christ the redeemer church membership orientation

Christ the Redeemer Church

Membership Orientation

CTR Membership Orientation #1

Values & Vision (The 4 E’s)

CTR Values (The 4 E’s)

We as a church exist to glorify God by:

1. Exalting our Lord & Savior, Jesus

Christ.

2. Equipping the saints with the Bible

3. Evangelizing the world.

4. Encouraging godly households.

CTR Values (E #1)

We as a church

exist to glorify God by:1. Exalting our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. As a

community of believers in fellowship with one another, we seek to glorify God in all that we do. We worship, in spirit and truth, the triune God as revealed through His inerrant Word which gives us all that we need for life and godliness and is the final authority in all doctrinal matters. The church is the pillar and buttress of truth, standing fast for the glory of God’s name.

CTR Values (E #2)

We as a church exist to glorify God by:1. Exalting our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. 2. Equipping the saints with the Bible. We are

committed as a community of believers to encourage and equip one another to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. By God’s grace we seek to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this present age and be a people who are zealous to do good works. We believe that every saint has one or more spiritual gifts that are useful and necessary for building up the body of Christ. We seek to help the saints identify their gifts and use them for the edification of the Church and the performing of good works that God has prepared for His saints to do.By living individually and corporately in obedience to God’s Word, we seek to be salt and light to the world, loving our neighbors as ourselves and transforming culture in order to bring all things under the submission of Jesus Christ.

CTR Values (E #3)

We as a church exist to glorify God by:1. Exalting our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. 2. Equipping the saints with the Bible. 3. Evangelizing the world. We believe God is

redeeming a people for Himself and that He reaches them through the proclamation of the Gospel. We believe God’s truth in salvation is most accurately represented by the historic Reformed doctrines of grace. We believe that man is dead in his sins and unable to save himself. Salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone in Christ alone. We are committed as a community of believers in obedience to the Lord’s Great Commission to be His witnesses and to make disciples of all nations, teaching them to observe all of God’s commands.

CTR Values (E #4)

1. Exalting our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. 2. Equipping the saints. 3. Evangelizing the world. 4. Encouraging godly households. We believe that

God works in covenant with His people mainly through households and we seek to develop godly households to the glory of God. We believe that households are most strengthened through age integrated worship and activities. We seek to encourage husbands to love their wives as Christ loves the Church, to encourage wives to submit to their husbands as to the Lord, to encourage fathers to bring up their children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord, and to encourage children to honor and obey their parents in the Lord. We believe all Christians are adopted as children of God and we welcome all believers to the household of God. We are committed as a community of believers in fellowship with one another to enhance the solidarity of one another’s households and the larger household of faith.

CTR Vision

• Refreshing & Biblical church atmosphere.• Brotherly love, encouragement, and prayer.• Families enjoy being together under godly leadership• Each household a unique center for ministry.• Comprehensive military ministry.• Partnership with many other local churches.• Evangelization of every person in Manhattan area.• Children & K-State students effectively discipled.• Minister to needy more effectively than government.• Grandchildren & great-grand-children!• Fully harnessing the arts toward the glory of God.• Continuously plant new churches locally and globally.• All members fully exercising their spiritual gifts.• Ideals in which we hope to progress by God’s grace.


Reformed Theology

Reformed Theology

Need for Reform of Roman Catholic ChurchZwingli’s Five Solas:

– Scriptura, Cristo, Gratia, Fide, Deo Gloria Synod of Dordt 1618-1619 answers Armenius

– Total Depravity– Unconditional Election– Limited Atonement– Irresistible Grace– Perseverance of the Saints

Reformed Confessions:– Augsburg (German) 1530– Scottish (1560)– Belgic Conf., Heidelberg Catechism (Dutch)– Westminster Confession & Catechisms 1643

(Savoy - 1658, London Baptist - 1646)– 39 Articles (Anglican – 1801, roots in 1530’s)

Reformed Theology - Review

Three things held in common among Reformed part of the church:

1. Five Solas– Scriptura, Cristo, Gratia, Fide, Deo Gloria

2. Doctrines of Grace (a.k.a. 5 Points of Calvinism & Canons of Dort)– Total Depravity– Unconditional Election– Limited Atonement– Irresistible Grace– Perseverance of the Saints

3. Creeds and Confessions of Faith:– Apostle’s, Nicene, Chalcedonian Creeds– Belgic Conf., Heidelberg Catechism– Westminster Confession & Catechisms


History: Presbyterian & CTR

Presbyterian Church History

December 2005, CTR begins worshipDecember 2005, CTR begins worship

Evang. PC

Early factors in American divisionsEarly factors in American divisions• Country of origin (early 1700’s)Country of origin (early 1700’s)• Revivals (early 1800’s)Revivals (early 1800’s)• Subscription to WCFSubscription to WCF• War (late 1800’s)War (late 1800’s)• Evangelical Fundamentalism (1900’s)Evangelical Fundamentalism (1900’s)

CTR Church Background

• Reformed Theology Bible study that met in Reformed Theology Bible study that met in Manhattan for about 15 years. Manhattan for about 15 years.

