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Metaphor of Membership For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit. For the body does not consist of one member but of many. If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, yet one body. 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.” On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. 1 Corinthians 12:12-27

Updated: May 2017

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Know If you had to give up one of your senses (sight, smell, taste, touch, or hearing), which would you choose to be without? How would it change your life to be without this “body part”? _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________

How does the body illustration in this passage relate to our interactions within the church? _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________

What does it mean for the body of Christ to work together? _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________

What does it mean when the passage says, “the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable?” What examples illustrate this observation? _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________

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Study As children in God’s family, we belong to each other, and we need each other. God doesn’t want His children to live in isolation. This is one reason Jesus Christ established His church on earth: it is a living fellowship in which His children can worship Him in unity, witness His grace together, and encourage one another in truth. You might think of it as a community where God’s people share the same future, the same Word, the same love for Christ, the same concern for a lost world, and the same desire to glorify God. It is an idea emphasized throughout Scripture with the phrase “one another”—used over forty times in the New Testament. One of the first symptoms of a weakening relationship with the Father is a believer’s carelessness about relationships with God’s people. “Not forsaking the assembly of ourselves together” is a commandment from God (Hebrews 10:25), and we should obey it. Little do we realize the destructiveness of isolated living. Isolation results in the detriment of others, the weakening of our relationship with God, and the impoverishment of our own life. The first Christians realized the danger of being alone, so they “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers” (Acts 2:42). The blessings of living in authentic community were recognized by Solomon, one of the wisest men to ever live: “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!...And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12). Here’s the point: the Christian life is not an individual sport! Uncommon community means we are connected to one another—defining how we interact with one another. Uncommon community involves sharing ourselves with others. This is the foundation upon which we build real fellowship with both God and man.

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Be Why is it so easy for us to live life alone? What keeps us from intentional interaction with other people? _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________

Think of a time when you felt a deep sense of belonging among a group of people. What were the contributing factors to that belonging? What made the interaction so special? _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________

1 Corinthians 12 warns against any part of the body considering itself either less important or more important than the others. How have you been tempted to think of yourself as either less or more important? _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ Living life together is what we call “Uncommon Community,” and we believe it is defined by the “one anothers” in Scripture: • Love one another • Forgive one another • Serve one another • Submit to one another • Encourage one another • Be devoted to one another

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Do Living life together is not always easy, but we are parts of the same body. In light of that, where do you see a need for growth in “one another” living in your life? _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________

Are you a selfish person? In what relationships are you tempted to be selfcentered? _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________

In what situations are you tempted to seek isolation and independence when you should be seeking community and interdependence on other church members? _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________

Since you are an important member of the body of Christ, what are you doing to help the body of Christ function more effectively? How is your participation in our body “indispensable”? How is our church “indispensable” to you? _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________

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Membership at Harvest Bible Chapel Davenport The Bible doesn’t say much about formally expressing our commitment to one another in the body of Christ, but the idea of commitment is certainly there. All of us have a longing for belonging—a desire to be a part of a family. Upon receiving salvation, we immediately became a part of the body of Christ. Identifying with the local body comes with a responsibility to be a functioning member, meaning that “if one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together” (1 Cor 12:26).

Membership is: • A necessary means of identifying the flock • A tangible demonstration of a spiritual reality • A public expression of a personal commitment • A valuable means of sanctifying our lives In the following pages, you will explore, study, and wrestle with doctrinal topics specific to Harvest Bible Chapel—Davenport, as well as understand the importance of membership to the local church. After completing this booklet and the Membership Application, you will have an opportunity to discuss any questions or observations with an Elder or Pastor, thereby completing the membership process. Thank you for your continued involvement at Harvest Davenport! May God continue to bless you as you grow and serve Him.

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Scripture We believe the Scriptures of the Old Testament and New Testament to be verbally inspired by God and inerrant in their original writing. We believe the 66 books of the Old Testament and New Testament are God’s completed and sufficient revelation for the total well-being of mankind. Read 2 Timothy 3:16-17. From these verses, how should Christians view the Bible? _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________

Why is Scripture necessary? _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________

Read 2 Peter 1:3. How does believing in the sufficiency of the Bible impact the way Christians read the Scriptures? _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________

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God We believe that the Godhead eternally exists in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit; and that these three are one God, having precisely the same nature, attributes, and perfections, and worthy of precisely the same worship, confidence, and obedience (Mark 12:29; John 1:1-4; Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 4:3-4). We believe in the only true God (John 17:3), the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19-20). He created all things (Revelation 4:11) and upholds all things by the Word of His power (Hebrews 1:3). In Him we live and move and have our being (Acts 17:28). He is a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is He (Deuteronomy 32:4), and He shall judge the world (Psalm 9:8).

