New Members Application

The ministerial Staff, Elders, Board of Directors, and existing members of Faith Chapel welcome you to the process of becoming a member of Faith Chapel. We are thrilled to see you taking a deep interest in this great church. 
 
The first step in this membership process is to pray for your decision. We want you to find membership where you believe God is leading you. It is pleasing to the Lord when you follow His direction and find a church home where your roots grow deep.
 
Your next step is to fill out the digital membership application found in the Faith Chapel app or website. (A paper membership application may be requested from the administrative office.) All prospective candidates are required to complete the membership process by reviewing the information contained herein and be willing to sign, in agreement, to believe and follow the edicts held within the membership document. After you have read, understood, provided answers to personal reflective questions, and agreed to all parts of what is presented, you are to deliver this handbook to the administrative office for review by the Elders. After their review you will receive a personal, face-to-face, interview with the Elders to complete the membership process and answer any questions you may have. Once the interview has been conducted and all documents have been signed, and you have received approval by the church Elders, you will be welcomed into active membership status with Faith Chapel. Your acceptance as a member is also reported to Faith Chapel’s Board of Directors.
 
You will also be sent a video recorded message by our Lead Pastor, Josiah Elias, speaking to vital components covered in the membership handbook. If you still have any additional questions, we would love to answer them for you, and you are always free to reach out to church leadership at any time. 
 
The information contained herein describes what Faith Chapel believes and aims to demonstrate. As you learn about the church please be in prayer and ultimately obedient to however God is leading you to be connected and find an area of involvement here at Faith Chapel.
 
As you read through this document you will notice that scripture verses are referred to in relation to the topic presented. You are encouraged to look through the Bible and take time to review these scriptures as you progress through the document.
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Qualifications for Membership

The primary qualification for membership with Faith Chapel is a personal saving faith in Jesus Christ. Candidates are asked to share their personal testimony as to how they came to salvation through Jesus by completing the personal salvation testimony at the end of this handbook. We believe your testimony is powerful and we want to know your story. Furthermore, we want you to get more and more comfortable sharing your testimony with others. It testifies to the goodness of God and His saving grace evident in your personal life.

Active membership in Faith Chapel is open to all those 18 years of age and older who shall freely give of themselves to the commitment of membership as stated in Article Three, Section two of the By-Laws of Faith Chapel. Voting membership shall be composed of the active members who have been active members for at least one year prior to a regular or specifically called business meeting.

Faith Chapel’s standard for membership is as follows:

• Evidence of a born-again experience in Jesus Christ. (Regeneration) (Titus 3:4-7, John 1:12, 3:3-7, 1 Peter 1:18-25.)
• Evidence of a consistent Christian life. (Romans 6:24, 13:13, Ephesians 4:17-31, 5:2, 1 John 1:6-7.)
• Water baptism by immersion. (Matthew 28:19, Acts 2:38, 10:48.)
• Personal subscription to the Tenets of Faith as set forth in the constitution of this church.
• Personal willingness to contribute regularly to the support of Faith Chapel with tithes and offerings according to his or her ability.
• Willing to submit to and abide by the By-Laws of the church. (Romans 13:1, Hebrews 13:17, Titus 3:1, Matthew 18:15-17)
• A member must be at least 18 years of age.
• Successful completion of Faith Chapel’s membership process.

The Faith Chapel Constitution and By-Laws are available upon request. Paper copies can be delivered to any individual requesting them from the main administrative office.

This church accepts the Holy Bible as the inspired and revealed word of God. The all- sufficient rule of faith and practice and for the purpose of maintaining general unity declares that we believe:

In the Holy Bible as the inspired and infallible word of God.
o II Timothy 3:15-16 - “and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness,”

In salvation through the blood of Jesus Christ.
o I John 1:17 - “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life.”
o Colossians 1:4 - “because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all God’s people—"

In the divine healing through the redemptive work of Christ on the cross.
o Isaiah 53:4 - “Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted.”
o Matthew 8:16 - “When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to him, and he drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick.”
o James 5:14-15 - “Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven.

In the baptism in the Holy Spirit according to acts 2:4.
o Acts 2:4 – “All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues[a] as the Spirit enabled them.”

In the second coming of Jesus Christ.
o Acts 1:11 – “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”
o I Thessalonians 4:16-18 – “For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. 18 Therefore encourage one another with these words.”
o Matthew 24:3 - As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. “Tell us,” they said, “when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?”