• Reformed Catholicity & P.C.A.Reformed Catholicity & P.C.A.• Hot ButtonsHot Buttons

– CreationCreation– SchoolingSchooling– BaptismBaptism– Age-IntegrationAge-Integration

• Homes as Ministry CentersHomes as Ministry Centers• Relationships over programsRelationships over programs• ArtsArts• Evangelism and Church PlantingEvangelism and Church Planting• Missions (incl. Persecuted & Unreached)Missions (incl. Persecuted & Unreached)

Brad & Patti Wos – S. Africa

Jeff & Heather Vaughn – Mexico

Ray & Michelle Call - Mexico

Tim & Ranae – Middle East

Wyatt George/TMP – Uganda

• Micro-LoansMicro-Loans

• Food AidFood Aid

• Education AssistanceEducation Assistance

Through PCU church officersThrough PCU church officers

Shepherd's Crossing is an ecumenical ministry that offers:• budget counseling • referrals• financial support (for utilities, rent and prescription medication) to residents in Riley County and St. George.Our mission is to provide compassionate and caring assistance to those in need of a listening ear and financial support.

Manhattan, KS

“LCM exists to meet the needs of women & families dealing with issues of sexual activity

& pregnancy related crisis.”

• Free Pregnancy Testing• Friendship Homes• Clothing and Baby supplies•Sharing God’s Plan of Redemption • Facilitating Private Adoption• Post Abortion Help• Emotional Support•Education Classes.

Life Choice Ministries - Manhattan

Potential Missionaries

Sandy & Mandi Sandy & Mandi NeblettNeblett

MTW Medical MTW Medical mission mission

in Malaysiain Malaysia

Dyrand WagnerDyrand Wagner

Mission Pilot in trainingMission Pilot in training

Mark & Sandy Acell - Caring for Mark & Sandy Acell - Caring for missionaries in Central Asia with PImissionaries in Central Asia with PI


Worship & Children

Brad & Patti Wos – S. AfricaReview

Jeff & Heather Vaughn – MexicoReview

Ray & Michelle Call - MexicoReview

Tim & Ranae – Middle EastReview

PCA Directory for Worship• Chapter 47 Principles & Elements

– 1 & 6 Regulatory Principle– 3 End is the Glory of God– 5 “Inner reverence… sincere devotion”– 7 Include children– 8 “Awe” and “thanksgiving”– 9 Scripture, Singing, Prayer, Preaching,

Offerings, Creeds, Sacraments, Oaths• Chapter 48 – The Lord’s Day

– 3 &6 Prepare– 4 & 7 Whole day holy

• Chapter 49 – Public Worship– 1 Don’t miss by negligence or scheduling– 2 Arrive on time; don’t leave early!– 3 Begin with quiet reverence– 4 Families worship together

Elements of worship

• Leadership– Plural (Community of households)– Male (1Cor.14:34ff, 1Tim.2&3, Tit.1)– Mature (Lectors start @ 13, Prayer +)

• Corporate– Creed, Responsive Scripture, Songs, Lord’s

Prayer, Amens – Not solo– Audience of One (don’t compete for

attention)

• Offerings– Use treasure box (Still worship)

“Covenant Renewal” liturgy• Emphasizes renewal in relationship

with God. • God initiates and His people respond.• Follows O.T. worship format & N.T.

examples. 1. CALL of God to assemble for worship, 2. CONFESSION of sin and assurance of

forgiveness, 3. CONSECRATION through the reading and

exposition of God’s word, 4. COMMUNION – also known as the Lord’s

Supper or Eucharist, 5. COMMISSIONING – the Lord sends us into

the spiritual battle to fulfill His Great Commission!