Read John 4:24. What is God like? What are some other attributes of God? _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________

Read Hebrews 4:14-16. What is the significance of Jesus coming to earth as fully man and fully God? _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________

Read John 14:15-17 and Ephesians 1:13-14. What is the work of the Holy Spirit? _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________

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Church Government After Reading Titus 1:5-9 and 1 Timothy 3:1-7, what are three qualifications of Elders? _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________

After reading Acts 6 and 1 Timothy 3:8-12, what are three qualifications of Deacons? _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________

Read 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13, 1 Timothy 5:17, and Hebrews 13:7. Based on these passages, how are we to relate to those placed over us in leadership? _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ Elders The Scriptures show that the elders serve by leading and that their responsibility involves the spiritual oversight of the congregation. Elders at Harvest are responsible for doctrine, direction, and discipline. All elders are equal in authority but not necessarily equal in influence. Deacons The Bible teaches that deacons lead by serving. The qualifications for elders and deacons are the same regarding an individual's character, but they differ in aptitude. Deacons are men who serve under the leadership and direction of the elders. In doing so, they are primarily responsible for congregational care, hands-on finances, and distributing benevolence.

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Baptism Scripture shows that a person was baptized after personally receiving forgiveness of sin through accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of his / her life. The waters of baptism are a symbol of our death, burial, and resurrection to newness of life that happens when we become a new creation in Christ (Romans 6:1-5; 2 Corinthians 5:17). Read Romans 6:1-5. How do the words or phrases show a connection between a believer and Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection? _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________

Communion Communion is the commemoration by believers of Christ's death, and a reminder of the Savior's broken body and shed blood. It is a time of remembering Christ’s work of salvation on our behalf, a time of celebrating our new life in Christ, a time of self-examination, and a time of confession of our sin. (1 Corinthians 10:14-17; 1 Corinthians 11:23-32). Read 1 Corinthians 11:23-32. What does it mean to take communion in an unworthy manner? What are the consequences? _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________

How should you prepare yourself for communion? _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________

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Charismatic Movement Harvest Bible Chapel is a conservative, evangelical, non-charismatic fellowship that welcomes all who know Jesus Christ as their Savior and all who are seeking Him. Those who claim to possess the gift of tongues and other sign gifts are welcome to worship and fellowship with us if they are willing to be a source of unity rather than division within our church body. We believe that the Christian life is supernatural and that the Lord continues to perform miracles. We also believe that current displays of the gift of tongues distract from the main task of the local church, and we request that individuals worshiping with us refrain from the use and display of the gift of tongues in all public settings and gatherings. Current displays of the gift of tongues: • Give unwarranted prominence to the gift, which is described in the New Testament as being only one of many spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12). • Emphasize speaking in tongues as the primary manifestation of the Spirit’s work in a person’s life, while minimizing His work in producing a holy life that displays the fruit of the Spirit (2 Timothy 1:8-9; Galatians 5:22). • Often suggest that speaking in tongues is a required proof of being Spiritfilled or of possessing salvation in Christ, even though the Scriptures do not teach this. Read 1 Peter 4:10-11. What is the purpose of spiritual gifts? _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________

Do you believe you have the gift of tongues? If so, are you willing to reserve it for your private prayer life? _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________

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Counseling Philosophy Harvest Bible Chapel's model for biblical counseling is called Biblical Soul Care. The Lord changes lives and accomplishes His purposes directly through reading and applying the Word of God, meditating on the truths of the Bible, and prayer. The Lord also uses those who minister His Word as they encourage, exhort, admonish, edify, implore, reprove, rebuke, and console others toward godliness. We believe that no matter how insightful, intelligent, or capable an individual may be, we all have blind-spots in our application of what we believe and affirm in our daily living. Only the God of the Scriptures can explain causes and offer solutions that lead to godliness and a fruitful, joyful life. God has given us everything we need for life and godliness—2 Peter 1:3. He changes us as we discipline ourselves through obedience to the Word of God in the power of the Holy Spirit (1 Timothy 4:7; 2 Peter 1:5-11). The Christian who correctly learns and applies the Word becomes mature, and in turn, can help others mature in their walk with Christ (2 Timothy 2:2). To help untangle the difficulties and blind-spots spots in our application of what we believe and affirm, God has supplied us with a context (the local church) and a companionship (other brothers and sisters in Christ) to experience together life transformation. This transformation process often involves a journey to unearth deeper issues of belief, values, motivations, and desires which underpin the struggles being faced. This life-changing journey is best supported in the context of Biblical community, and thus is why we require everyone coming to Biblical Soul Care to attend with an advocate. In Biblical Soul Care we strive to provide careful assessment, biblical insight, community involvement, and practical planning in an atmosphere of grace and truth (John 1:14; Ephesians 4:15). We also seek to answer and respond to the tough questions people are asking about life, relationships, and God. We believe the gospel alone reconciles us to God and provides the power to experience healing in relationships, freedom from sins and enslavement, and the hope for new beginnings.

