Mission

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It has been a distinct pleasure to have you as a part of our Village Bible Church family. Over the last year God has used you and the rest of our church family to impact the Kingdom in many ways. Together, we have seen God do marvelous things in our midst and look forward to what He will do in 2014. As you know, at the start of every year, members are asked to affirm their annual commitment to another year of service and dedication to our church family. Remembering what scripture has called us to as brothers and sisters in Christ and again affirming we are in this together – thus re-membering! Our membership commitment is the document that all members sign to express our commitment to this local body of believers and our desire to pursue the Lord together. The commitment clarifies the biblical obligations of the members and the church to each other as well as our commitment to our doctrinal statement and teaching positions. Our hope is that it serves as a tool for reflection and growth toward holiness. The commitment is 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. The primary purpose of this commitment is to serve as a teaching document with five functions: 

To remind us of our biblical obligations and expectations as part of a community of believers.

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To establish teaching and doctrinal parameters for the church body.

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To serve as a tool for reflection and growth toward holiness – encouraging us to live in humble reliance upon the Holy Spirit as we seek to honor and submit to God.

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To create an environment that draws others toward maturity in Christ and involvement in His Kingdom. To remind us on a yearly basis of these things, following the examples of reminders we see throughout scripture, recognizing that we are ‘prone to wander’ as the hymn writer proclaims.

Mission Aurora | Español | Indian Creek | Sugar Grove | IL 630-466-7198 www.villagebible.org

To love Jesus to the point of transformation To love each other to the point of sacrifice To love our neighbor to the point of action

As a member, you are part of a collection of highly invested people within Village Bible Church who deeply resonate with Village’s purpose and core values. You are a “minister” of Village who is at the forefront of God’s plans for our present and our future – being one who is inspired, commissioned and encouraged to continue using your unique gifts for God’s Kingdom. God built many reminders into the life of Israel – think of all of the Old Testament festivals that were meant to remind the people of God’s goodness and to serve as a continual call to faithfulness to the one true God. In the New Testament it is common to find reminders as well – especially in the letters. For example, Paul tells Titus to remind the people of Crete what it means to live a Godly life (Titus 3). In a similar way, we come together as committed members of God’s local church to affirm these commitments. Because our human nature is prone to wander, it is always good to be reminded of the things God calls us to. While our membership commitments do not contain all of the instruction scripture lays out for Godly living, it does encapsulate much of it – especially the ways scripture instructs us to live as a community of believers. Our hope this year is that before you sign your commitments for 2014 you would take time to read through them again. That you would look up some of the scripture references that are footnoted. That you would prayerfully consider where God would want to grow your obedience to His commands and your own commitment to your fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. (The entire commitment document can be found at the welcome center or online at: www.villagebible.org/commitment) Also, since the majority of the commitments are “one-another” in nature, last year we decided to take a community approach to the process. That was received very well, so again this year we’ve placed the commitments on a big piece of paper that has room for us to all sign together on the same document. Then we will hang it back up on the wall as an ongoing reminder of our commitments to each other. You will have the opportunity to reaffirm these commitments and thus your membership by signing the community version of this document at the annual meeting or on one of the four Sunday mornings following the annual meeting. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to give one of us a call. Your local elder team.

p.s. Every year, as an elder team we also make commitments before God to lead and shepherd His people (you!) in a way that honors and pleases Him – being faithful to the Biblical call that we serve under. We’re including a copy of those commitments so you can see them and help to keep us accountable!

2014

Membership Commitment By the members of Village Bible Church Our Commitments to One Another in the Sight of God As a follower of Jesus Christ, it is my sincere desire to unite with this church in membership. God, by His grace alone, has led 1 2 me to repent of my sins and believe in Jesus Christ, trusting Him alone as my Savior and Lord. I have confessed my faith and 3 have been baptized. Therefore I joyfully and thoughtfully enter into a bond of mutual upbuilding,4 fellowship5 and 6 accountability with the other members of this body. I recognize that I will be part of a larger group of believers who are together making this commitment to each other. The church is not just one person but it is a group of people who are called to love each other and relate to each other in a way that is faithful to scripture. Even though I know my sin nature will cause me to fail at times, it is the desire of my heart to love the Lord God with all my heart, soul, mind and strength, and to love others as He loves me. Therefore, in humble reliance upon the Holy Spirit and with help from my fellow brothers & sisters in Christ, I intend to the following: 1.