Children in Worship

• Biblical worship included children– Deut. 31:11-13, 2 Chron. 20:4-13, Ezra 10:1,

Joel 2:15-17, Matt. 21:15-16, Matt. 18:3-10– Integration of generations promotes continuity

of faith. (Deut. 4:9-10,37-40, also Ch. 6,11,29)– Keep children in worship unless distracting

• Child care – Available– Training ground

• Preparing for Worship– Practice church at home– Bedtime– Make Sunday special and fun!– Dress to glorify God– Water bottle, pillow, kid toys/activities– Tithe checks


Sacraments & Family

Baptism – WCF Ch.281. Baptism is a sacrament of the N.T., ordained by Jesus

Christ (Mat. 28:19), not only for the solemn admission of the party baptized into the visible Church (1Co. 12:13); but also, to be unto him a sign and seal of the covenant of grace (Rom. 4:11 with Col. 2:11-12), of his ingrafting into Christ (Rom. 6:5; Gal. 3:27), of regeneration (Tit. 3:5), of remission of sins (Mar. 1:4), and of his giving up unto God through Jesus Christ, to walk in newness of life (Rom. 6:3-4). Which sacra-ment is, by Christ’s own appointment, to be continued in His Church until the end of the world (Mt. 28:19-20).

2. The outward element to be used in this sacrament is water, wherewith the party is to be baptized, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, by a minister of the Gospel, lawfully called thereunto (Mat. 3:11; Mat. 28:19-20; Joh. 1:33).

3. Dipping of the person into the water is not necessary: but Baptism is rightly administered by pouring or sprinkling water upon the person (Mar. 7:4; Act. 2:41; Act. 16:33; Heb. 9:10, Heb. 9:19-22).

Baptism – WCF Ch.284. Not only those that do actually profess faith in and

obedience unto Christ (Mar. 16:15-16; Act. 8:37-38), but also the infants of one or both believing parents, are to be baptized (Gen. 17:7-9, Gal. 3:9,14, Col. 2:11-12, Act. 2:38-39, Rom. 4:11-12; Mt. 28:19; Mk. 10:13-16; Luk. 18:15; 1Co. 7:14).

5. Although it be a great sin to condemn or neglect this ordinance, yet grace and salvation are not so insepar-ably annexed unto it, as that no person can be regen-erated or saved without it (Act. 10:2-4,22,31,45-47; Rom. 4:11); or, that all that are baptized are undoubt-edly regenerated (Act. 8:13,23).

6. The efficacy of Baptism is not tied to that moment of time wherein it is administered; yet notwithstanding, by the right use of this ordinance, the grace promised is not only offered, but really exhibited and conferred, by the Holy Ghost, to such (whether of age or infants) as that grace belongeth unto, according to the counsel of God’s own will, in His appointed time (Act. 2:38,41; Gal. 3:27; Eph. 5:25-26; Tit. 3:5).

7. The sacrament of Baptism is but once to be adminis-tered unto any person (Tit. 3:5).

Lord’s Supper - Presence

• Transubstantiation (Roman Catholic)– Elements become flesh & blood

• Consubstantiation (Luther)– “This is my body” – Christ present in,

around, and under the elements.

• Sacramental Union (Calvin)– Elements purely physical symbols, but real

grace conferred spiritually - “lifted into presence of Christ”

• Memorialism (Attributed to Zwingli)– “In remembrance of me” Nothing more than

physical symbols.

Lord’s Supper - Participants

• 1 Cor 11:26-30 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until He comes. 27 Therefore whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner, shall be guilty of the body and the blood of the Lord. 28 But a man must examine himself, and in so doing he is to eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29 For he who eats and drinks, eats and drinks judgment to himself if he does not judge the body rightly. 30 For this reason many among you are weak and sick, and a number sleep.

• BCO 58-4BCO 58-4 “all those who profess the true religion and are communicants in good standing in any evangelical church… or… those who have been approved by the Session after having given indication of their desire to participate.”

Marriage & Home

• Ch.53 – Solemnization of Marriage– 1 Not sacrament; regulated by state– 2 Christians marry in the Lord– 3 One man – one woman– 4&5 Consent of parents– 6 Public Vow

• Ch. 63 – Life in the Home– “Duty of each person… and every

family in private to worship God… consisting in Prayer… Scriptures, and Singing… Instruction.”


Church government & BCO

Church government - History

• “Presbyterian” = πρεσβυτεροι = governed by elders/representatives.

• Presbyterianism was developed in response to the abuses of church authority in 16th century Scotland and England.– Plurality of elders and decentralization of power.– Representation of members and mutual consent to

covenants.– Accountability through reviews and process of

appeal. • Constitution = Westminster Confession and

Catechisms published in 1647 by English puritans. Also BCO.

• PCA formed in 1973 as a continuing Presbyterian church. Now 1,800 churches in 75 Presbyteries.

Church government - History• Three church courts:

– Local (Session), – Regional (Presbytery), and – National (General Assembly).

