creekstone 101

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Creekstone 101Grace Changes Everything

Creekstone is the result of what I believe is a God-born desire that was conceived over twenty years ago

when I was serving as an assistant pastor at a large church in Memphis, TN. I began dreaming of a

uniquely grace-driven church that would make the core message of the gospel the defining truth of its

ministry. didnt know the name of the church at that time, or where it would be located. In fact, I had

never even been to Georgia and had never heard of Dahlonega.

The dream simmered in my heart for fifteen years. Finally, in May of 2007, while ending a ministry in

Greenwood, MS, as senior pastor, I received a call from the Director of Church Planting at Perimeter

Church in Johns Creek, GA, asking if I would consider church planting through Perimeter. Although Iwas desperately afraid of failure, I essentially had already failed as a senior pastor and didnt have too

much to lose. So, in September of 2007, we moved to Georgia. It wasnt long before we discovered and

fell in love with Dahlonega. Through a number of remarkably providential affirmations, we decided to

relocate, moving to the area on July 25, 2009.

After making Dahlonega our home, we held an information meeting in early October and began a Bible

study in our home on Sunday evenings. Within a couple of weeks we outgrew our home and had to

move our Sunday evening gathering to the Lumpkin County Recreation Center (today the YMCA). In

August of 2010, we began meeting on Sunday mornings at the Lumpkin County High School. Our

attendance that first Sunday morning was around 100. On our one year anniversary, over 200 were in

attendance, and on our second anniversary this past August, around 400 adults, college students, youth

and children gathered to magnify the grace of God in Jesus.

Obviously, those numbers in attendance are seasonal. Depending on the Sunday, attendance may

fluctuate dramatically. This is okay, because our focus is not on how many are in a particular service, but

that actual lives, in a gradually increasing measure, are being exposed to Gods grace in Jesus, getting

connected to each other in authentic community, and reaching out to others in organic, life-on-life

mission, all with an over-riding convictionthat grace changes everything.

- McKay Caston

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OUR MOTTO, MISSION, MESSAGE, CORE COMMITMENTS & KEY VALUES

CREEKSTONES UNOFFICIAL MOTTO:

Lets take chances, make mistakes, and get messy. - Ms. Frizzle of the Magic Schoolbus

CREEKSTONES OFFICIAL MOTTO: Grace Changes Everything

THE REASON FOR CREEKSTONE'S GRACE-FOCUS

Our mission is focused on the gospel because it is the grace of God that is the power that reconciles

people to God and motivates and empowers the entire Christian life. We believe that if folks are

captured by the grace of God that their lives will be revolutionized from the inside out, which literally

will change everything from identity, to marriage, parenting, the workplace, etc. We agree with Tim

Keller, who says, The gospel is not just the A-B-C but the A to Z of the Christian life... The key to

continual and deeper spiritual renewal and revival is the continual re-discovery of the the gospel. As a

result, spiritual life and continued vitality hinges on the Spirit of God bringing a conscious wonder of

His grace alive in our hearts through faith. We want to be facilitators in that process.

CREEKSTONES MISSION

Since grace changes everything, our mission is to glorify God by helping people come alive to the

wonder of Gods grace.

CREEKSTONES MESSAGE IS THE GOSPEL: THE A+ FOR THE F

The gospel tells us (2 Cor. 5:21) that through the cross a debt was paid (we are forgiven) and a deposit

was made (we are declared perfectly righteous because of the righteousness of Christ that is given to us

that we receive by faith alone). We are no longer condemned, but fully justified, eternally loved,

adopted sons and daughters of God. Our lives change in practical ways when we consciously abide in

the Gospel/Jesus righteousness as the Holy Spirit indwells us and produces his fruit (John 15:4-5;

Galatians 2:20-21). Good fruit depends on good roots. For more information on our message, see

McKays primer on the gospel, The A+ for the F.

CORE COMMITMENTS: WE AIM TO FULFILL OUR MISSION...

Through Grace-Driven Teaching

Through Grace-Shaped Community

Through Grace-Motivated Outreach

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#1- Through Grace-Driven Teaching

We want the radical message of grace to be the central

theme that permeates our teaching and influenceseverything about the church, from worship, to prayer, tolife-on-life discipleship, to vocation, to marriage, to

parenting, to education, to leadership, to stewardship, tomission, etc.

In order to see this become reality, we continually mustdistinguish the gospel from religion. Religion says that if I

obey and sacrifice, then I will be accepted and blessed.But the gospel tells me that I am accepted and blessed

because of the obedience and sacrifice of Jesus. These aretwo utterly different things.Since the radical grace of thegospel is counterintuitive to the moralistic, religious mind,

we must hear the gospel in depth and believe it in depthover and over again.

As a grace-centered church that prizes, pursues andteaches sound, impassioned, reformed orthodoxy, we will

emphasize that theological knowledge is not the end, butis a means for knowing God and growing in intimacy with him.

#2- Through Grace-Shaped Community

As an implication of the gospel, we want to cultivate the kind of community that is defined byauthenticity and vulnerability. We long for a grace-saturated atmosphere that communicates to people,This is a safe place to be real.

On this note, we will acknowledge that human weakness is not a liability, but a reality that drives us to

dependent prayer and to derive supernatural strength and ability from God. In the words of Jack Miller,Grace runs downhill.

We believe that true humility is beautiful, and may be the most compelling virtue that attractsnonChristians to the gospel. Consequently, we really want to live as if the ground is level at the foot of

the cross.

As we focus on community as a core value, we will emphasize the importance of intentional, life-on-life

discipleship, and that the church is not primarily a place, but a people.

Furthermore, as a community, we will affirm that every believer has been endowed with spiritual giftsthat he or she is to exercise so that the the body will be healthy and effective in fulfilling its purpose inthe world. In this sense, every member is a minister. Leaders are not called to do all the ministry, but to

equip the believers to exercise their unique gifts.

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Ephesians 3:8, 14-21

8To me, though I am the very least of allthe saints, this grace was given, to preachto the Gentiles the unsearchable riches ofChrist.... 14 For this reason I bow my kneesbefore the Father, 15 from whom everyfamily in heaven and on earth is named, 16that according to the riches of his glory hemay grant you to be strengthened with

power through his Spirit in your innerbeing, 17 so that Christ may dwell in yourhearts through faith--that you, being rootedand grounded in love, 18 may havestrength to comprehend with all the saintswhat is the breadth and length and heightand depth, 19 and to know the love ofChrist that surpasses knowledge, that youmay be filled with all the fullness of God. 20Now to him who is able to do far moreabundantly than all that we ask or think,according to the power at work within us,21 to him be glory in the church and inChrist Jesus throughout all generations,forever and ever. Amen.


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Concerning leadership, we desire and value leaders who are pacesetters in living the grace implicationsof the gospel, particularly manifesting qualities such as genuine humility, sincere repentance, cheerfulgenerosity and dependentprayer.In John 17 Jesus prays that the church would manifest unity as an apologetic that the gospel is true. We

trust that we will have a diversity of people attendingworship and participating in the community. It wilbe our bond in the gospel that serves as an ever present reminder of our essential unity, evenamidst oudiversity.