7 I will faithfully participate in worship, prayer, study, fellowship and the ordinances of baptism and communion. I will strive 8 to use my spiritual gifts for the common good. Through my involvement, and even sacrifice, I will endeavor to illustrate to my family and to a watching world the immense significance of life in the body of Christ.9

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I will endeavor to diligently train myself and my family in the discipline and instruction of the Lord, seeking to develop Christian character, knowledge and skills.10

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I will strive to accept and fellowship with all members, regardless of race, gender, background, social status or level of education, since all are of equal value in Christ.11

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I desire to pursue peace with all people, and especially with other believers, striving to be slow to take offense and eager to reconcile.12 I will strive to shun gossip and divisive words, knowing that they are destructive to Christian fellowship.13

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I will seek the salvation of my family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, acquaintances and people of all nations.

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I will endeavor to live a life that is above reproach. I will strive to be just and honest in my dealings and faithful in my 14 responsibilities and commitments. I will abide by the standards of sexual purity and ethical integrity taught in the Bible.

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I will seek the preservation of marriage, knowing that God hates divorce, and will submit to biblical regulations regarding divorce and remarriage.15

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16 17 I will endeavor to watch over the other members in love, as they watch over me. I will strive to remember them in prayer, 18 19 20 help them in sickness and distress, promote their spiritual growth, restrain them from sin and stir them up to love and good deeds.21

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I will endeavor to be a faithful steward of my time, talents, treasures and testimony. I will contribute cheerfully and regularly to this church for its general ministry and expenses, the relief of the poor, the cause of reformation and revival 22 and the spread of the Gospel throughout the world.

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10. If I am called by God and affirmed by this congregation to serve in a leadership capacity, I will strive to faithfully and responsibly shepherd God’s flock here at Village Bible Church in accordance with the guidelines set forth in God’s Word and in the role set forth in our church constitution. 11. As the leaders of this church faithfully and biblically shepherd this flock, I will respectfully follow and submit to them, 23 trusting and supporting their leadership and God’s appointment of them to their role. 12. I will submit to the church's discipline upon myself and lovingly assume my responsibility to participate in the discipline of 24 other members, as taught in Scripture. If I am offended in connection with a disciplinary matter, I will seek resolution within the church as laid out in the VBC Relational Commitments. I will not initiate or pursue civil legal action against the church in response to its disciplinary measures.25

2014

13. I acknowledge that implicit within this commitment is the consent to be governed by the Relational Commitments of this church that address peacemaking and reconciliation, accountability and church discipline, marriage and divorce, counseling and confidentiality, and the protection of our children. A 14. I will be in full agreement with the VBC Statement of Doctrine. I will also abide by the policies and procedures of the church constitution.

15. I will work toward doctrinal unity with a humble and teachable spirit,27 showing a willingness to be taught according to the VBC Statement of Doctrine and the VBC Teaching Positions which this church believes to be an accurate summary of biblical truth. If I teach within the church, I will do so in a manner that is faithful to the VBC Statement of Doctrine and the VBC Teaching Positions.28, A Where there is disagreement or a lack of understanding regarding doctrinal convictions, I will ask questions and engage in edifying discussion. I will reject all heretical beliefs and practices, using Scripture as the final 29 authority. 16. I will remain faithful to this church in membership. Should I ever sense that God is directing me elsewhere, I will have an honest dialog with an elder to share the reasons for my decision. If I must leave, I will strive to unite with another Bible30 believing church. In summary, I will strive to love the Lord my God with all my heart, soul, mind and strength, and to love others as Christ loves 31 me. I will not allow my weaknesses and failures to deter me from my intention to abide by these Christian standards. I will pursue holiness through genuine repentance and persevering faith in the One to whom I owe all obedience for time and eternity, the Lord Jesus Christ.32