There is one true God. God has revealed Himself as a single being consisting of three interrelated persons; Father Son and Holy Spirit.
o Matthew 28:19 – “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,”
o Luke 3:22 and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”
o 1 John.5:7 - For there are three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one.

Marriage:
Marriage has been redeemed by God. This church defines marriage as the exclusive conventional union of one man and one woman in which such union should be walked out as a lifetime commitment. A civil government sanction of a union will be recognized as a legitimate marriage by the church only to the extent that it is consistent with the definition of marriage found in article six of the Tenets of Faith and The Bible.

Sexuality:
Legitimate sexual relations are exercised solely within marriage. Hence sexual activities outside of marriage (referred to in the New Testament as “porneia”) including but not limited to adultery, premarital sex, homosexuality, pedophilia etc. are inconsistent with the teachings of the Bible and this church. Further, lascivious conduct, transgender behavior, and/or the creation and/or distribution and/or viewing of pornography, are incompatible with the Biblical witness and therefore should not be practice or participated in. Any individual behaving in such ways should confess their sins to the Lord, repent of their ways and receive His forgiveness. Then, they should implement a lifestyle change consistent with their newly repentant heart. Faith Chapel exists to encourage and support those walking out these decisions to follow the directives of the Lord while not condoning sinful behavior. We believe God loves you so much, He won’t leave you bound in sin when you desire His saving grace and freedom from bondage. He will deliver those bound in sin yet seeking freedom.

By typing your name below, you acknowledge that you have read and understand these Tenets of Faith and fully believe and agree with them as part of your membership.

It is expected that each Faith Chapel member will:

1. Worship the one true God with other Faith Chapel members for as long as I am physically able (Hebrews 10:24-25; Romans 12:1). The goal of my regular weekly worship is to give God glory (Romans 11:36; Hebrews 13:15).

2. Grow spiritually through regular involvement in groups and classes at Faith Chapel in addition to regular personal devotional times. I understand the purpose of these groups and classes is building community with other believers and holding each other accountable (Acts 2:44-47; 2 Timothy 3:16-17).

3. Serve Christ through the missions work of Faith Chapel. I am created to serve others through good works (Ephesians 2:10; 1 Peter 4:10). I am commanded by God to make disciples of every nation, tribe, people and language through the local church (Matthew 28:16-20; Revelation 7:9). I will support the Biblical church’s mission to go to the ends of the earth to share the gospel (Acts 1:8).

4. Give to God abundantly and joyfully, recognizing God as the owner of all things (Proverbs 3:9; Psalm 24:1). Giving my tithe to God brings me closer to Him and opens up avenues of blessing for me and my family as I’m faithful with my finances towards Him. I give to God by partnering with His church. (Malachi 3:10; Matthew 6:19-24).

5. Seek unity with other church members. I recognize God’s design for the church is unity in diversity, and I will put the interests of others above my personal preferences (Ephesians 4:1-6; 1 Peter 3:8-9). I will guard the reputation of the church and submit to discipline if ever necessary (Matthew 18:15-20).

6. Pray for and follow the leadership of Faith Chapel (Hebrews 13:17-18). I will pray privately and with the church corporately. I will pray for people to accept Christ, and I will pray for more disciples to grow. I will uphold the Mission and Vision of Faith Chapel and keep it as a matter of prayer as long as I’m a member.

7. Serve by following the servant model of Jesus Christ (Mark 10:45) and will make their attitude that of Christ and through humility make the gospel their priority (Philippians 2:5-11).

By typing your name below, you acknowledge and agree that you desire to fulfill the expectations listed above.

What We Believe About the Bible

Faith Chapel holds to a “high view” of Scripture. That is, we hold it to be God’s inspired, inerrant word that is sufficient for all matters of faith and Christian living. A person who takes his or her Christian faith seriously will want to give serious attention to the Bible in its entirety. It becomes a matter of life commitment to understand properly what God has said to us as a church and to us as individuals.

In addition to hearing the Bible preached weekly, we must spend time daily feasting upon the word of God. Our high view of Scripture must translate into a deep dedication to know God’s word and to live it out.

We believe the Bible is inspired by God. Its benefits are numerous but as Paul lays out in his letter to Timothy, it is profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, instruction in righteousness that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

God “commissioned” the authors of the Scripture and considers their words to have the same authority as if He had written them by his own hand. We know that the Bible is the word of God from the testimony of Scripture itself. Considering the testimony of Scripture to support that the Bible is the word of God may seem circular. We must also have the inward witness of the Holy Spirit to know that the Bible is God’s Word (John 16:12–15; Ephesians 6:17 with Hebrews 4:12).