#3- Through Grace-Motivated Outreach

We will encourage all members to see themselves as missionaries, word and deed ambassadors of thegospel.

With that missional mindset, we will emphasize what it means to be salt and light in the context of ourorganic, relational spheres of influence. As Marva Dawnsays, Being Church means following a way oflife Evangelism happens as we go about our daily livesto work, to the grocery store, to school, to the

neighbors house for teawe live the gospel. We speak it freely We incarnate it. We display a joy infollowing Jesus and his Way that invites our neighbors to consider the truth of his life in us.

But mission is never merely a personal endeavor. And so as we gather for worship, we desire for theservice to be accessible to those who are not Christians. In fact, whoever preaches or teaches willassume there are non-Christians in attendance, and will speak in a way that addresses their questions,fears, and doubts in language that they can understand.

As part of this commitment, we will encourage spiritual inquirers to belong before they believe, lettingthem know that they dont have to change their belief systems or lifestyles to participate in thecommunity as they investigate the claims of the gospel. This is because we recognize that coming to

faith is often a process, as is growing in grace as a disciple of Jesus.

Therefore, we do not view non-Christians as enemies, but precisely as the people to whom we arecalled to serve, love and offer the living hope of Gods liberating and transforming grace.

THE NAME CREEKSTONE

The Bible records in 1 Samuel 17 that an Israelite boy named David represented his people in battleagainst a huge, seemingly undefeatable enemy. The future of the nation was in David's hands, or moreliterally, in his sling. As he went out to fight the Philistine warrior, David picked up five stones from acreek as his weapon of choice. Therefore, it was with a creekstone that David felled the adversary,Goliath. As a result, David became the savior and hero of his people. However, David was merely ashadow of a greater, and ultimate hero, who also would represent his people before an even morepowerful enemy, sin and death. This hero's weapon was not a stone. It was a cross. And by thesubstitutionary death of Jesus, he has set his people free and has become the Savior-Hero of thechurch.And so we have named our worshipping community Creekstone, to remind us of the presentand eternal victory that is ours through the cross of our greater David, Jesusthe hero who is our hope.

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CREEKSTONES VISIONSo, what is our 3, 5 and 10 year planour vision? That is a good question! Our vision always seems toosmall for what is possible with God. Nevertheless, we do have some ideas.

We Envision Healthy Growth. We want to grow wider through evangelism and deeper through

discipleship, influencing more and more lives with the gospel of Gods grace to the glory of GodYet, how big do we want to grow? Whether we have maxed our attendance or not, we want togrow as large as a body as the Lord wants. But at the same time, we must be growing smaller aswell in order to facilitate genuine, authentic community. In order to have a healthy body, we

need healthy organs, which requires healthy cells. This is why we will focus our ministry not onlyon our Sunday gathering (the body), but also on our K-Group ministry (the organ level) and on

our Discipleship ministry (the cell).

We Envision Biblically Functioning Community. There are many passages in the New

Testament that encourage the church to living in community to love and serve one another. Our

home groups (K-Groups) are designed to provide a context in which practical love and pastoracare can be experienced and expressed in tangible ways.

We Envision a 24/7 Ministry Center. As a body grows, it needs new clothes, which raises thequestion of facilities. Even if LCHS were to allow us to use their facilities for the long term, space

already is becoming an issue. In an auditorium with no center aisle, the maximum comfortablecapacity is around 70%, which means that when we have 245 in attendance, we have hit an

attendance ceiling and need to begin providing more seating space, whether through an overflowarea in the lobby with audio/video or through a second service, which will require a largervolunteer base and a more extensive organizational structure. Typically, when a church hits its an

attendance ceiling in its facility, attendance of new people will plateau and eventually decline.We do not want new folks to be turned away because it is too difficult to find a seat, or for a

family not to be able to sit together because of limited, sporadic seating availability. Additionallywe are concerned to be good stewards of our financial resources. At this time, we are paying$25,000 a year in rent for the high school, $17,000 a year for our office and $6,000 a year for

our youth venue on Wednesdays. Thankfully, Dorks Books allows us to use their facility mid-weekat no charge for other meetings. In light of our space needs as well as financial stewardship

(where we could pay less and get more in the way of facilities), we envision a 24/7 ministrycenter established that will be an outpost of grace for our community, the region, and ultimatelythe world.

We Envision Gospel-Rooted Leaders. As already stated, our mission is to see people comealive to the wonder of Gods grace, which we believe will impact every area of live. As we pursue

that mission, we will need a team of qualified pastor/elders to oversee and facilitate thecontinued growth of people and our key ministries. These men will be humble and teachablepacesetters in believing and living the gospel, as well as demonstrating visible unity, dependent

prayer and risk-taking faith.

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We Envision a Church Planting Movement in North Georgia. We want to see the seed of the

gospel planted in mountain communities throughout north Georgia. A new church plant in Ellijayis already underway, with many of its core members attending Creekstone.

We Envision Overseas Mission Partnerships. We already have partnerships in India andAfrica. We envision depending our relationship with these ministries through financial support

and by sending teams from Creekstone to partner with these ministries in practical ways.

We Envision Local Ministry Partnerships. Although we already partner with a number of loca

ministries, including ConnectAbility, the Community Helping Place, Rainbow Childrens Homeand others, we want to see more and more Creekstone folks investing in these local ministries.

We Envision a Multiplying Discipleship Ministry. Although we are starting small and goingslow to provide a solid foundation, we envision all the men and women in the church meeting in

small clusters for intentional, life-on-life, missional discipleship, thus revolutionizing lives, homes

and workplaces.

We Envision Youth Equipped for Leadership. Youth ministry is not a baby-sitting forum, but

the context in which we are growing theologically equipped leaders to influence others with thegospel in junior and senior high, as well as into the college years. We envision our high school

students becoming missionaries in our communities, ready to lead from day one as freshmenon the college campus or in the workplace.

We Envision a Parent-Loving Childrens Ministry. We recognize that as a mobile church,

young families will pay special attention to the quality of our childcare ministry on Sundays. We

want to receive 100% positive feedback from visiting couples with regard to the safety,cleanliness and friendliness of the nursery and childrens ministry. But more than just thefunctionality of a childrens ministry, we want to see our youngest children come alive to the

wonder of Gods grace. To this end, we envision a growing Sunday ministry as well as potentiamid-week discipleship opportunities for elementary age children.

We Envision Ministry Apprenticeships (Internships) for College Students. Serving in the

context of a college town, we want to provide opportunities for students who attend Creekstoneto get practical ministry experience, especially those considering vocational ministry.

We Envision a Retreat and Study Center. A dream from the beginning of Creekstonesformation, we dream of a place where folks can come to rest mentally, emotionally and

spiritually as they study, pray and listen to God without distraction. The center could also providevarious group seminars on theology, marriage and family.