Membership Commitment References 1

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Matthew 4:17; Mark 1:15; Luke 13:1-5; Acts 2:38; 17:30; 26:20; 2 Corinthians 7:10 John 3:16; Acts 4:12; 16:30-31; Romans 10:9-10 Matthew 28:19; Acts 2:38; 8:36-38; 10:47-48 Romans 14:19; 1 Corinthians 12:7; 14:26; Ephesians 4:16, 29; 1 Thessalonians 5:11 Acts 2:42; 1 Corinthians 1:9; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Ephesians 4:1-3; Philippians 2:1-4 Proverbs 27:17; Matthew 18:15-17; Galatians 6:1; 2 Thessalonians 3:6, 14-15; James 5:16; 2 John 8 Matthew 28:19; Luke 22:14-20; Acts 2:41-47; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26; Hebrews 10:24-25 Romans 12:3-8; 1 Corinthians 12:4-7, 18-27; Ephesians 4:11-16 Matthew 6:19-21, 24-26; 16:24; Hebrews 10:24-25; James 4:1-5; 1 Peter 2:9-10; 1 John 2:15-17 Deuteronomy 6:4-7; Proverbs 22:6; Ephesians 6:4; 1 Timothy 4:7; Hebrews 5:13-14; 1 Peter 2:1-3; 2 Peter 1:5-11; 3:17-18 Romans 10:12; Galatians 3:26-28; James 2:1-5 Matthew 5:23-24; Romans 12:18; 14:19; 1 Corinthians 13:4-7; Colossians 3:12-15; Hebrews 12:14; James 1:19-20 Proverbs 6:16-19; 10:19; Romans 16:17; Ephesians 4:29, 31; 1 Timothy 5:13; Titus 3:10-11; James 3:6-10 Proverbs 10:9; Micah 6:8; Matthew 5:16, 37; Luke 16:10; 1 Corinthians 6:18; 2 Corinthians 6:3; Galatians 5:22; Ephesians 4:25; 1 Thessalonians 4:3-7; Titus 2:6-8; Hebrews 13:4 Malachi 2:16; Matthew 5:31-32; 19:3-9; Mark 10:2-12; Luke 16:18; 1 Corinthians 7 1 Corinthians 10:24; Galatians 6:1-2, 10; Philippians 2:4

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2 Corinthians 1:11; Ephesians 6:18; Philippians 1:19; 1 Thessalonians 5:25; James 5:14-16 Matthew 25:34-40; Romans 12:13, 15; Galatians 6:2, 10; Philippians 4:14; 1 John 3:16-18 Titus 2:1-15; Hebrews 5:12-14; 2 Peter 3:17-18 Proverbs 24:11; Galatians 6:1; 1 Timothy 5:20; James 5:19-20 Ephesians 2:10; Titus 2:1-10; 3:8, 14; Hebrews 10:24; 13:16 Malachi 3:8-10; 2 Corinthians 8:1-7; 9:6-7; Philippians 4:18 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13; 1 Timothy 5:17-20; Hebrews 13:7, 17 Matthew 18:15-17; 1 Corinthians 5; 2 Thessalonians 3:6, 14-15; 1 Timothy 5:20 1 Corinthians 6:1-8 Matthew 9:36-38; 28:18-20; Romans 10:14-15; 1 Corinthians 9:19-22; 2 Corinthians 5:18-20; 1 Peter 3:15 Psalm 133:1; Romans 15:5-6; 1 Corinthians 1:10; 2 Corinthians 13:11; Ephesians 4:1-6; Philippians 2:2 Ephesians 4:11-14; 1 Timothy 4:16; Titus 1:9, 2:1; Hebrews 13:17; James 3:1 Isaiah 8:20; Acts 17:11; 2 Corinthians 11:3-4; Galatians 1:6-9; 1 Thessalonians 5:21; 1 Timothy 1:3-4; 3:15; 6:3-5, 20-21; 2 Timothy 2:15-18; 4:3-4; Hebrews 13:8-9; 2 John 9-11; Jude 3 Proverbs 3:5-6; 11:14; 12:15; 15:22; 18:1; 19:20; 20:18; 24:6; 1 Corinthians 12:18; Philippians 2:3-4; Hebrews 10:24 Mark 12:28-31; John 13:34-35; 1 Corinthians 13:1-3; 1 John 3:16-19; 4:7-21 Matthew 5:6; Philippians 3:12-14; Hebrews 12:1-4; 1 Peter 1:14-19 Available at the church office or online at www.villagebible.org/distinctives

2014

Sugar Grove Campus 2014 Meeting Schedule January 24

Annual Meeting (Dinner at 6:30 pm, Meeting 7:30-9:00) An opportunity for fellowship and to celebrate together some of the things God has done in our midst over the past year while also looking ahead to 2014.

May 12

Family Forum Meeting (Dinner at 5:00 pm, Meeting 6:00-7:30) A time of open dialog with the elders and ministry leaders to discuss ministry, opportunities and ideas.

August 24

Family Forum Meeting (Dinner at 5:00 pm, Meeting 6:00-7:30) A time of open dialog with the elders and ministry leaders to discuss ministry, opportunities and ideas.

December 7

Budget Discussion Meeting (3:00 pm) The draft 2015 budget will be presented by elders and stewardship team for discussion with members

January 24 Annual Meeting Please join us for worship, fellowship, vision casting, and interaction with God’s work through our church and ministry partnerships. Covenant members will also vote to affirm officers.

