Encouraging Each Other

Visitor or Member?

The “advantage” of being a visitor is that one can be a “guest” at the church week after week, and free to participate in the life of the congregation only to the extent he or she chooses. What could be more care-free, especially in this era when folks are less willing to make commitments of any kind?

But our spiritual life is all about commitments: God’s commitment to us in Christ, our commitment to him, and our commitment to others both inside the Church and outside in the rest of the world Faith automatically involves us in numerous commitments we’ve never perhaps even considered before!

Church as the Body of Christ

That’s because the Church is the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12). It’s not a corporation or institution or even a voluntary association. It is the assembly of all

those whom the Holy Spirit calls to faith and discipleship.

Our Expectations

We don’t make any demands on each other. But our Lord certainly does! “Continue in my word,” “feed the hungry,” “teach all nations,” “abide in me,” “love your neighbor as yourself,” “forgive from your heart,” “pray for your enemies,” etc.

We need each other’s continual encouragement to live out our calling as part of the mission of Christ.

When new members are received into the congregation, this is the promise they are asked to publicly make:

“Do you intend to continue in the covenant God made with you in Holy Baptism: to live among God’s faithful people, to hear his Word and share in his supper, to proclaim the good news of God in Christ through word and deed,to serve all people, following the example of our Lord Jesus, and to strive for justice and peace in all the earth?”

That’s a mighty big promise and commitment! And we need all the help we can get (both from God and each other) to fulfill it.

Here are some of the ways in which we as a church try to fulfill that promise as a community of committed Christians:

REGULAR WORSHIP – We expect to see each other in worship every week. Of course people leave town or get sick or sometimes have other legitimate reasons for missing. But not for very long.

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION – We expect everybody to be growing in the faith through Bible study and other opportunities for Christian education. Our children will be in Sunday School or other educational programs. Our adults will be reading the Bible on their own, and also joining others in forums for spiritual growth.

FELLOWSHIP – We expect to get to know one another as fellow members of this particular Christian family. That means setting aside time to join in congregational activities which foster stronger personal relationships among the members. A strong sense of community is important to us.

SERVICE – We expect to work side-by-side in charitable causes and that all members will use their God-given talents and gifts in service.

EVANGELISM – We expect everyone to be welcoming and inviting to others looking for Christian community.

CHARITABLE COMMUNICATION – We expect members to be open and honest in their conversation, but to be charitable as well, “speaking the truth in love.” As the church we are also called upon by our Lord to be compassionate and forgiving.

FINANCIAL SUPPORT – Although we don’t say it very often (or too loudly) we expect members to support the work of the congregation and the mission of the Church at large according to their ability. We at Galilean emphasize “proportionate giving,” that is, offering a percentage of our household income.