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CREEKSTONES THEOLOGICAL ORIENTATION

REFORMATION THEOLOGY

We embrace and are guided by historic, Reformation theology, as espoused by men such as John Calvin

George Whitfield (Anglican), Jonathan Edwards (Congregational), Charles Spurgeon (Baptist), Francis

Schaeffer (Presbyterian), Martyn Lloyd-Jones (Methodist), D.A. Carson (Baptist), John Piper (Baptist), C.J

Mahaney (Charismatic), RC Sproul (Presbyterian), Mark Discoll (Acts 29), Tim Keller (Presbyterian), etc.

The Reformation was a time when men went blind, staggering drunk because they had discovered, in

the dusty basement of late medievalism, a whole cellar full of fifteen-hundred-year-old, two-hundred

proof grace bottle after bottle of pure distillate of Scripture, one sip of which would convince anyone

that God saves us single-handedly Grace has to be drunk straight: no water, no ice, and certainly no

ginger ale; neither goodness, nor badness, not the flowers that bloom in the spring of super spirituality

could be allowed to enter into the case.

~ Robert Capon

THE FIVE SOLAS OF THE REFORMATION Sola Scriptura: The Bible alone is our ultimate authority

The Bible is Gods special revelation to humanity,centering on the glory of Gods grace through the life,death and resurrection of Jesus. Therefore, as the word ofGod, the Bible alone is our ultimate authority for all of life,theologically, devotionally and practically.

Sola Fide: We are saved through faith alonePeople are reconciled to God, not by their own goodworks, but through faith alone in the good works of Jesus.

Therefore, someone becomes a Christian not by doing forGod, but by receiving from God.

Sola Gratia: We are saved by grace aloneThis means that people are reconciled to God by gracealone through the substitutionary death of Jesus.Therefore, the Christians standing before God is a gift, nota reward.

Solo Christo:We are saved by the works of Jesus aloneOur only hope of forgiveness, righteousness, and eternallife is only gained through the life, death and resurrectionof Jesus Christ, not by any merit or effort of our own.

Soli Deo Gloria: Salvation by grace through faith in thework of Jesus is unto the Glory of God aloneThe goal of our theology is that God alone would receivethe glory for redeeming, adopting and empowering sinnerswith new life. Therefore, there is no room for self-righteousness in the gospel, but only for boasting in thecross of Jesus.

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EPHESIANS 1 & 2

Ephesians 1:3-8, 3 Blessed be the Goand Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, whhas blessed us in Christ with eve

spiritual blessing in the heavenly place

4 even as he chose us in him before thfoundation of the world, that we shoube holy and blameless before him. In lov

5 he predestined us for adoption as sonthrough Jesus Christ, according to th

purpose of his will, 6to the praise of hglorious grace, with which he ha

blessed us in the Beloved. 7 In him whave redemption through his blood, thforgiveness of our trespasses, accordinto the riches of his grace.

Ephesians 2:1-5, 8-9

1 And you were dead in the trespasse

and sins 2 in which you once walked...

But God, being rich in mercy, because

the great love with which he loved u5even when we were dead in otrespasses, made us alive together wiChrist--by grace you have been saved

8 For by grace you have been savethrough faith. And this is not your ow

doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a resuof works, so that no one may boast.


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AN EXTENDED THEOLOGICAL SUMMARY

Below is a condensed version of the doctrinal statement ofThe Gospel Coalition. For a more in-depthtreatment of our doctrinal foundation, see The Westminster Confession of Faith and Catechisms,documents written in the 1640s as a system of doctrine that summarize biblical teaching. While we maynot subscribe to every jot and tittle of the WCF and Catechisms, we fully embrace its system ofdoctrine.

(1) The Triune GodWe believe in one God, eternally existing in three equally divine Persons: the Father, the Son, and theHoly Spirit, who know, love, and glorify one another. This one true and living God is worthy to receiveall glory and adoration.

(2) RevelationWe believe that God has inspired the words of the sixty-six books of the Old and New Testaments. Thesewritings alone constitute the Word of God, utterly authoritative, without error in the original writings,complete in its revelation of his will for salvation, sufficient for all that God requires us to believe anddo.

(3) Creation of HumanityWe believe that God created human beings, male and female, in his own image. Men and women,equally made in the image of God, enjoy equal access to God by faith in Christ Jesus and are bothcalled to significant engagement in family, church, and civic life.

(4) The FallWe believe that Adam, made in the image of God, distorted that image and forfeited his originalblessedness for himself and all his progeny by falling into sin through Satan's temptation. As a result,all human beings are alienated from God, corrupted in every aspect of their being and condemned tophysical and spiritual death, apart from God's gracious intervention.

(5) The Redemptive Plan of GodWe believe that from all eternity God determined in grace to save a great multitude of guilty sinnersfrom every tribe and language and people and nation, and to this end he foreknew them and chosethem, all to the praise of his glorious grace. In love, God implores all people to repent and believe,having set his saving love on those he has chosen and having ordained Christ to be their Redeemer.

(6) The GospelWe believe that the gospel is the good news of Jesus Christ. Utter folly to the world, even though it is thepower of God to those who are being saved, this good news centers on the space-time incarnation,substitutionary death and bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ.

(7) The Redemption of ChristWe believe that, moved by love, the Word became flesh, fully God and fully human being, one Personin two natures. The man Jesus, the promised Messiah of Israel, was conceived through the Holy Spiritand was born of the virgin Mary. He lived a sinless life, was crucified, rose on the third day andascended into heaven as our representative and substitute. On the cross he canceled the debt of sin andreconciled to God all those who believe. By his resurrection Christ Jesus was vindicated by his Father,broke the power of death, defeated Satan, and brought everlasting life to all his people. By his ascensionhe has been forever exalted as Lord and has prepared a place for us to be with him. We believe thatsalvation is found through no one else except Jesus.

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(8) The Justification of SinnersWe believe that Christ, by his obedience and death, fully discharged the debt of all those who are

justified. By his sacrifice, he bore in our stead the punishment due us for our sins. By his perfectobedience, he satisfied the just demands of God on our behalf, since by faith alone that perfectobedience is credited to all who trust in Christ alone for their acceptance with God.

(9) The Power of the Holy SpiritWe believe that this salvation is applied to his people by the Holy Spirit. Sent by the Father and the Son,the Holy Spirit glorifies the Lord Jesus Christ and, as "another Helper," is present with and in believers.He convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment, and by his powerful and mysterious workregenerates spiritually dead sinners, awakening them to repentance and faith, baptizing them into unionwith the Lord Jesus.

(10) The Kingdom of GodWe believe that those who have been saved by the grace of God through union with Christ by faith andthrough regeneration by the Holy Spirit enter the kingdom of God and delight in the blessings of the newcovenant. Good works constitute indispensable evidence of saving grace. Living as salt in a decayingworld and light in a dark world, believers should neither withdraw into seclusion from the world norbecome indistinguishable from it. Rather, we are to do good to the city, for all the glory and honor of thenations is to be offered up to the living God.

(11) God's New PeopleWe believe that God's new covenant people is manifest in local churches of which Christ is the onlyHead. The church is distinguished by her gospel message, her sacred ordinances, her discipline, hergreat mission, and, above all, by her love for God, and by her members' love for one another and for theworld.