Agenda  

Ministry Updates, Plans, Budgets (If you missed the December budget meeting, the 2014 budget and information can be accessed here as of January 12: www.villagebible.org/annualmeeting.) Vote for officers (see below)

Proposed Changes/Renewals to the Officers of Village Bible Church, Sugar Grove Campus As announced publicly in December, the elders of Village Bible Church have spent much time and prayer in consideration of new elders and officers. They propose the following individuals to serve in roles of office Village Bible Church, Sugar Grove Campus. If you have a concern about any potentially disqualifying factors, we would strongly encourage you to speak personally with the nominee(s). If your concern is not resolved, we ask that you approach a member of the Guiding Elder Team and share your concern. Additionally, active members who wish to recommend someone for the position of elder may do so by completing the form found at the welcome center and online: www.villagebible.org/elderrecommend. An affirmation vote of active members will take place on Friday, January 24, 2014, during our annual meeting. Absentee ballots can be completed in person at the Sugar Grove church office during regular office hours (9:00 am - 5:00 pm) Thursday or Friday, January 23 or 24, 2014, or requested by mail prior to January 13, 2014 and returned with a postmark prior to January 20, 2014.

New Elders Tim Friesma - 1 year term through 2014

Chad Duncan - 1 year term through 2014

RENEWING Elders Al Gonnerman - 1 year term through 2014

Darin Malone - 2 year term through 2015

Treasurer Sue Fair - one-year term through 2014

Clerk Missy Kirkland - one-year term through 2014

Ongoing ELDERS Other officers whose terms have not expired and who will continue to serve: Kevin O’Brien (term runs through 2014)

Mario Arindaeng (ongoing term as a staff pastor) Keith Duff (ongoing term as a staff pastor)

Jon Pilkington (term runs through 2014)

Tim Badal (ongoing term as a staff pastor)

The Ministry of Elders Proper biblical government by elders strengthens the church, and the biblical norm for church leadership is a plurality of God-ordained elders. The New Testament Scriptures give examples of local churches being led by a plurality of godly men called elders. These elders functioned as members of teams, rather than as individuals, in directing the affairs of local congregations. Elders in New Testament times served as the spiritual leaders of their congregation and were given the ultimate authority and responsibility to ensure that their church remained on a Biblical course and that its mission was carried out. In light of this biblical teaching, Village Bible Church is led by elders who focus their efforts on meeting the spiritual needs of individual church members. The strength, health, productivity and fruitfulness of a church directly reflect the quality of its leadership. Under the plan God has ordained for the church, leadership is a position of humble, loving service. Those who would lead God's people must exemplify purity, sacrifice, diligence and devotion. And with the tremendous responsibility inherent in leading the flock of God comes potential for either great blessing or great judgment. Good leaders are doubly blessed; poor leaders are doubly chastened, for "from everyone who has been given much, much will be required" (Luke 12:48). James 3:1 says, "Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly." And of greatest weight, elders are held accountable before God for the spiritual health of the people of their church (Hebrews 13:17).

What are the qualifications of an elder? The following is a list of the biblical qualifications that an elder must possess. No elder will be a perfect man, but if he is clearly and persistently lacking in any of these qualities, he cannot serve in the church as an elder. An elder must be:

1. above reproach (lit. "blameless") 1 Tim. 3:2; Titus 1:7. This qualification is the summation of all of the rest. It means that there is nothing in his life that would justify a legitimate accusation of misconduct or call his character into question.

5. of good behavior (respectable, orderly) 1 Tim. 3:2. The opposite of the Greek in this case is chaos (utter confusion). An elder’s outward behavior must demonstrate decency, orderliness, and self-control.

2. the husband of one wife (lit. "a one-woman man") 1 Tim. 3:2; Titus 1:6. Whether a man is single or married, he must be living a sexually pure life. For a married elder, it also means that he must be faithfully devoted to loving his wife (Ephesians 5:25; 1 Peter 3:7).

6. hospitable (lit. "one who loves strangers") 1 Tim. 3:2; Titus 1:8. An elder must be one who shows genuine kindness and hospitality, not only to the members of his church, but also to people he does not know well.

3. temperate (moderate, not given to excess) 1 Tim. 3:2. In all areas of life, an elder must be calm, well-balanced, careful, and sane—one who at all times is capable of clear thinking and sound judgment. 4. sober-minded (a sensible, serious person) 1 Tim. 3:2; Titus 1:8. This does not mean that an elder may not laugh or joke or play. It means he leads a disciplined life, not allowing frivolous activities to distract him from more serious and important concerns.