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Church Planting We believe it is the aim, duty, and privilege of every believer and the local church to glorify God by responding as active participants in the Great Commission call of Jesus Christ to go and make disciples of all nations. We believe the primary focus and priority of this call is centered on efforts that establish, strengthen, and reproduce biblically-based churches, which will then plant churches that plant churches for future generations and God's glory. As such, we are a part of Harvest Bible Fellowship—committing ourselves to an ongoing ministry of extending the call of Christ to make disciples around the world (Matthew 28:19-20). For more information, visit Harvest Bible Fellowship’s website at: http://www.harvestbiblefellowship.org/

Read Matthew 28:19-20 and Isaiah 43:5-7. What is the mission of the church? _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________

What is your role in the mission of the church? _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________

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Women in Ministry Harvest Bible Chapel affirms the God-ordained, significant role that women play in establishing and serving the local church. Every leadership opportunity is open to women except those roles excluded by Scripture. The Scriptures clearly state that men are to serve in the offices of Elder and Deacon, and that women are not to serve in church positions in which they exercise authority over men or in which they teach doctrine to men (1 Timothy 2:12; 1 Timothy 3:1-2; Titus 1:6-9). This distinction of leadership within the church is not an issue of equality, for men and women are equal under God. However, the Bible is clear that men and women do not have the same roles. Qualified women should serve in any leadership position that is not forbidden in the Scriptures.

What role can women fill in ministry? Circle all that apply: a. Guest preacher for weekend services b. Women’s table leader in Women’s Ministry c. An Elder at her local church d. Director over women’s events / ministries

Read 1 Timothy 2:12. What are the only prohibitions given in the Scriptures regarding the roles of women in ministry? _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________

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Membership Says I belong here. And God says that believers belong together (Hebrews 10:23-25). • I sense that God wants me here with the people of Harvest Bible Chapel at this time in my walk with Christ, and I want to make a public declaration that I am committed to God's work through this church. I affirm, believe, and support the teaching of this church. And God says the believers had all things in common including devotion to the Apostles' teaching (Acts 2:42-47). • I desire to associate with people of like mind and conviction, and to embrace the authority of God's Word in my life and the life of the church. I share the same ministry goals as Harvest. And God says that believers are to be committed to one another for the sake of spiritual impact (Ephesians 4:16). • I believe that Jesus has a work to do in Davenport and around the world, and I am willing to join with others who have the same vision to see that it gets done. I accept responsibility for a group of fellow believers in the family of God. And that is God's plan as well (Galatians 6:1-2, 10). • I want to be part of a caring network of people, sharing one another's joys and sorrows, and helping one another grow through worship, Bible study, and fellowship. I am accountable to mature brothers and sisters in Christ for my walk with God. And God warns against spiritual autonomy (Hebrews 13:17; Matthew 18:15-20). • I want to receive the guidance, equipping, and assistance necessary to remain on target, and I do not want to go it alone in standing for Jesus Christ. I accept responsibility for how things are done here. And God says that is how it should be (1 Corinthians 12:20-27). • Elders, deacons, and other church leaders are called from within and serve the congregation. I believe every member needs to contribute their unique gifting and passion to contribute to a healthy body.

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Membership Means • I will be a functioning church member • I will be a unifying church member • I will not let the church be about my preferences and desires • I will pray for my church leaders • I will lead my family to be healthy church members • I will treasure church membership as a gift

Membership Commitment • I have, by God’s grace, become a follower of Jesus Christ, and I have been baptized as a visible way of demonstrating that commitment. • I will, with God’s help, seek to maintain my consistent disciplines of prayer, Bible study, quietness with God, and worship attendance. • I will, with God’s direction, pursue an active role in building up the body of Christ at Harvest Bible Chapel through service and ministry. • I will, with God’s strength, earnestly love my brothers and sisters in Christ both in word and deed; and will, when personally offended, speak lovingly and directly with those involved. • I will, with God’s provision, financially support the ministries of Harvest Bible Chapel by faithfully giving back to the Lord a biblical portion of my increase.

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Membership Requirements • Profess Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior • Be baptized as a believer • Attend Step 2 - Harvest Essentials class • Watch Pastor Rob’s sermon on church membership

Go online: Resources|Sermons - Biblical Principles for the Church from Jan 9/10, 2016

• Complete the membership application and Step 3 - Harvest Membership booklet. Turn them in to the Welcome Center (during church services) or to DeLaine Lanman at the church office (M-F from 8:00am-5:00pm). • After completing these requirements, the church will contact you to schedule a “Get to know you” session with one of our elders or pastors. Check all that Apply: I have watched Pastor Rob’s Sermon on church membership I have read through this packet and am in full agreement I have read through this packet and still have questions

Questions _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________

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“Get to Know You” Meeting Our church leadership would like the opportunity to individually build a relationship with you. After you have completed all the requirements for membership and turned them in (to either the Welcome Center or DeLaine Lanman at the church office) you will be contacted and scheduled for a meeting with one of our elders or pastors. Be prepared to tell your story about coming to Harvest and a little bit more of what Jesus Christ is doing in your life today. This is also a good opportunity to ask your leadership any questions you may have about Harvest. What is the best way to contact you to set up the “Get to Know You” meeting? Name __________________________________________________ Best time to call you? ______________________________________ Email __________________________________________________ Phone __________________________________________________

This booklet will be returned to you in your “Get to Know You” meeting.

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