(12) Baptism and the Lord's SupperWe believe that baptism and the Lord's Supper are ordained by the Lord Jesus himself. The former isconnected with entrance into the new covenant community, the latter with ongoing covenant renewal.

They represent God's promises of grace to us which we receive by faith as followers of Jesus.

(13) The Restoration of All ThingsWe believe in the glorious return of our Lord Jesus Christ and in the resurrection of both the just and theunjust-the unjust to eternal conscious punishment in hell and the just to eternal blessedness in thepresence of him who sits on the throne and of the Lamb. On that day the church will be presentedfaultless before God by Christ, and his people will be enthralled by the immediacy of his ineffableholiness, and everything will be to the praise of his glorious grace.

The Wisdom of the Moravian Motto: In Essentials, Unity; In Non-Essentials, Liberty; In all things,Charity

Core circle = essential gospel doctrines (ex: substitutionary atonement) Middle ring = important, but not essential theological issues (ex: baptism) Outer ring = style issues (ex: contemporary vs. traditional worship)

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CREEKSTONESBAPTISM GUIDELINES

Baptism is a rite intended to highlight the promise of God in the gospela promise that is not earned,

but is embraced as a gift by faith alone. In light of this wonderfully significant event, we have five

principles that guide Creekstones baptism policy.

I. We gladly baptize those who makes a request for baptism based on a sound profession of persona

faith in the redemptive work of Jesus life, death and resurrection.1

II. We affirm the covenantal baptism of the infants and young children of believing parents.2

III. We receive infant baptisms in other Christian churches as legitimate and counsel individualspreviously baptized (whether as infants or in later years) not to be re-baptized.3

IV. The mode which we ordinarily employ for baptism is pouring/sprinkling.4

V. Ordained pastor/elders are authorized to perform baptism.5

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1 We plan to have baptism Sundays several times a year. In order to make this event as meaningful as possible, each candidate will attend aBaptism Preparation Seminar before his or her baptism. As a matter of prudence, unbaptized children are eligible for baptism at eight yearold. Following the Baptism Preparation Seminar, a child will meet with a pastor/elder of the church to discuss his/her testimony as well ashis/her understanding of baptism and the Lords Supper.

2 The basis for this practice is not rooted in sentimentality or tradition, but rather is rooted in the Bible. Although it is commonly assumedthat baptism is a sign of personal faith, it actually, as a sacrament, is a sign of Gods covenant promise in the gospel that is to be received byfaith. Just as the outward faith-sign for justification in the old covenant community (circumcision) was applied to male infants of those inthe covenant community, so also the outward faith-sign for justification in the new covenant community (baptism) is applied to the infantof those in the new covenant community. This covenantal practice/principle was never rescinded. There is much New Testament evidenceto support and confirm the covenantal inclusion of infants in the new covenant community. Note that the rite of baptism does not save achild (nor an adult), nor does it produce regeneration upon application. Christians are saved by the propitiation of Jesus through the crosswhich is represented by the promissory sign of baptism. Additionally, parents are not required to baptize their infants in order to bemembers of Creekstone. However, we believe that the covenantal baptism of infants has strong biblical, theological and historical warrant

Infants baptized at Creekstone will be the children of Creekstone members.3 This is based on the affirmation that baptism is primarily a sign of Gods covenant promise rather than primarily a sign of our personafaith, which emphasizes the God-centeredness of baptism, where the essence of the sign is the gospel/justification. In baptism, we receivethe promise of the gospel, which we continue to do daily and as a community, sacramentally, through the Lords Supper. Re-baptism couldpotentially, though unintentionally, call into question the promise of God.

4 Our position regarding the mode of baptism is not based on tradition, historical practice or personal preference, but on what we believeto be the weight of biblical evidence, which strongly suggests that Jesus baptism was by pouring rather than by immersion and that thebiblical use of the Greek word baptizo is consistent with the pouring and sprinkling used in ceremonial washings (baptisms) in both theOld and New Testaments. Nevertheless, we do not view the validity of baptism to be associated with the mode of baptism and gladlywelcome members who have received immersion as the mode of their baptism.

5 The baptisms recorded in the New Testament were performed by recognized leaders in the church, in keeping with the principle of doingall things decently, in order, and under representative authority.


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CREEKSTONES PHILOSOPHY OF MINISTRY

WE EMPHASIZETEAM MINISTRY.

The cultural, traditional model of church ministryteaches that the pastor or paid staff is hired to do

the work of the ministry by serving the members.However, the biblical model is quite different.

According to Ephesians 4:11-16, leaders such as pastor/elders are to equip the members for ministry, so that theordinary Christians can serve each other and so that the

body can grow and function in a healthy, mature way.

We emphasize that every member is a minister (everybeliever has a gift to use in ministry, whether up front or

behind the scenes).

We emphasize that every gift is valuable, significant

and necessary.

THE ROLE OF THE LEAD PASTOR

In light of the biblical model of ministry we are seeking to

follow, the lead pastor will focus on four primary areas ofministry: (1) communicating vision, (2) preaching the gospel,

(3) leading/equipping the leaders and (4) prayer. Many traditional churches expect their lead/seniorpastor to provide frontline pastoral care for each member. This may work in a very small church. But fora growing, outreach focused, team-based church, personal pastoral ministry by one person to every

person is not effective in meeting the many pastoral needs in the body. If he tried to accomplish thisgoal, his primary pastoral ministry of teaching and leadership would suffer, as would the rest of the body

(see Acts 6:1-7). Therefore, in order to create the opportunity for each person to receive adequate andeffective care, we have created K-Groups. Additionally, we are partnered with several trained counselorswho assist in providing specialized pastoral/shepherding care. Nevertheless, when there is no one

equipped to provide adequate care (whether the members of a K-Group, an assistant pastor or a trainedprofessional counselor), the lead pastor will be glad and eager to shepherd the personal need.

In addition to his professional roles, he also has personal roles, which include self-care (nurturinghimself spiritually, relationally, physically and emotionally) and family care (nurturing his marriage, anddiscipling his children). Self and family care is a paramount concern, which he must not forsake, for thegood of his own life as well as the good of the church. The greatest gift he can give to the church is his

own personal, family and spiritual health. We want our lead pastor to minister from the overflow of adeep well rather than from a shallow stream.

THE ROLE OF OUR PASTOR OF COMMUNITY AND DISCIPLESHIP

1. Developing and overseeing our K-Groups

2. Recruiting and equipping our Ministry Team leaders

3. Developing and leading our Discipleship Ministry

4. Helping new folks/visitors get connected

5. To nurture his marriage, children and himself spiritually, relationally, physically and emotionally


Ephesians 4:11-16

11 And he gave the apostles, theprophets, the evangel is ts , theshepherds and teachers, 12 to equipthe saints for the work of ministry, forbuilding up the body of Christ, 13until

we all attain to the unity of the faith andof the knowledge of the Son of God, tomature manhood, to the measure of thestature of the fullness of Christ, 14 sothat we may no longer be children,tossed to and fro by the waves andcarried about by every wind of doctrine,by human cunning, by craftiness indeceitful schemes. 15 Rather, speakingthe truth in love, we are to grow up inevery way into him who is the head, intoChrist, 16 from whom the whole body,

joined and held together by every joint

with which it is equipped, when eachpart is working properly, makes thebody grow so that it builds itself up inlove.