7. a lover of what is good (lit. "one who is inclined to do good") Titus 1:8. Closely related to hospitality, an elder must be one who not only loves the concept of goodness, but also is prone to doing good to others. 8. able to teach (lit. "skilled in teaching") 1 Tim. 3:2; Titus 1:9. There is no biblical requirement that an elder have a formal education, but he must be an able teacher and defender of the truth (cf. 2 Tim. 2:2, 24; 2:15; Titus 2:7-8).

9. not addicted to wine (lit. "not known as a drinker" or "not addicted to wine") 1 Tim. 3:3; Titus 1:7. Though not an absolute prohibition, this is a serious warning that an elder cannot be preoccupied with alcohol or known as a drinker. Due to abuse, however, it may be advisable for elders to abstain from alcohol altogether in order to avoid offense or damaging influence (cf. Romans 14; 1 Corinthians 8).

19. having his children in submission with all reverence (having obedient, respectful, faithful children) 1 Tim. 3:4-5; Titus 1:6. The children of an elder must not have a reputation for uncontrolled behavior or insubordination. Additionally, an elder must not be a harsh or brutal man, but must maintain order in his family through loving leadership, consistent biblical training, and proper discipline.

10. not violent (lit. not "a giver of blows," or "a striker") 1Tim. 3:3; Titus 1:7. An elder must be a man who solves problems and settles disputes peacefully, using persuasive words and calm demeanor, not his fists or other weapons.

20. not a novice to the faith (not a new or immature believer) 1 Tim. 3:6. An elder must be a mature believer, especially in relation to others in his particular church. If even a capable man is elevated to the position too rapidly, he will battle with pride.

11. gentle (patient, gracious, forgiving) 1 Tim. 3:3; 2 Tim. 2:24. An elder must not be a man who holds a grudge or is slow to forgive. He must be one who will patiently bear with those who are needy, difficult, reluctant to change, or slow to learn. 12. not quick-tempered (he must be slow to anger) Titus 1:7; James 1:19-20. Anger in itself is not always a sin. There is a righteous sort of anger. An elder, though, must be a man who recognizes and controls his own propensity to become angry. 13. not quarrelsome (not argumentative) 1 Tim. 3:3; 2 Tim. 2:24-26; James 3:13-18. He must be a man who will defend the truth strongly, but in a peaceable manner. He must not be one who allows himself to become embroiled in hostile disputes or petty arguments. 14. just (righteous or upright) Titus 1:8. He is a man who is known for doing what is right. He lives a life of practical righteousness, trying to reflect God’s view in every decision he makes. 15. holy (lit. "devout" or "set apart to God") Titus 1:8. An elder must be firmly committed to God and His Word. He must be faithful to the ministry and to biblical doctrine, not one who gives in to social, political, or religious pressure to compromise. 16. self-controlled (or self-disciplined) Titus 1:8. He must be a man who is disciplined in terms of his response to physical desires for food, pleasure, comfort, money, sleep, sex, or anything else which could cause him to stumble. 17. not covetous (not a lover of money) 1 Tim. 3:3; Titus 1:7; 1 Peter 5:2. An elder cannot be motivated in the ministry by financial gain or greedy in his lifestyle. He is a man who will trust the Lord, be content with what is provided, and be thankful. 18. one who rules his own house well (a good manager and leader) 1 Tim. 3:4; Titus 1:6. An elder must have proven himself a godly loving leader of his wife (if married), a good manager of his children (if he has children), his personal finances, and his household in general.

21. He must have a good testimony among those who are outside (well respected even by unbelievers in the community) 1 Tim. 3:7. An elder must have a consistently good testimony in all places and with all people (aside from those who would persecute him or accuse him falsely), even outside the church. He must be just, honest, peaceable, and loving in every context. 22. He must serve, not by compulsion, but willingly and eagerly (he must desire to serve) 1 Peter 5:2; 1 Tim. 3:1. Elders must not be pressured into service if it is not their personal desire to serve in this capacity. An elder’s desire to serve must be God-given and his motives pure. 23. not self-willed (not anxious to control others or to have his own way) Titus 1:7; 1 Peter 5:3. An elder must not be a man who is anxious to dominate or control others. He must be a team-player, realizing that while he is a shepherd, he is also one of the sheep. 24. an example to the flock 1 Peter 5:3; Titus 2:7. An elder will not be perfect, but he must be a man who will lead the church, by instruction and example, according to God’s Word. 25. If a man is married, his wife “must be reverent, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things;” (1 Timothy 3:11). Additionally, she must “be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good thingsthat they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed." Titus 2:3-5. Further details on the qualifications and role of an elder as well as the steps for recommending an individual for the role of elder can be found in the VBC Distinctive entitled, The Ministry of Elders. www.villagebible.org/distinctives