What are Migratory Christians?
Birds aren’t the only creatures to migrate. Many Christians have adopted this nomadic lifestyle too. If migratory Christians are in an environment that becomes cold (for example, through a personal conflict) they move on to another church. Or if another church appears to offer better bread (better music, programs, etc.), these birds fly south. Commitment to one location isn’t an option for migratory Christians. They are always looking for better vistas. They are consumers.
Birds aren’t the only creatures to migrate. Many Christians have adopted this nomadic lifestyle too. If migratory Christians are in an environment that becomes cold (for example, through a personal conflict) they move on to another church. Or if another church appears to offer better bread (better music, programs, etc.), these birds fly south. Commitment to one location isn’t an option for migratory Christians. They are always looking for better vistas. They are consumers.
All Christians Begin as Consumers
Every Christian begins as a consumer, just as every infant does. But eventually, Scripture expects believers to mature and begin serving others.
"By this time you ought to be teachers, but you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food!" Hebrews 5:12
Unfortunately, in most churches, 20% of the people are serving the 80% who simply come to eat. Our hope, of course, is to get everyone maturing and growing in willingness to serve.
Every Christian begins as a consumer, just as every infant does. But eventually, Scripture expects believers to mature and begin serving others.
"By this time you ought to be teachers, but you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food!" Hebrews 5:12
Unfortunately, in most churches, 20% of the people are serving the 80% who simply come to eat. Our hope, of course, is to get everyone maturing and growing in willingness to serve.
Switch Churches with Purpose
Not everyone switches churches with their own needs in mind. The Browns are a great example of believers moved by God’s mission. Brad and Kim Brown have strong ties with St. Mark’s. Kim’s family has been with St. Mark’s since its earliest days. Kim was baptized and confirmed there. Brad attributes his growth in Christ to the ministry of St. Mark’s. But they were convinced that God led them to join the team at New Beginnings. Both struggled (Kim even cried!) when they talked about pulling out of their small group and various ministry roles at St. Mark’s. But they were convinced God wanted them to use their gifts and passions at a church-planting-church.
Not everyone switches churches with their own needs in mind. The Browns are a great example of believers moved by God’s mission. Brad and Kim Brown have strong ties with St. Mark’s. Kim’s family has been with St. Mark’s since its earliest days. Kim was baptized and confirmed there. Brad attributes his growth in Christ to the ministry of St. Mark’s. But they were convinced that God led them to join the team at New Beginnings. Both struggled (Kim even cried!) when they talked about pulling out of their small group and various ministry roles at St. Mark’s. But they were convinced God wanted them to use their gifts and passions at a church-planting-church.
What are Members?
Maturing Christians understand that churches are not places you go, but are people devoted to one another and a common mission. The Bible speaks of believers as members of a body. Arms and legs do not migrate; body parts are joined together by God (Corinthians 12:12ff). If you came to New Beginnings from another church, ask yourself: "Did I come here because God wanted me to help plant churches or because of another reason?" Whatever your reason was, find out how your gifts and passions fit into NBLC’s mission and start serving.
You want to know your church is committed to you, right? The reverse applies. Your church wants to know you are committed too. That is why we sign the Covenant of Membership.
We All Need Commitment
We all need commitment: others who will stick with us through thick-n-thin, and to resolve that we will also stick with our pledge to something greater than ourselves. Joining a church is like a marriage. And like a marriage, this "covenant" we make together doesn’t demand that we will fulfill each commitment perfectly, but that we will strive to grow in this way of life together.
To find out how to become a Voting Member of New Beginnings Lutheran Church, click Next Steps below.
Maturing Christians understand that churches are not places you go, but are people devoted to one another and a common mission. The Bible speaks of believers as members of a body. Arms and legs do not migrate; body parts are joined together by God (Corinthians 12:12ff). If you came to New Beginnings from another church, ask yourself: "Did I come here because God wanted me to help plant churches or because of another reason?" Whatever your reason was, find out how your gifts and passions fit into NBLC’s mission and start serving.
You want to know your church is committed to you, right? The reverse applies. Your church wants to know you are committed too. That is why we sign the Covenant of Membership.
We All Need Commitment
We all need commitment: others who will stick with us through thick-n-thin, and to resolve that we will also stick with our pledge to something greater than ourselves. Joining a church is like a marriage. And like a marriage, this "covenant" we make together doesn’t demand that we will fulfill each commitment perfectly, but that we will strive to grow in this way of life together.
To find out how to become a Voting Member of New Beginnings Lutheran Church, click Next Steps below.