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WHAT ABOUT MINISTRY PROGRAMMING?

A church plant differs from an established church in that an established church typically has a facilityand is often fully staffed, enabling it to offer numerous programs for a variety of life contexts. A churchplant typically does not have a full-use facility and lacks the depth of staffing. This means that a churchplant will not offer the breadth of program options that a established church will, even if the churchplant has a larger attendance than many of the established churches in the area. If the plant tried to be

program focused, then it would quickly over-tax its volunteer base. So, Creekstone is intentionallyminimalist in our program philosophy, focusing on several key ministries that highlight teaching,community and outreach. With limited staffing, we encourage grassroots ministry. If someone has adesire for a ministry, he/she is welcome to approach church leadership with the idea. If the ministry fitswithin Creekstones mission/vision/philosophy, they are encouraged to pursue that dream as thecoordinator of the ministry.

WE ARE COMMITTED TO AUTHENTIC, GRACE-SHAPED COMMUNITY.

Some community is organized, such as our K-Group ministry.

Other expressions of community are organic, such as unstructured friendships, random gettogethers, etc.

WE ARE COMMITTED TO INTENTIONAL, LIFE-ON-LIFE, MISSIONAL DISCIPLESHIP.

Discipleship is investing in the lives of a few by sharing life together and imparting Gods truth insuch a way as to see them become mature, equipped, grace-centered, missional followers ofChrist.

Our Discipleship Philosophy: Think Big, Start Small and Go Deep!

- We want do life together as spiritual friends.

- We want to go deep in the gospel through study.- We want to learn to care about each other and encourage each other to live in line with

the gospel.

- We want each other to know that we are not alone.

- We want to learn skills such as Bible interpretation and study, how to pray, lead ourfamilies, lead in the workplace, and share our faith, etc.

WE WANT ALL MEMBERS TO SERVE ON A MINISTRY TEAM.

The Worship Team

The Technology (A/V) Team

The Nursery Team

The Childrens Teaching Team (GraceKids)

The Greeter and Hospitality Team

The Facilities/Set Up Team

The Usher Team

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CREEKSTONES HAS AN INTENTIONAL PHILOSOPHY OF WORSHIP

Our worship service will include both historic elements as well as indigenous/contemporary

elements.

Our worship service will promote theological depth (Word) and encourage emotiona

expression (Spirit).

Our worship music will be both confessional and devotional. Well use older songs and newer

songs. Some songs are more confessional, using the third person. Others are more devotional,using the first and second person.

We affirm the use of string, woodwinds and percussion the entire range of instrumenta

expression. We enjoy acoustic sounds as well as electric. There often will be drums, and they

may be loud (but not beyond an acceptable and appropriate decibel level). This is the example

of Psalms such as 148-150.

We aim for excellence, but do not expect perfection from those who lead.

Although our worship team does lead, we want to avoid the appearance that they are

performing. Rather, we emphasize that they are lead worshippers. This is why our set up front is

rather simple and why we avoid flashing lights, smoke, and excessive movement from ourmusicians, etc.

The tone of our worship will evoke a sense of both awe and intimacy. Sometimes the service

will be more quiet and contemplative while other times loud and celebratory, echoing the tone

of passages such as Psalm 150 that tell us to praise him with loud clashing cymbals!

CREEKSTONE UTILIZES A REPRESENTATIVE FORM OF CHURCH GOVERNMENT

There are three general models of church government: Hierarchical (Episcopal, Methodist,

Roman Catholic), Democratic (congregational, some Baptist churches), and Representative

(Presbyterian)

There also are three expressions of representative, Presbyterian government: local (the pastora

team/session), regional (the presbytery) and national (the general assembly)

A representative government requires a plurality of pastor/elders to serve on the pastoral team/

the session.

There are two kinds of pastor/elders who serve on the pastoral team/session:

- Those who focus on preaching/teaching (usually vocational - paid)

- Those who focus on governing/shepherding (usually non-vocational - unpaid)

- Some will be bi-vocational

HOW WE ARE ORGANIZED NOW

The Pastoral Leadership Team oversees and equips our Ministry Coordinators/Team Leaders

Ministry Coordinators/Team Leaders recruit, train, equip and oversee our...

Ministry Volunteers, who are the life-blood of the ministry.

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IT IS IMPORTANT TO KNOW WHICH GAME WE ARE PLAYING AS A CHURCH PLANT

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF MINISTRY/LEADERSHIP ALIGNMENT

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Level Leadership Goal Problems

VStrategic

Alignment> implements his ministry with enthusiasm

> fails to implement ministry

> lacks enthusiasm

IV OrganizationalAlignment

> buys into the organizational structure,

protocols, supervisor system, etc. of theministry

> knows his role on the team

> subverts authority

> makes doing ministry hard forothers

> not satisfied w/role on team

IIIPhilosophical

Alignment

> owns the mission/vision

> buys into the guiding principles/values of the

organization

> agrees with the core commitments of the

ministry

> embraces the philosophy of ministry

>resistant to ideas that are not his

or that require more work

>Does not fully buy in to the

teams agenda, but is about his

own agenda

> has a different vision for the

church

IIRelational

Alignment

> trusts others and others trust him

> is a team player - prioritizes the team agenda

over a personal agenda

> refuses to spread a bad report

> in sync with team leaders

> a spirit of suspicion

> out of sync with team leaders

> spreads bad reports

>loses trust

> difficult to work with

> more critical than encouraging;

more negative than positive

ITheological

Alignment> shares our primary theological commitments

>lacks spiritual evidences such as

repentance and forgiveness

> holds grudges (self-righteous;

cant see his/her own sin)

> out of alignment with the core

theological perspective


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Twelve Key Leadership Values for Creekstone Church__________________________________________________________

1. Ownership

A buy-in to the churchs vision and philosophy of ministry, and particularly the specific ministry in which one serves

2. Availability

Time to do the ministry

3. Loyalty

He is for others on the team, wants to see them succeed,

He refuses to gossip / spread a bad report

He goes to others directly when problems/conflicts arise, and informs supervisors when having to go over his

head

4. Positive attitude

Doesnt turn a blind eye to the negative, but...

Seeks the positive to every situation

5. Initiative

Sees what needs to be done and does it

6. Teachability

He is willing to receive instruction and correction

Knows that he has areas that need improvement

7. Approachability

Having a grace framework to his life, he is open to being approached about problems/issues, whether personal or

professional

Invites critique and in not defensive about it

8. Humility

Will speak to and about others as if they are more important to the success of the team than he is

He sees any new ideas he may propose as opinions (that might not even be good ideas at all), not as the only

right way to do ministry

9. A spirit of encouragement toward others

Will not criticize without a relationship of encouragement having been established

Like parenting

10. Peacemaker

Rather than creating division, he seeks to mend broken relationships and heal relational wounds

Repents personally, forgives completely

11. Skill

Has the ability to do an assigned ministry

Or has the ability and is willing to be trained/equipped to do the ministry

12. Sense of humor

Knows how to laugh with others and at himself

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CREEKSTONE HAS A NUMBER OF PARTNERSHIPS AND CONNECTIONS

Perimeter Church (our sending church)

The Presbyterian Church in America is our denomination

Metro Atlanta Presbytery is our regional denominational association

The North Georgia Church Planting Network

Campus Outreach at NGCSU

A special friendship with the Acts 29 Network

A SHORT HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA (PCA)

Our roots go back to the sixteenth century Protestant Reformation.