The inward witness of the Holy Spirit is just as necessary to recognize the Bible as the word of God, as it is to recognize that Jesus is the Son of God. This is not a matter of imparting new information, but of enlightening darkened minds.

The Bible is inerrant. We believe that the Bible is without error (inerrant). The very words of the original texts of the 66 books of the Bible are free from error, not just in matters of faith and practice, but in all aspects (Galatians 3:16, Matthew 22:32).

The character of God informs the way we approach His word: it is the product of an all-powerful, all-knowing God who is free from error (Psalm 12:6; 18:30; 19:7; Proverbs 30:5–6; John 17:17).

We believe that the Bible is sufficient for all matters of faith and practice, or Christian living (2 Timothy 3:16–17; 2 Peter 1:3). Experience is severely limited as a basis for determining truth because it is changeable, ambiguous (it does not interpret itself), and is subject to self-deception. Thus, we should seek to interpret our experience in the light of God’s Word, rather than interpreting God’s Word in light of our experience.

Finally, it is instructive to understand that the Bible is a “covenant document.” A covenant is a three-way agreement (two parties and a witness to enforce it), as opposed to a contract, which is a two-way agreement (two parties, but no witness). In God’s covenant with his people, he is both one of the parties and the witness. The Bible, encompassing the Old and New Covenants, is the “covenant document” that governs our covenant relationship with God. In it, he tells us who he is, who we are, and how we are to live in a relationship with Him and inherit his promises. We are to meditate on God’s Word every day (Deuteronomy 6:6–7)

The Triune God


The Bible speaks of one God but attributes the characteristics of God to three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We believe in God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord; and in the Holy Spirit; and that these three are one God. We believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, who, in the beginning “was with God,” and “was God,” and who “himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness.”

We should view the triune God as something wonderful because it means not only that we have a God who is greater and more mysterious than our imaginings, but also that we have a God who seeks a personal relationship with us through the redemption of the Son and the presence of the Spirit.

God Himself exists in community: three persons of one essence, with a perfect love and whose love overflowed in the creation and redemption of humanity. When God created humanity in his image, he created us as relational beings, created to love each other and our Creator.

The Spirit of God points us to Christ in all matters. Jesus made it clear that if we’ve seen Him, we’ve seen the Father. So, it’s safe to say that Jesus reveals and points us to the Father. These individual Persons work in tandem with each in an unparalleled oneness. Their cohesive efforts reflect that of one God, eternally existent in three Persons.

Salvation

We believe in the resurrection of the dead, and in the final judgement of all people. “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on him.”

The gospel, or “good news,” is that God has finally accomplished salvation for his people through the life, death and resurrection of Christ. JESUS IS THE FOCAL POINT OF SALVATION HISTORY.

We believe that we are saved “by grace through faith” in the Lord Jesus Christ, and that good works are the certain fruit of such faith. We therefore offer ourselves for Christian service as a means of expressing our gratitude to Him, and to extend His cause.

The Holy Spirit

At the baptism of Jesus, the Holy Spirit descended to earth for the first time since before the exile, because Jesus was the temple of God par excellence (Mark 1:9–11).

After Jesus’ death, resurrection and ascension, Jesus poured out the Spirit upon His followers, fulfilling the promise of the prophets that God would pour out His Spirit in an unprecedented way upon His people (Acts 2:1–21). Just as the Holy Spirit inhabited the temple of God in the Old Testament, He now inhabits the people of God to show that this is the place He dwells and shows forth His glory.

The personhood of the Spirit is evident in Scripture. He grieves, loves, has a mind, speaks, knows, has awareness of goodness, can be lied to, can be tested, can be a witness, can be spoken again, forbids, searches all things, can be resisted, teaches, intercedes, leads/guides, gives life, fills/empowers, convicts, interprets, makes overseers, testifies, produces Godly qualities, sanctifies assures of salvation and more.

When someone is saved, the Holy Spirit takes up residence within them. We call this the “Indwelling” of the Spirit. He begins making that individual look like Christ from the inside out as they yield to His work within them. This experience is separate from the “Empowering” of the Spirit, which is revealed in the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. (see below) The empowering work of the Spirit is the grace or enablement to do the things Jesus said we can and should do. We should be living how Jesus lived and doing the things He did as we partner with the work of the Spirit in our lives. (John. 20:22, Acts 1:8, 2:1-4, Galatians 5:22-23, John 14:12)

The Holy Spirit is also the primary mover in creating, inhabiting, and building up the corporate Church (Ephesians 2:21–22). He works to bring about Church unity among the individual church people through the manifestation of fruit and gifts.

