Membership Booklet

 15. The Second Coming of Christ We believe that the second coming of Christ is personal and imminent (1 Thessalonians 4:16,17). 16. Church Relationship We believe it is our sacred duty to identify ourselves with the visible church of Christ (Acts 16:5; Hebrews 10:25). 17. Civil Government We believe that rulers should be upheld at all times except in things clearly opposed to the will of God (Romans 13:1-­‐5). 18. The Final Judgement We believe that all shall stand some day before the judgement seat of God; and there receive eternal life or death (2 Corinthians 5:10). 19. Heaven We believe that heaven is the glorious eternal home of born-­‐again believers (John 14:1-­‐3; Revelation 7:15-­‐17). 20. Hell We believe that hell is the place of eternal torment for all who reject Christ as the Saviour (Revelation 20:10,15). 21. Evangelism We believe that soul winning is the most important responsibility of the Church (James 5:20). 22. Tithes and Offering We believe that the method ordained of God for the support and spread of His cause is by the giving of tithes and free-­‐will offerings (Malachi 3:10; 2 Corinthians 9:7). Membership Booklet Kimberley
Foursquare
OUR PURPOSE: Loving God. Loving Others. What does that mean? We believe that God first loved us (1 John 4:19) and therefore our purpose is to respond to that love by loving Him and loving others. Jesus said, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart…and love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:29-­‐31). We believe we are supposed to love God with a reckless abandon and we are to love others the same way that Jesus did. OUR GOAL: Our Goal is to be a people who are loving God through intentional disciple making and loving people through authentic community that strengthens our familial relationship. OUR VALUES: LOVING GOD We love God by valuing…. 1. Word of God: We are committed to knowing, teaching and obeying the Bible. The Bible is our authority for what we believe and how we act. We are committed to reading the Word of God daily personally and corporately. 2. Worship: Worship is our heartfelt response to God’s love. We pursue intimacy with God through passionate praise and strong, Spirit-­‐led worship. 3. Prayer: We believe that prayer is an essential and indispensable part of our relationship with God. We believe that prayer should overflow into every aspect of our relationship with God and others. 4. Holy Spirit: We believe in living a Spirit-­‐filled life and allowing the Holy Spirit’s presence to lead, guide, teach, transform and empower us. Page 2
4. The Plan of Salvation We believe that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us, signing the pardon of all who believe on Him (John 3:16; Romans 5:8). 5. Salvation Through Grace We believe that we have no righteousness and must come to God pleading the righteousness of Christ (Ephesians 2:8). 6. Repentance and Acceptance We believe that upon sincere repentance, and a whole-­‐hearted acceptance of Christ, we are justified before God (I John 1:9). 7. The New Birth We believe that the change which takes place in the heart and life at conversion is a very real one (2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 2:20). 8. Daily Christian Life We believe that it is the will of God that we be sanctified daily, growing constantly in the faith (Hebrews 6:1). 9. Baptism and the Lord's Supper We believe that baptism by immersion is an outward sign of an inward work (Matthew 28:19). We believe in the commemoration of the Lord's Supper by the symbolic use of the bread and the juice of the vine (1 Corinthians 11:24,25). 10. Baptism of the Holy Spirit We believe that the baptism of the Holy Spirit is to endow the believer with power; and that His incoming is after the same manner as in the Bible days (Acts 2:4). 11. The Spirit-­‐Filled Life We believe that it is the will of God that we daily walk in the Spirit (Ephesians 4:30-­‐32). 12. The Gifts & Fruit of the Spirit We believe that the Holy Spirit has gifts to bestow upon the Christian; and that we should show spiritual fruit as evidence of a Spirit-­‐filled life (1 Corinthians 12:1-­‐11; Galatians 5:22). 13. Moderation We believe that the experience and daily walk of the believer should never lead him to extremes of fanaticism (Philippians 4:5). 14. Divine Healing We believe that divine healing is the power of Christ to heal the sick in answer to the prayer of faith (James 5:14-­‐16). Page 11
difference between laymen, priests, princes or bishops, not in their spiritual status, but only in their function in the Body of Christ". The idea is not superiority, but service. Luther was saying that lay persons should view themselves as being truly ministers and priests. He was also saying that the clergy and pastors of churches differ in function, that is, what they do, not who they are. It was the apostle Paul who said, "And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of service (ministry), to the building up of the body of Christ." (Ephesians 4:11-­‐12) According to this passage we pastors have one task, and that is to equip God's people for service. The pastors are to prepare the saints, you, for service and ministry, to build up the body of Christ. Our purpose or function as pastors is to help God's people find their area of ministry according to their gifts, so that they live a more complete and fulfilling life in Christ. Imagine the coach of a football team not using his gifted athletes and trying to win the game on his own. The church can be compared to a football team. Christ is the owner, the pastors are the coaches, and the laity are the players. Pastors and clergymen are to be like coaches, equipping, training, and motivating the players, the church. We need you. You have special and unique talents and gifts designed by God to serve Him. Our desire is to provide avenues whereby you can be used by God to accomplish great things by His power. Yes, it takes commitment and teamwork, but the growth and results you will see will be lasting and significant. WHAT THE FOURSQUARE GOSPEL CHURCH BELIEVES 1. The Holy Scriptures We believe the Bible is God's inspired Word (2 Timothy 3:16,17). 2. The Eternal Godhead We believe God is triune: Father, Son and Holy Ghost (2 Corinthians 13:14). 3. The Fall of Man We believe that man was created in the image of God, but that by voluntary disobedience he fell from perfection (Romans 5:12). Page 10