Presbyterianism migrated from Europe to North America in the seventeenth century with the

Puritans.

The Presbyterian church divided due to the Civil War: this led to the formation of the PCUS in

the south) and the PCUSA in the north.

Our denomination, the PCA, was founded in 1973 out of the PCUS with the goal of maintaininga high view of the Bible and Reformation theology, as well as a commitment to local and world

missions.

THERE ARE SEVERAL BLESSINGS OF BEING PART OF A HEALTHY, THEOLOGICALLY SOUND,

MISSIONAL DENOMINATION

We have theological accountability to a specific system of doctrine

We have a court of appeal that can help mediate conflict if necessary

We have partnerships in missions

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MEMBERSHIP: DOING LIFE TOGETHER

WE HIGHLY VALUE CHURCH MEMBERSHIP.

Dr. John Pipers Primary Strands of Biblical Evidence

- Shepherd/elder/pastors are called to care for the flock. They need to know the boundaries of

the flock and specifically who is part. Since elders receive believers into the flock by

profession of faith, a formal opportunity for that profession and mutually agreed upon,

covenantal relationship must be provided. That is membership Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:2-3

- Christians are to put their lives under shepherding care. This requires a covenantal, mutually

agreed upon, formal relationship between sheep and shepherd Heb. 13:17; 1 Thes.

5:12-13; 1 Tim. 5:17; 1 Peter 5

- Discipline and excommunication can only be practiced if formal, recognized membership

exists Matthew 18:15-17; 1 Corinthians 5:12-13

Other considerations:

- Married couples make the relationship formal through a covenantal oath. We would not say

that merely living together is enough to define and seal the relationship. The same is true withchurch membership. We do not think it best to merely date the church.

- An organism has boundaries (like sheep have a pen and can be counted) > 1 Cor. 12 - thebody (universally andlocally)

- Membership provides a covenantal way to experience committed community - Acts 2

- Membership provides the the context for biblical conflict resolution - Phil. 4

- Membership provides an accountable context for discipleship 2 Timothy 2

- In membership, we promise to express practical love in a covenantal context 1 Jn 4

ACTIVE PARTICIPATION IN A K-GROUP IS A VITAL PART OF BEING PART OF THE

CREEKSTONE COMMUNITY

K-Groups give context for expressing practical love.

K-Groups provide the context for giving and receiving shepherding care.

K-Groups are a key pathway for assimilation/connection into the Creekstone community.

Each year we re-design these groups to make them more effective.

BIBLICAL STEWARDSHIP AND GENEROSITY IS A SIGN OF A VIBRANT FAITH

Please listen to the giving message, THE URGE TO SPLURGE at this link - http://buff.ly/15zERS2 Money is not a neutral issue; it is a spiritual/faith issue. Jesus talked about money more than hetalked about heaven and hell combined. Where we give freely reveals what we love most dearly.

Generosity validates genuine gospel faith.

The tithe is the base-line giving standard established in the Old Testament.

How should we then give in light of the fullness of Gods grace in Jesus, with a mission to fulfilllocally, regionally and globally?

We expect every member of Creekstone to be, at minimum, a tithing member. If we are, we will

never be short of resources to fulfill our divine calling as a church of missional disciples.

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http://buff.ly/15zERS2http://buff.ly/15zERS2http://buff.ly/15zERS2


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THERE ARE THREE KINDS OF MEMBERSHIP: member, child member, and associate member

To join as an adult member, you may join by profession of faith, re-affirmation of faith or transfer fromanother church. Children may join as early as age 8 as a non-voting members by completing thechildrens membership course with their parents. They may become adult, voting members at the age of

13. However, if joining as a child member, he/she must participate in Creekstone 101 by age 17, or beremoved from membership.

CREEKSTONES REQUIRES FIVE ESSENTIAL MEMBERSHIP AFFIRMATIONS1. I acknowledge myself to be a sinner in the sight of God, justly deserving condemnation, and

without hope except for His sovereign mercy.

2. I believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as the Son of God, and Savior of sinners, and receive and restupon Him alone for my salvation/justification through faith as He is offered in the gospel.

3. I resolve and promise, in humble reliance upon the grace of the Holy Spirit, that I will endeavor

to live in line with the gospel (as becomes a follower of Jesus).

4. I promise to support the Church in its worship and work to the best of my ability.

5. I submit myself to the governing oversight and shepherding discipline of the Church, and promise

to promote its purity and peace.

CREEKSTONE EXPECTS SEVEN BASIC MEMBERSHIP COMMITMENTS

1. I will gather with my church family on Sundays for worship (unless providentially hindered).

2. I will pursue community through participation in a K-Group.

3. I will serve as an MTV Ministry Team Volunteer.

4. I will invite people in my sphere of influence to join me on Sundays so that they may be exposedto the gospel.

5. I will practice biblical stewardship, beginning with the base-level tithe.

6. I agree with Creekstones mission, core commitments and key values, affirm Creekstonesphilosophy of ministry and understand the unique dynamics of a church plant as well as the rolesof the pastors and other leaders.

7. I will take the initiative to reconcile with members when there is conflict. If the conflict

continues, I will seek the intervention of church leadership.

THE PROCESS: NEXT STEPS

Complete a membership questionnaire (download online/website, or use the attached form)

Give the questionnaire to Andy Woznicki ([email protected])

Meet with Andy or McKay for the opportunity to ask questions and review the questionnaire

Receive baptism (if not already baptized) and/or have your children baptized (not required for

membership)

Be recognized as a new member during a Sunday service

THE PATHWAY TO PARTICULARIZATION

We must be self-sustaining financially.

We must be self-governed by an equipped, elected and ordained team of pastor/elders.

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STAFF AND MINISTRY LEADER CONTACT INFORMATION

McKay Caston, Lead [email protected]

Andy Woznicki, Pastor of Community and [email protected]

Jesse Turk, Coordinator of Worship [email protected]

Tom Keel, Technology [email protected]

Matt Stephenson, Pastoral/Administrative [email protected]

Graham Sibley, Coordinator of Youth [email protected]

Jim Keane, Greeter and Hospitality Team [email protected]

Brett Howell, Set Up & Facilities Team [email protected]

Dottie Smorey, Children and Nursery Ministry Team [email protected]

Dean Legler, Logistics and Transportation Team Leader

[email protected]

Caleb Martin, Campus Outreach [email protected]

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mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]


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McKays Personal Info.

Bachelors in History and Literature from the University of Mississippi

Masters and doctorate degrees from Covenant Theological Seminary

Eighteen years of experience as a staff pastor, senior pastor and church planter

Equipped as a church planter by Perimeter Church and the North Georgia Church Planting

Network

Married for 21 years to wife, Kristy, with three very cool kids, ages 17, 15 and 9.

