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DISTINCTIONS
I John 1:3
Vision Statement is a concise statement of purpose, direction, functions, means, and ministries of Fellowship Chapel.
Our Shepherding vision is one of focused serving, loving, and caring concern of this "Family" through monthly personal contacts. These contacts allow for ministering, serving, teaching, loving, encouraging, informing, and meeting the needs of the family through prayer, counseling, and financial assistance. It is an open means of communication for families to relate their needs, concerns, comments, praise, and prayer requests to the church leadership. All members are aligned with an elder and a deacon to humbly serve the interests of Christ in them. It is our desire to assist the work of the Holy Spirit in each family member; nourishing them through the word of God and prayer to the end that each may grow in the grace and the knowledge of God Almighty resulting in loving God with all of our heart. Flowing out of loving God, we would "one-another" for His glory.
One Anothering Ministry is the over-all concept of the body caring for the body. We seek to maintain a network of volunteers who primarily assist the widows and single moms of the church with needs beyond their abilities and resources. It may include advice on a major purchase, repair or maintenance of a household item or an automobile. We also provide meals for the sick, funeral arrangements, or new mothers, and assist with transportation needs. The good Samaritan ministry may come into play here as well.
Communion is regularly celebrated but not on a set schedule. It is our entire worship service as opposed to a scheduled addition to it. It is a celebration of our loving Savior's sacrificial death for our sins and His resurrection as our future hope.
A Plurality of Elders is our method of leading (governing) our body of believers. We view Jesus Christ as the Great Shepherd and head of the church. Elders as under-shepherds are called and are responsible to respond to Christ's interests under the direction of the Holy Spirit. In practice, we accept the unanimous agreement of the counsel of elders as confirmation of the Holy Spirit's moving and the will of God. All decisions and interpretation are decided by the entire counsel of elders. In matters where there is not unanimous agreement among the elders, the matter is tabled until a later date for reconsideration.
Deacons are spiritual men called along side of the elders to assist in the work of oversight in our families, facilities, and the finances of the church. Deacon input is sought and valued in the shepherding process but the elders are held accountable to God for their oversight of the body. All in leadership are to be humble examples of a willing and servant's heart, not lording over the body.
The relationship of the body to the leadership should be one of prayerful support, submission to Biblical authority, doctrine, and discipline. We recognize the unique potential of each believer through the gifts of the Holy Spirit to complete the local body of believers. The recognition and use of these gifts by each member is viewed as vital to the functioning of our body as we serve the living Lord Jesus. The participation of each member in the ministry of Fellowship Chapel is a necessity if we are to glorify God to the fullest measure. Endeavoring to maintain the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace, we care for, honor, teach, admonish, pray for and live in harmony with each other. All members are to pray and work to maintain the purity and peace of the church in their belief and behavior concerning doctrine, authority, morals, and discipline.
Programs are not used to meet the needs of the body at Fellowship Chapel. We depend upon the Holy Spirit to raise up members with the desire and gifts to minister in the areas of need. We have ministries to prisoners through our Progressive Restorative Program, to senior adults of the church through our Seasoned Saints Ministry, to those in need both in and outside the body through our Good Samaritan Ministry. Our men minister to children through our VBS held during summer evenings and assist in the nursery during our services.
Home Fellowship groups meet in individual homes primarily for small group fellowship. The structure of the group activities depends upon the interest of its members, and may include a Bible study, personal prayer needs, discipleship, study and discussion of Christian books, sharing thoughts concerning the sermon or other topics of interest, and of course refreshments.
The Men's Ministry functions to meet the needs of the men in the body. It meets once a month for fellowship, sharing, praise, prayer, guest speakers, instruction, and discussion of relevant topics for men.
The Tape ministry provides tapes of the worship service and special functions upon request at no charge. They are viewed as an extension of the ministry and open to all. Mailing is available.
Tithes and offerings are accepted privately using a collection box located at the rear of the auditorium. We do not pass a collection plate. We have purposed to operate within the God provided resources by faith. We believe this protects against operating against His will and ahead of His timing. We will not borrow any monies to build, expand, or support endeavors of the church.
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