LOVING OTHERS We love others by valuing… 1. Authenticity: We value being real people not religious people. We value authenticity, transparency and integrity in our relationships with one another because genuine love comes from genuine people. 2. Family: We value building strong marriages and families where God’s Word is taught and where Christ-­‐likeness is modeled. 3. Church: We value the church as a community of people who are committed to building one another up in Christ. We are committed to being a genuine community of people who are loved, valued, empowered and held accountable. 4. World: We believe in God’s transformative love and are compelled to share it with others. We use our God-­‐given resources and creativity to reach out to a broken and lost world with the message of Jesus Christ. Page 3
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FOURSQUARE GOSPEL CHURCH I. DOCTRINE A. We Believe… …The Bible is the inspired Word of God; God is triune – Father, Son and Holy Spirit; Man fell through disobedience; Christ died for our sins; Salvation is by grace; In a daily relationship with Jesus; In Water Baptism by immersion; In the regular celebration of the Lord's Supper; In Divine Healing; That the Second Coming of Christ is both imminent and personal; In the final judgement; In heaven and hell; That the church is responsible to evangelize all the world; In tithes and offerings to do the work of the ministry. B. The meaning of the name "Foursquare" This incorporates the four major phases of the Foursquare Gospel. (See enclosed brochure) We worship Jesus as: 1. The SAVIOUR of the World 2. The BAPTIZER with the Holy Spirit 3. The HEALER 4. The soon coming KING II. CHURCH STRUCTURE A. International The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel was founded by Aimee Semple McPherson in Los Angeles, California. This anointed evangelist came across the term "Foursquare" to describe the gospel in 1922 and the following year she founded Angelus temple in Los Angeles. Although beginning as a movement, the Foursquare Gospel soon became a denomination which now reaches into more than 90 countries worldwide. B. National The Foursquare Gospel Church of Canada had its beginnings as a part of the Northwest District of the North American Church in 1928. Canada Page 4
Failure to comply with the Constitution and Bylaws of the Corporation. PROCEDURE 1. Prior to dismissal, the Pastor and spiritual leadership as directed by the pastor, shall counsel the member. 2. When counselling has been ineffectual in bringing about the necessary changes, the matter shall be discussed with the General Supervisor. 3. The written approval of the General Supervisor is necessary for dismissal. "EVERY MEMBER A MINISTER" In keeping with this philosophy, one of the requirements for membership in Kimberley Foursquare Fellowship is that you are involved in some type of ministry. "For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function, so we who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. And since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let each exercise them accordingly". Have you ever thought of yourself as a minister? Unfortunately many of us have not. Maybe we're like the person who responded to a lay ministry questionnaire by cheerfully reporting three ministries: 1. attendance at Sunday morning worship; 2. attendance at Sunday evening worship; and 3. attendance at a midweek Bible study. Of course attendance is important, but it is not the same as ministry. Ministry is involvement in other's lives. It is having spiritual influence on others. Church is a battleship and not a yacht; it is about serving on a crew member instead of enjoying the service as a passenger. Satan loves a content, uninvolved, lukewarm Christian. That sort of Christian is absolutely no threat, and he will not contribute to the advancement of God's Kingdom. However, in Christ's church there is something for everyone to do! God has specially designed each of us for ministry. It doesn't matter whether we're a man or woman, young or old, skilled or unskilled, rich or poor. There is no racial, gender, financial, social or political preference. We are all ministers! Then why do we have pastors and clergymen? What is the difference? Martin Luther gave an excellent answer. He said, "There is really no Page 9