McKays Life Verses2 Corinthians 12:9 & Acts 20:24: But [Jesus] said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is

made perfect in weakness." Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that Christ's

power may rest on me... I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and

complete the task the Lord Jesus has given methe task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace."~ Paul the Apostle

McKays Story

Originally from Memphis, TN, I completed my high school education in Jackson, MS, before receiving a

B.A. in History and Literature at the University of Mississippi, and eventually graduating with both

masters and doctorate degrees from Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis, MO. With almost

fifteen years of experience in ordained, pastoral ministry, I have served on several church staffs and as a

lead pastor before joining Perimeter Church in the summer of 2007 as a Church Planter in Residence.

My wife, Kristy, is from just outside of Yazoo City, Mississippi, and is a licensed (but non-practicing)

pharmacist. With interests ranging from home-making, to philosophy, to classical education, to interior

design, she enjoys teaching and deeply values time with friends.

Kristy and I were married in June of 1992, and since, have added three children to our family, Ann Ferris

(16), Schaeffer (14), and Sarah Wynn (8). They are totally on board with being a missionary family,

understanding that God uses our brokenness, weakness and need as the channel through which he

communicates his grace through us to others. This has not always been the case. For much of our lives,

Kristy and I misinterpreted the gospel to be a form of moralism whereby God would accept and bless us

based on our goodness (or at least if we were better than others). We lived like the Jews in Romans 10:3

Being ignorant of the righteousness that comes from God, and seeking to establish their own, [we] did

not submit to Gods righteousness. By Gods grace, we are growing in our understanding of the

substitutionary nature of the cross, of the imputation of Jesus righteousness, and of what it means to be

dearly loved, adopted children of God. These doctrines have become very precious to us, and now serve

as the centerpiece of our life and ministry.

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AN APPENDIX ON PREDESTINATION

THE TWO ANGLES of PREDESTINATION

Everybody believes in predestination. No one denies that it is taught in the Bible. The question is howwe interpret the teaching. It seems like the two sides have their pet passages from Scripture to which

they appeal to support their position. This is confusing to many and I understand. To reconcile theapparent problem, consider the illustration of a film-maker. He has some cameras on ground levelromthe perspective of the characters. But he also has sky-view cameras, revealing a God-like perspective

from the heavens. This represents the two kinds of passages in the Bible that I think need to go together,rather than be separated when considering the topic of predestination. There are ground level passages

such as John 3:16 (to which Arminians tend to quote) and the sky-view passages, such as Acts 13:48(which Calvinists tend to quote). But they are both in the Bible. So, rather than being competingviews, they should be seen as complementary viewsthe two angles of predestination.

The ground level view John 3:16 (whosoever believes shall not perish)s

The sky view Acts 13:48 (those who were appointed to eternal life believed)

THE DOCTRINES OF GRACE

Reformation (Reformed) theology emphasizes the sovereign grace of God in salvation. In short, Godsaves sinners. Some call the distinctives of Reformation theology the doctrines of grace, which are

also known as The Five Points of Calvinism. However, these Five Points were not written by JohnCalvin. There was a theological dispute in the early 1600s between disciples of Jacob Arminius and the

official doctrinal position of the Dutch church in the Netherlands, which had been influenced by theteaching of John Calvin. Theologians gathered for several years to study the matter. Their findings are

known as The Canons of Dort, with the Five Points being a summary. The result of the controversy was are-emphasis on the sheer grace of God in salvation. Below are the five points, or doctrines of grace,with a few Scripture references listed for further study.

Radical inability- We are unable to respond to the message of the gospel apart from Godssupernatural, initiating, regenerating grace (Eph 2:1-5, Col. 2:13, John 3:3, 6:44; Jer. 13:23, Rom.

3:10-18).

Unconditional election - God has chosen a people whom to save, not based on their moral meritor foreseen faith, but out of his eternal love and the richness of his mercy and grace (Deut. 7:6-8;

Eph. 1:3-6; Mt. 1:21, John 15:16; 1 Pet. 2:9-10; Col. 3:12; Rom. 8:29-30; Rom. 9:14-24).

Definite atonement -Jesus substitutionary death didnt just make salvation possible, but actuallysecured the salvation of his people, the elect (Mt. 1:21; John 10:11, 26-29; Rev. 5:9).

Irresistible grace - Those whom God has chosen to save will respond to the gospel and be saved

(Acts 13:48, 16:14; Jn. 6:44; Rom. 8:29-30).

Preservation of the saints - Those who are genuinely saved will be kept eternally saved by the

preserving grace of God (John 10:28-29; Rom. 8:29-30; Phil. 1:6).



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WE WANT YOUR FEEDBACK!

Please fill this out and return to Andy Woznicki after the final session on Saturday morning.Thanks for helping us improve the Creekstone 101 seminar!

What was your overall impression of the Creekstone 101 Seminar?

What would you have liked for us to cover which wasnt covered in the seminar?

What suggestions do you have for how we can improve Creekstone 101?

Any other comments?

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Creekstone Church Membership QuestionnairePlease give or email the completed application to Andy Woznicki ([email protected])

Personal Information (one form per joining member)

Name: ____________________________________________________ Spouse: __________________

Address: ____________________________________________________________________________

City/Zip:_____________________________________________________________________________

Email: _______________________________________________________________________________

Home phone: _____________________________ Cell phone: _______________________________

Work phone: ______________________________

Marital Status: ___ Single ___ Married ___ Widowed ___ Divorced ___ Separated

Anniversary Date: ____________________________ Birthday: ______________________________

Employer/Vocation: __________________________________________________________________

How did you hear about Creekstone? __________________________________________________

Children: (list more children on the back)

Name Gender Birthday Grade Living at home?

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

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I would like to join Creekstone:

___ By profession of faith ___ By reaffirmation of faith ___ By transfer from another church

___ As a child member ___ Child member to adult member ___ As an associate member

If joining by transfer, please provide the following information:

Church Name: _________________________________________________________________

Address: ______________________________________________________________________

City/State/Zip: _________________________________________________________________

Phone: _______________________________________________________________________

I was baptized(when) ___________________________ (where) _____________________________

___ I have not been baptized

___ My children have been baptized

___ My children have not been baptized

___ I would like to have my infant(s)/young child(ren) baptized (see below for specific questions)

My hobbies and interests include: ___________________________________________________

What kinds of ministries have you been involved with in the past?

I would like to serve on the following Ministry Team(s):

___ Nursery Team ___ Childrens Teaching Team (Grace 4 Kids)

___ Worship Team ___ Greeter/Hospitality/Cafe Team

___ Audio/visual Team ___ Facilities/Set Up Team

___ Usher Team ___ Youth Discipleship Team

I will faithfully participate in a K-Group as my primary source of connection and care.

____ Yes

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Please indicate your response to the following membership questions required by our

denomination, the PCA:

1. I acknowledge myself to be a sinner in the sight of God, justly deserving condemnation, and without

hope except for His sovereign mercy.

