, the judgment of the just and the unjust, and the fulfillment of Christ’s kingdom in the new heavens and the new earth. In the consummation, Satan, with his hosts and all those outside Christ, is finally separated from the benevolent presence of God, enduring eternal punishment (Rev. 20:7–15), but the righteous, in glorious bodies, will live and reign with Him forever, serving Him and giving Him unending praise and glory. Then the eager expectation of creation will be fulfilled, and the whole earth shall proclaim the glory of God, who makes all things new (Rev. 21:1–5).
THE CORE VALUES OF THE PORT COMMUNITY CHURCH
We Desire To Be Family
We don’t want people to feel like guests around here for long. We want to invite them into the family. We realize family can be a dirty word for some due to their upbringing. But, through His church Christ teaches us how to become a healthy family, linked together by our dependence on Jesus. Family members enjoy all sorts of benefits, but they also accept their responsibilities. They take ownership of their house, siblings, values. It’s personal. When you’re family, church isn’t just a place you sometimes go, it’s a group of people and a set of values you devote yourself to.
We Desire To Be Diverse
If you could stroll up the street from our campus into a restaurant full of people that wouldn’t feel welcome at our church, we believe we’re doing it wrong. We want to be a place where the entire cross-section of our community feels loved, wanted and accepted—regardless of the color of their skin, the number of commas in their income, the way they dress or talk, the past experiences they’ve had, or the hurts, habits, hang-ups, and addictions that may currently exist in their lives.
We Desire To Be A Place Of Refuge And Restoration
We believe everyone has a built-in desire to live in harmony with God and find acceptance inside a loving community that genuinely cares about them. We believe that God placed you in proximity to the people in every area of your life to demonstrate the love of Jesus, invest in their lives and invite them to be a part of a caring community. We don’t sit back and hope God will send someone along to do what he’s called us to.
We Desire To Do Whatever It Takes To Reach People
We want to reach those no one else is reaching. And to attract people who aren’t attracted to what already exists, you’ve got to step out and try some new things. That’s why we do many things in non-traditional ways. We’re not interested just doing what’s always been done just to keep people we already have. We’re interested in connecting the disconnected and guiding them to pursue God.
We Desire To Be Healthy Disciples
A commitment to grow is a commitment to consistently step out of what’s comfortable. Most healthy habits aren’t easy or comfortable at first. But we commit ourselves to them because we know the results are worth it. That’s why we aren’t afraid of pushing ourselves out of our comfort zones to grow ourselves and our church by showing up, serving, giving, helping, loving and sacrificing now for the sake of where we want to be later.
We Desire To Grow Through Connection
We were made to live lives of connection—with God and with others. We’re better, smarter, healthier, happier, and more fulfilled together. If your only experience of church is to sit in a row in a service, you will hear great sermons and songs, but you won’t tap into the biggest benefit we have to offer—real relationships with other imperfect people just like you. It’s when we step out of the rows we’re in and circle up our lives with others that real growth occurs.
We Desire To Serve First
We’ve all been places where we felt right at home right away. And that feeling it didn’t happen magically all on its own. People created it. They set their needs aside long enough to consider and provide for yours. We want to be these types of people. We don’t cross our arms and demand that the church to cater to all our wants, needs and desires. We aren’t afraid to open our hearts and get our hands dirty to practically take on the work of serving others first.
We Desire To Give
We believe we’re all gifted with unique talents, abilities, and finances. But we don’t just want to utilize them to serve ourselves, or even stop at using them to serve our community. We want to teach and train others how to serve our community with us. We want to impart our knowledge, experiences and expertise to people around us who will hopefully one day duplicate what we did even better than we did it. We believe that all of us should always be investing in somebody else.
THE MISSION OF THE PORT COMMUNITY CHURCH
The Port Church exists to reach every person so they may know God, know community, and know freedom.
THE VISION OF THE PORT COMMUNITY CHURCH
In the next five years, our vision is that God will lead us to plant a series of churches in our community that will be gospel-centered, discipleship-focused, and multiplying, in order to see Jesus Christ radically change the lives of the people throughout our community.
MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS
I have attended or have been through the Membership material. ____ Yes ____ No
I have a personal and public relationship with Jesus Christ. ____ Yes ____ No
I have been baptized by immersion after coming to faith in Jesus Christ. ____ Yes ____ No
I have submitted my written testimony to The Port Church. ____ Yes ____ No
I have signed this membership covenant of The Port Church. ____ Yes ____ No
I understand and agree with the Membership Expectations, Statement of Beliefs, Core Values, Mission, and Vision, and will support and submit to the spiritual guidance of the leadership of The Port Church.
Signature ________________________________________ Date__________________
Covenant Member Information
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