partnership

Epicenter Church :: 4801 Long Beach Blvd. Long Beach, CA. 90805 :: 562.423.4423 :: info@epicenterchurch.com

follow us on

Why Should I Become a Partner?

I. The Church is God's Idea

The Old Testament put emphasis on the Temple, the house of the Lord, as the

centerpiece in the lives of God's people. The New Testament writers clearly

assume that every Christian will be a part of The Church.'

The word Church' is used approximately 115 times in Scripture. Out of 27 books in

the New Testament, 10 were written to the local churches, 2 about the beginning of

the Church History, 6 to Church Leaders and Pastors.

II.Christ loved the Church and is committed to building the Church.

Read Ephesians 5:25, 27 "[25] Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also

loved the church and gave Himself for her, [27] that He might present her to

Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she

should be holy and without blemish." If Christ loved The Church' and gave Himself

for Her, then it's unreasonable to think that Christians should be indifferent or

estranged from the Church.

Read Matthew 16:18 "And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I

will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it." If Christ is

committed to building the Church, then it's unreasonable to think Christians should

not be committed to building and growing the Church.

III.The Bible's attitude about Church attendance and involvement can be seen in the following Psalms:

Psalms 122:1 "I was glad when they said to me, 'Let us go into the house of the

LORD.' " Our attitude should be glad and excited to come to church

Psalms 27:4 "One thing I have desired of the LORD, That will I seek: That I may

dwell in the house of the LORD All the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the

LORD, And to inquire in His temple." Our attitude is to make a life-long habit of

attending church.

Psalms 108:3 "I will praise You, O LORD, among the peoples, And I will sing

praises to You among the nations." Our attitude is to come together to Praise and

give thanks to God.

Psalms 111:1 "Praise the LORD! I will praise the LORD with my whole heart, In the

assembly of the upright and in the congregation." Our attitude is to come into the

congregation praising God with our whole heart.

IV.Church is a place for...

Us to grow and mature as Christians. Psalms 92:13 "Those who are planted in the

house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God."

Us to fellowship, gather with other believers. Hebrews 10:25 "Do not forsake

the assembly..."

Uniting ourselves together as a witness and influence to our city.

Us to offer up corporate Praise and Worship in the congregation. Psalms

111:1 "I will praise you in the congregation"

You to get equipped to fulfill the work of the ministry. Ephesians 4:12 "For the

equipping of the Saints"

You to receive prayer from the elders of the Church. James 5:14 "Call for the

Elders of the Church"

You to be taught the Word of God. Romans 10:17 "Faith comes by hearing the

word of the Lord."To use our gifts. Romans 12:6-8 "We have different gifts,

according to the grace given to us"

Epicenters Partnership Covenant

1. I will protect the unity of my church

...by acting in love toward others,

...by refusing to gossip and

...by following the leaders.

“So let us concentrate on the things which make for harmony,and on the

growth of our fellowship together.” (Romans 14:19 PHILLIPS)

“Have a sincere love for other believers, love one another earnestly with all your heart.” (1 Peter 1:22 TEV)

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs.” (Eph 4:29)

“Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be no advantage to you.” (Heb. 13:17)

2. I will share the responsibility of my church

...by praying for its growth,

...by inviting the unchurched to attend and

...by warmly welcoming those who visit.

“To the church...We always thank God for you and pray for you constantly.” (1 Thess. 1:1-2 LB)

“The Master said to the servant, ”Go out to the roads and country lanes, and

urge the people there to come so my house will be full.” (Luke 14:23 NCV)

“So, warmly welcome each other into the church, just as Christ has warmly welcomed you; then God will be glorified.” (Rom. 15:7 LB)

3. I will serve the ministry of my church

...by discovering my gifts and talents,

...by being equipped to serve by my pastor and

...by developing a servant’s heart.

“Serve one another with particular gifts God has given each of you.” (1 Peter 4:10 PHILLIPS)

“[God] gave...some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.” (Eph. 4:11-12)

“Each of you should look not only to your own interests but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who...[took on] the very natureof a servant.” (Phil. 2:3-4,7)

4. I will support the testimony of my church

...by attending faithfully,

...by living a godly life and

...by giving regularly.

“Let us not give up meeting together...but let us encourage one another “

(Heb. 10:25)

“Whatever happens, make sure that your everyday life is worthy of the gospel of Christ.” (Phil. 1:27 PHILLIPS)

“Each one of you, on the first day of each week, should set aside a specific sum of money in proportion to what you have earned and use it for the offering.” (1 Cor. 16:2 LB)

“A tenth of [all your] produce...is the Lord’s, and is holy.”(Lev. 23:30 NCV)