___ yes ___ no ___ I need more explanation/information

2. I believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as the Son of God, and Savior of sinners, and receive and rest upon

Him alone for my salvation/justification through faith as He is offered in the gospel.


3. I resolve and promise, in humble reliance upon the grace of the Holy Spirit, that I will endeavor to livein line with the gospel (as becomes a follower of Jesus).


4. I promise to support the Church in its worship and work to the best of my ability.


5. I submit myself to the governing oversight and shepherding discipline of the Church, and promise to

promote its purity and peace.


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TESTIMONY OF GRACE

Every Christian should be able to answer two questions. The first is, What is the gospel? The second is,

What is the story of how you became a disciple of Jesus?

In just a few sentences, answer the question: What is the Gospel? You may want to include themessuch as sin, grace and faith. If you don't know the answer to this question, just let us know and well talkmore about it in very simple terms during the membership appointment.

I dont know how to put it in words? ____

What is the gospel? Here is my best answer...

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

There are three parts to a persons faith story (a testimony of grace). First, tell us about your life beforeyou were a disciple of Jesus. Second, tell us the circumstances of your conversion (may want to considerusing terms such as sin, grace and faith), and third, tell us us a little bit about what God has been doingin yourlife since you became a disciple of Jesus.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

1. Do you have any follow-up comments, questions, or concerns about any of the information inCreekstone 101?

2. Do you have any follow-up comments, questions, or concerns about anything NOT covered inthe resource articles?

3. If you would like to have one or more of your children baptized, there are questions you'll haveto answer at their baptism. These questions are designed to summarize the responsibilities of aChristian parent. They are:

(1) Do you acknowledge your childs need of the cleansing blood of Jesus Christ, and therenewing grace of the Holy Spirit?

(2) Do you claim Gods covenant promises in (his/her) behalf, and do you look in faith to theLord Jesus Christ for (his/her) salvation, as you do for your own?

(3) Do you now unreservedly dedicate you child to God, and promise, in humble relianceupon the enabling grace of the Holy Spirit, that you will endeavor to set before (him/her) agodly example of repentant faith, that you will pray with and for (him/her), that you will

teach (him/her) the doctrines of the gospel, and that you will strive, by all the means ofGods appointment, to bring (him/her) up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord?

Do you have any questions about this process and/or the questions themselves?

4. Please share any comments, questions, or concerns you have concerning our membershipquestions.

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PASTORAL INFORMATION

1. What positive and negative experiences have you had in churches in the past?

2. Some of the people I know best at Creekstone are:

3. Do you have any pastoral concerns that youd like to share with the Creekstone pastoral team?

4. Do you have any personal health problems you want the Pastoral Team to know about?

5. Do you have any particular family problems or concerns that you want the Pastoral Team to beaware of?

6. Are there any child custody or child support arrangements that you want the Pastoral Team to

know about?

7. Have you ever been or are you now under any sort of church discipline that you want the PastoraTeam to know about?

8. Do you have any specific concerns or questions that you definitely want to cover in themembership interview?

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PRINCIPLES OF BIBLICAL CONFLICT RESOLUTION

A Commitment to Biblical Conflict Resolution

As people reconciled to God by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we believe that we are

called to respond to conflict in a way that is remarkably different from the way the world deals with

conflict.1 We also believe that conflict provides opportunities to glorify God, serve other people, and

grow to be like Christ.

2

Therefore, in response to God's love and in reliance on his grace, we commitourselves to respond to conflict according to the following principles:

Glorify God Instead of focusing on our own desires or dwelling on what others may do, we will

rejoice in the Lord and bring him praise by depending on his forgiveness, wisdom, power, and love, as

we seek to faithfully obey his commands and maintain a loving, merciful, and forgiving attitude.3

Get the Log out of Your Eye Instead of blaming others for a conflict or resisting correction, we will

trust in God's mercy and take responsibility for our own contribution to conflictsconfessing our sins

to those we have wronged, asking God to help us change any attitudes and habits that lead to

conflict, and seeking to repair any harm we have caused.4

Gently Restore Instead of pretending that conflict doesn't exist or talking about others behind their

backs, we will overlook minor offenses or we will talk personally and graciously with those whose

offenses seem too serious to overlook, seeking to restore them rather than condemn them. When a

conflict with a Christian brother or sister cannot be resolved in private, we will ask others in the body

of Christ to help us settle the matter in a biblical manner.5

Go and be reconciled Instead of accepting premature compromise or allowing relationships to

wither, we will actively pursue genuine peace and reconciliationforgiving others as God, for Christ's

sake, has forgiven us, and seeking just and mutually beneficial solutions to our differences.6

By God's grace, we will apply these principles as a matter of stewardship, realizing that conflict is anassignment, not an accident. We will remember that success in God's eyes is not a matter of specific

results, but of faithful, dependent obedience. And we will pray that our service as peacemakers will

bring praise to our Lord and lead others to know His infinite love.7

1 Matt. 5:9; Luke 6:27-36; Gal. 5:19-26.

2 Rom. 8:28-29; 1 Cor. 10:31-11:1; James 1:2-4.

3 Ps. 37:1-6; Mark 11:25; John 14:15; Rom. 12:17-21; 1 Cor. 10:31; Phil. 4:2-9; Col. 3:1-4; James

3:17-18; 4:1-3; 1 Peter 2:12.

4 Prov. 28:13; Matt. 7:3-5; Luke 19:8; Col. 3:5-14; 1 John 1:8-9.

5 Prov. 19:11; Matt. 18:15-20; 1 Cor. 6:1-8; Gal. 6:1-2; Eph. 4:29; 2 Tim. 2:24-26; James 5:9.

6 Matt. 5:23-24; 6:12; 7:12; Eph. 4:1-3, 32; Phil. 2:3-4.

7 Matt. 25:14-21; John 13:34-35; Rom. 12:18; 1 Peter 2:19; 4:19.

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THE CREEKSTONE CHURCH MEMBERSHIP COVENANT

Having affirmed the five essential membership affirmations, I desire to become an official member of

this local church, placing myself under its spiritual oversight. In doing do, I make the following

commitments, that for me are implications of the gospel and opportunities of experiencing the blessing

of life in community:

I will gather with my church family on Sundays for worship (unless providentially hindered by

sickness, distance, etc.)

I will pursue community through active participation in a K-Group

I will serve as an MTV Ministry Team Volunteer

I will invite people in my sphere of influence to join me on Sundays so that they may be exposed

to the gospel.

I will practice biblical stewardship, beginning with the base level tithe.

I agree with Creekstones motto, mission, vision and values, affirm Creekstones philosophy of

ministry and understand the unique dynamics of a church plant as well as the roles of the pastors

and other leaders

I will take the initiative to reconcile with members when there is conflict. If the conflict

continues, I will seek the intervention of church leadership.

I understand that the above commitments cannot be maintained without the indwelling presence and

power of the Holy Spirit at work in my life. Therefore, my ultimate pursuit is to believe the gospelpersonally as I live in community with others as a member of Creekstone Church.

Signature Date

This is a membership renewal commitment: _________ (please check if yes)

creekstone 101

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