Since all Christians have the Holy Spirit dwelling in them (Romans 8:9–10), all Christians should bear His fruit. Paul lists the fruit of the Spirit in the context of the freedom we have in Christ, freedom that is meant for serving one another in love.

This means that the fruit of the Spirit refers to attitudes and actions that build relationships and Church unity. The extent of the fruit of the Spirit in our lives will be most evident in the way we treat our brothers and sisters in the body of Christ.

All Christians will also manifest the gifts of the Spirit, though in varying ways. The Greek word charisma, “gift,” is related to the word “charis” - grace. The gifts of the Spirit are concrete expressions of the grace of God to the Church.

Thus, it seems that a “gift” of the Spirit does not have to do as much with a personal ability, as with the outworking of a ministry, or an expression of grace. In other words, the gifts of the Spirit are something we manifest, not something we possess. We manifest the gifts of the Spirit as we carry out ministry and service within the body of Christ.

Baptism in the Holy Spirit

All believers are encouraged to receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit and therefore should expect and earnestly seek the promise of the Father, according to the command of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Luke 24:49).

With the experience comes the provision of power and productive service from victorious Christian living. It also provides believers with specific spiritual gifts for more effective ministry.

The baptism in the Holy Spirit is separate from salvation and follows the new birth experience (Acts 8:12-17, 10:44-46, 11:14-16, 15:7-9). With this baptism comes such experiences as an overflowing fullness of the Spirit (John 7:37-39, Acts 4:8) a deepened reverence for God (Acts 2:43, Hebrews 12:28) and intensified commitment to God and dedication to His work (Acts 2:42) and a more active love for Christ, for His word and for those who have not yet accepted Him (Mark 16:20).

The baptism of Christians in the Holy Spirit is accompanied by the initial physical sign of speaking in other tongues (unlearned languages or a special prayer language) as the Spirit of God gives them audible expression (Acts 2:4).

The Church

God creates His Church by pouring out His Spirit to inhabit His people, both individually and corporately (Acts 2). By the working of the Spirit, the Church is the body of Christ, made up of individuals who serve one another through diverse gifts and ministries with a view to being built up in unity and love (1 Corinthians 12:12–27; Ephesians 4:11–16).

God has designed it so that we benefit from one another as we hold unswervingly to our faith, to be encouraged in bearing the fruit and gifts of the Spirit and to meet our needs.

Because Christians benefit from other Christians in the Church that God intends, the writer of Hebrews exhorts his readers not to give up their habit of regularly meeting together (Hebrews 10:23–25). The New Testament teaches that the Church is made up of all who profess faith in Christ, no matter what nationality, gender, or station in life, for the only boundary-marker of the people of God is the presence of the Spirit (Ephesians 2:11–22; Galatians 3:26–29).

Missions

World missions has been a notable characteristic of Faith Chapel from the very beginning. We support more than 70 missionaries around the world. Missionaries are sent into an area in order to promote faith or provide services to people, such as education, literacy, social justice, health care, and economic development all attached to the Gospel. We desire for all who call Faith Chapel home to be missions minded. Carry the heart of God to the world all around you, internationally and in San Diego.

As a member of Faith Chapel, it is highly desirable that you support missions through your prayers and financial offerings that go beyond your tithes. (Please note, donations to Missions must be designated as such on your envelope; otherwise, they default to the general fund budget.)

The Structure of Faith Chapel

Congregationalism is based on the belief that Christ has vested the authority of the church in the members of the local body, rather than in a hierarchy of professionals (Matthew 18:15–20).

God has given each local body a plurality of leaders to serve, teach, direct and be examples (1 Timothy 3:2, 1 Timothy 2:2). Because of this, membership is very important. It is the members of Faith Chapel who lead in ministry, who are responsible to ratify elders to represent them, who exercise and receive church discipline and who provide ownership to the church and its assets. The overall structure of the church could be illustrated as follows:

JESUS CHRIST AS HEAD

THE MEMBERSHIP OF FAITH CHAPEL

THE BOARD OF ELDERS

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

MINISTRIES OF THE CHURCH (Including teaching, care giving, outreach and worship; represented by pastors and the ministerial staff)

THE WORSHIPPING CONGREGATION (members & nonmembers)

The Pastor shall, subject to the control of the Board of Directors have general supervision, direction, and control of church activities. He shall serve as president of the corporation and shall be a member of the Board of Elders, the chairman of all the membership meetings and of the Board of Directors’ and with the church Secretary shall sign all official corporation documents.