• CTR’s government:– Steering committee: Nate Wilson, Chip Zachary,

Mark Linville, and other men interested. Continues informally for leadership grooming and managing practical matters.

– Currently a mission of Heartland Presbytery (PCA) Nate commissioned by presbytery as Organizing Pastor. CTR officially governed by Nate + elders of Heartland Church, Wichita.

– Future Upon Particularization: Members elect two ruling elders and a pastor to form own session.

• Pastor and a ruling elder from each congregation constitute Quarterly presbytery meetings and Annual general assemblies. (Others may attend but not vote).

Book of Church Order - Government

INTRO: The King & Head of the Church, The Constitution

PART I - FORM OF GOVERNMENT• Church Government, Visible Church, Nature and

Extent of Church Power, • The Particular Church: Organization, Members,

Officers (Elder, Deacon) • Church Courts: Session, Presbytery, General

Assembly, Ecclesiastical Commissions• Church Orders: The Doctrine of Vocation, Ordination,

Candidates for the Gospel Ministry, Licensure, Internship, Ordination

• Pastors: Election of, Installation, Pastoral Relations, Dissolution of Relation

• Ruling Elders & Deacons: Election, Ordination and Installation, Congregational Meetings

• Amending the Constitution of the Church


Membership vows & Rules of Discipline

Membership vows (BCO 57-5)1. Do you acknowledge yourselves to be sinners in the

sight of God, justly deserving His displeasure, and without hope save in His sovereign mercy?

2. Do you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as the Son of God, and Savior of sinners, and do you receive and rest upon Him alone for salvation as He is offered in the Gospel?

3. Do you now resolve and promise, in humble reliance upon the grace of the Holy Spirit, that you will endeavor to live as becomes the followers of Christ?

4. Do you promise to support the Church in its worship and work to the best of your ability?

5. Do you submit yourselves to the government and discipline of the Church, and promise to study its purity and peace?

Book of Church Order - DisciplinePART I - FORM OF GOVERNMENTPART II - RULES OF DISCIPLINE• Nature, Subjects & Ends of Discipline,

Noncommuning Members, Offenses, Church Censures

• Judicial Process: Parties, Rules for Sessions, Rules regarding Ministers, Evidence, Dissents, Protests, Cases w/o process

• Censures: Admonition, Suspension, Excommunication Infliction of, Removal of,

• Jurisdiction: Review, Reference, Appeal, Complaint

PART III - DIRECTORY OF WORSHIPAppendix: CONFLICT RESOLUTION


Communion & Involvement

Membership vows (BCO 57-5)1. Do you acknowledge yourselves to be sinners in the

sight of God, justly deserving His displeasure, and without hope save in His sovereign mercy?

2. Do you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as the Son of God, and Savior of sinners, and do you receive and rest upon Him alone for salvation as He is offered in the Gospel?

3. Do you now resolve and promise, in humble reliance upon the grace of the Holy Spirit, that you will endeavor to live as becomes the followers of Christ?

4. Do you promise to support the Church in its worship and work to the best of your ability?

5. Do you submit yourselves to the government and discipline of the Church, and promise to study its purity and peace?

Involvement - Ministries• Not about programs• Sunday morning worship• Sunday morning Discipleship Time – 9:00 to 9:45• Sunday Evening Bible Study – 6:00-8:00• Wed night Dinner & Discussion – 6-9pm• Steering Committee– 6:00-7:45 Friday mornings• 1st Sunday Church Fellowship Dinner• Wednesday Women of the Word – Noon• 4th Thursdays Mom’s Morning Out –, 10am-lunch• Military Bible Study – Lunch• Presbytery– First Fri - Sat of April, Aug, & Nov. • General Assembly – 2nd week of June• Reformation Day Party – October 31 • Church Retreat Mar. 12-13, 2010• Worship in the Park – Sun. Eve. late Aug. • Want to start something new?

Involvement• Eldership• Deacon• Church planting• Worship Leadership• Coordinating a Church workday on the barn• Making banners or other decorations for the wall.• Coordinating search for our next Church building• Laying out and printing weekly worship bulletins• Coordinating an evangelism project on campus or in

town or in a neighborhood.• Coordinating a mission trip to Mexico next year.• Coordinating ministry to deployed soldiers • Coordinate care packages for missionaries• Christian library in Zhenjiang, China• Coordinate Christian music concerts (Jamie Soles

concert Dec. 15)• Talk with Pastor Nate first.

christ the redeemer church membership orientation

Documents

lord savior

triune god

submission of jesus

body of christ

ctr values e

godly households

es slide

gods truth