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1:5-­‐8) Must be committed to supporting the church with their tithes and offerings. Must be involved in some type of ministry. C. Privileges of Membership Active Members have the following privileges: 1. Membership in the Foursquare Gospel Church of Canada. 2. Representation in the affairs of the Corporation by representative vote. 3. Voting privileges in the local church upon attaining 18 years of age. 4. Eligibility for elective office upon attaining 21 years of age. 5. May serve the local church in elective or appointive capacity. D. Transfer of Membership Members of any Foursquare Gospel Church may transfer their membership to any other Foursquare Gospel Church. 1. The member shall request a letter from the pastor of the church he is leaving that confirms membership status. 2. The letter shall be presented to the pastor of the Foursquare Gospel Church where membership is desired. 1. 3. Transferred members shall be formally introduced to the church during a public service. 3. Members who wish to transfer their membership outside of the Foursquare Gospel Church of Canada may request a letter of recommendation from the pastor. E. Dismissal From Membership A member may be dismissed from membership if, in the considered opinion of the pastor, church leadership and the General Supervisor, he evidences any of the following: 1. Willfully unchristian or unscriptural conduct. 2. Willfully functioning contrary to the best interests of the Church. Page 8
became its own district in 1965 under the direction of Dr. Roy Hicks Sr. and then in 1982 the Foursquare Gospel Church of Canada became a national church which is a legally recognized denomination in Canada. It now consists of eight units which include Atlantic, Ontario, Saskatchewan/Manitoba, Rocky Mountain/Prairie, North Country (B.C., Alberta), Interior (B.C.), Vancouver Island and Greater Vancouver. In addition to its work within Canada, the Foursquare Gospel Church of Canada partners with Foursquare Missions International in ministry to over approximately 140 countries around the world. C. Kimberley Foursquare Fellowship (KFF) Kimberley Foursquare Fellowship was planted out of New Life Foursquare Church in Cranbrook under the leadership of Jason and Patricia Silver. KFF had its humble beginnings as a house church and for the next nine years continued to move and outgrow several locations before finally moving into the Platzl, where we are currently. When the Silvers moved on in 2014, Tyler and Elizabeth Jorgensen were called to come and lead the church as the new Pastors. Page 5
III. CHURCH GOVERNMENT We have a modified-­‐Episcopal governance model. Which means we are a leader-­‐led movement not a congregationally led movement. A. National Board -­‐ This is the legal administrative and governing body for the Foursquare Gospel Church of Canada. The selection of its members is subject to ratification by church delegates at the National Convention. B. President -­‐ This position acts as the Executive Director for the National Board and is appointed by the same. This position oversees the Unit Supervisors and is hired by the National Board. C. Unit Supervisors -­‐ These oversee the Unit Pastors and are appointed by the President. D. National Team Coordinators -­‐ Are appointed to oversee each of the following ministries; church planting, pastoral care, missions, prayer, and youth. E. Pastors -­‐ These are appointed by the President in consultation with the Unit Supervisors and the Church Council. F. Leadership Team / Eldership -­‐ This core group of leaders are appointed by the Pastor and help to oversee the spiritual needs of Kimberley Foursquare Fellowship. G. Council -­‐ Administers the temporal affairs of the local church and is elected or ratified by the local membership. IV. CHURCH MEMBERSHIP A. Why Join the Church? One of the most frequently asked questions relating to the topic of church membership is, "Why should I join the church, anyway? After all, it makes no difference -­‐ I can still go to church and participate in all the activities without feeling tied down or committed." The last word in the quote is the first reason to join the church -­‐
COMMITMENT. Church membership is a step of commitment in which Page 6
the dedicated Christian expresses through both word and deed that Jesus Christ is Lord and Master in their life. This commitment involves several areas of a Christian's life: * Commitment to God -­‐ Matthew 22:37 * Commitment to personal growth -­‐ Philippians 3:14 * Commitment to ministry -­‐ Ephesians 4:11,12 The key to a Christian's successful commitment lies in accountability to the local church and its leadership. (Hebrews 13:17; Matthew 18:15-­‐17; I Thessalonians 5:12,13). Without this accountability it is too easy to falter. But with the loving support, encouragement and challenge of the leadership and congregation, each person can not only maintain, but grow in their Christian commitment. There is a second reason to join a local church membership, and that is RELATIONSHIP. There is no such thing as "Lone Ranger" Christianity. We, "as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ." (1 Peter 2:5) We are being built together as a spiritual house for the work of ministry. "So we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another." (Romans 12:5) We complement one another with our different and unique talents and abilities as we join together as a team. Each one of us has a very important function within the body and together we are able to accomplish great things for the glory of God. COMMITMENT AND RELATIONSHIP -­‐ these are the two primary reasons a Christian should join a local church. Yes, you receive the right to vote at the annual business meeting, but the true spirit of church membership lies in the things of the heart. B. Requirements of Membership 1.
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Must know Jesus Christ as personal Saviour and Lord. Must have been baptized in water by immersion since accepting Jesus as Saviour. Must endeavour to live an overcoming Christian life. Must subscribe to the Declaration of Faith. Must be willing to comply with the Constitution and Bylaws of the Foursquare Gospel Church of Canada. Must either have received the baptism of the Holy Spirit according to Acts 2:4, or be earnestly seeking this gift. (Acts Page 7