Core values being covered: Discipleship, Community/Connect Groups, Getting everyone involved in ministry
Discipleship
Investing in one another deeply will happen through discipleship. We want to see: You investing in people and you being invested in.
Discipleship is teaching biblical guidelines, while modeling and guiding others toward living righteously as followers of Jesus Christ. This should be a cyclical process—meaning once we are discipled, we are to disciple others, and so on.
One of the most important characteristics of being a disciple (a student or pupil), is to develop an intimate relationship with God through Christ rather than just learning about Him. Discipleship equips the Christian with God’s Word, prayer, doctrine, worship, encouragement, and service.
In addition, discipleship training is also about relationship with others. Relationships are developed through devotions, care, and by encouraging each other toward living with Christ-like characteristics in our everyday lives. Very often the best disciple makers share from experience and testimonies of their own journeys. Telling others what following Christ has done for one personally can have great impact on those who are yearning for the same kind of transformation in their lives. This is a vital part of discipleship.
We engage personally in discipleship when initiating relationships for the purpose of helping others look more like Christ. Instead of being a one-time event like salvation, discipleship is an ongoing process, a journey through which we transfer what we have gained in our relationship with Christ (up to this point) to another person.
We should never quit learning and growing in our walk with Christ. Just as the New Testament disciples who chose to follow Jesus, we too should continually learn and grow stronger in our personal relationship with Him.
So how can you and your family be discipled? There are lots of opportunities such as Connect Groups for adults, Wednesday night classes for youth and kids and more. To find out more details about what’s currently being offered, stop by the Welcome Home Booth and ask!
Investing in one another deeply through discipleship and getting everyone involved in ministry.
How to get involved:
- Identify where you fit. Take a spiritual gifts test here in the next section.
- Fill out the ministry application attached to the end of the GROW packet.
- When you are done with GROW we will contact you for a “get to know you” meeting. Our staff will run your background check and someone on our team will reach out to you to train and get you involved in the right ministry.
Some of you already know where you want to serve and know what your spiritual gifts are, so you are more than welcome to skip this section. However, if you feel this assessment will serve you, it will take you about 15 minutes to complete.
Take the Spiritual Gifts Test
Now that you’ve identified your primary spiritual gifts, we want to help you use those gifts to live out God’s purpose for your life.
Question 6:
Our desire is that you utilize the Spiritual Gifts test results to place you and us find a place where you best fit when you desire to start serving at Manhattan First. Unity is important to being a part of the Manhattan First Family, and in our efforts to maintain unity, here are some expectations we have of every person who wants to volunteer here at the church.
Serving at Manhattan First Expectations:
1. Daily cultivates an intimate relationship with God though prayer, bible study, and a lifestyle of worship
2. Faithfully attends Manhattan First
3. Supports Manhattan First consistently through tithes and offerings
4. Has a genuine desire to serve and minister to other people
5. Leads, motivates, and teaches other people
6. Creates positive group dynamics and resolves conflict within the group
As an essential part of the Manhattan First serving family, you have a responsibility to develop and exhibit mature Christian behavior. This should be the basic premise of your desire to participate in a volunteer position here at Manhattan First. While serving the Body of Christ as a servant-leader at Manhattan First, you should strive to demonstrate biblical standards in all situations.
As Christians, the way we represent ourselves to others is of vital importance to the way others perceive Christ. Our conduct should never be contrary to the Gospel, but should exemplify the best qualities of a mature believer and servant-leader. Exemplifying this commitment, Manhattan First leaders are to maintain a disciplined life of Bible reading, prayer, and fasting. You must also refrain from things such as:
- All behaviors which might cause the Holy Spirit to grieve and others to stumble
- Profanity
- Smoking or chewing tobacco
- Gambling addiction
- Indulging in alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs
- Social Media/Internet impropriety
- Pornography
- Sexual Immorality
- Causing disunity
Lastly, we would like to go over our Abuse Policy. By reading this and completing GROW, you are affirming that in any such case you see or hear of abuse, you will report it to the current leadership quickly. A statement is provided below:
“I understand that Manhattan First Church is a safe place for children and vulnerable adults and that Manhattan First complies with all Federal and State laws regarding reporting suspected child abuse. As a member of the Manhattan First Serving Team, I understand that suspected abuse is to be reported to the pastor who oversees the area in which I serve.
I understand it is not my responsibility to investigate and in no instance will I confront a parent or caregiver if abuse is suspected. As a member of the Manhattan First Serving Team, I agree to comply with this policy and will report any suspected abuse to a pastor who oversees the area in which I serve. “