The Board of Elders acts in all matters pertaining to the spiritual life and welfare of the church and in the ministry of its ordinances. The Elders are active in visitations with anyone who needs prayer, are unable to attend church services, spiritual guidance, approval of church benevolence, and other direct contacts with the congregation. The Elder’s positions are ratified annually by a simple majority of the membership in attendance at the church general business meeting.

The Board of Directors have overall responsibility and control of all matters pertaining to the business and church administrative functions. Board of Directors members are elected by the membership for three-year terms. All such elections are by secret ballot, by a simple membership majority in attendance at the Annual Business Meeting.

Church Ordinances

Our church calls water baptism and holy communion ordinances because they are practices – spiritual in nature ordained and established by Jesus Himself. In fulfilling these spiritual duties Christians are reminded of an important work that has already taken place in the believers heart.

Water Baptism:
The ordinance of baptism by immersion in water is commanded in the scriptures (Mark 16:16). All who repent and believe in Jesus Christ as personal Savior and Lord are to be so baptized. This act of baptism declares to everyone that the old sinful nature and lifestyle of the baptized believer died with Christ at salvation and a new spiritual being has been raised with Christ through His resurrection to a new life. (Matthew 28:19, Mark 16:16, Acts 10:47-48, Romans 6:4.)

Communion:
The Lord's Supper, or Communion, consisting of bread and the fruit of the vine (grape juice) is a memorial of Christ’s suffering and death. When partaking, we are declaring the Lord’s death until He comes again. (1 Corinthians 11:26, Matthew 26:26-28).

In eating and drinking the symbols of Christ’s suffering and death the believer expresses his awareness that through salvation he (1) has been made right with God and (2) shares the divine nature of eternal life through our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Peter 1:4). The ordinance also looks forward to Christ’s second coming (1 Corinthians 11:26) for it is a reminder to proclaim the Lord's death “until he comes”!

Have you ever been water baptized before? If so, did you have a thorough understanding of Romans chapter 6 and a personal faith in what you were doing? If so, fantastic! If not, prayerfully consider getting water baptized again with this understanding and presently active faith.

Tithing

Our church has always been a proponent of tithing (giving one-tenth of one's personal income as an act of worship to God and thereby also supporting the work of God). We believe tithing is a recognition that everything we have comes from God and we honor Him by giving of our tithes and offerings with a cheerful heart. (2 Corinthians 9:7-8) This practice checks our greed, promotes personal discipline, testifies to our faith, promotes God's work in the world, and alleviates human need. Tithing and simply living a life of generosity is a Biblical practice whereby we honor God through sacrificial giving of finances. Everything we have belongs to Him. When we’re faithful to steward the finances He’s provided for us the avenues of blessing open up over our lives and He provides even more seed to the sower. (2 Corinthians 9:10) We cannot outgive God. Tithing is an expectation for active members of Faith Chapel. Faith Chapel members should be bringing their treasure to the storehouse they are planted in. This is the only place in all of Scripture where God invites us to “test” Him. (Malachi 3:10-12) 

History of Faith Chapel

Faith Chapel was established in 1956 by Pastor Troy Blair in a store front on El Cajon Blvd. in La Mesa. The first service was held on March 4th in the upstairs lodge hall. Later the church moved to Echo Dr. in La Mesa, where Pastor George Gregg was the pastor and led Faith Chapel into an incredible season of revival and health. Then in 1986, Faith Chapel moved to its present location on Campo Rd. in Spring Valley opening on September 28th.

The Assemblies of God

While recognizing its inherent right to sovereignty in the conduct of its own affairs Faith Chapel voluntarily enters into full cooperative fellowship with and as a member of the General Council of the Assemblies of God, a nonprofit corporation located in Springfield Missouri and likewise in fellowship with and as a member of the Southern California District Council of the Assemblies of God.

The Assemblies of God, officially the General Council of the Assemblies of God, is a Pentecostal Christian denomination in the United States. The Assemblies of God is the U.S. branch of the World Assemblies of God Fellowship, the world's largest Pentecostal body. The Assemblies of God holds to a conservative, evangelical and Arminian theology as expressed in the Statement of Fundamental Truths and position papers, which emphasize such core Pentecostal doctrines as the baptism in the Holy Spirit, speaking in tongues, divine healing and the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. It defines for itself a fourfold mission to evangelize others, worship God, disciple believers, and show compassion. The fellowship's polity is a hybrid of presbyterian and congregational models.

The Church is the Body of Christ, the habitation of God through the Spirit, with divine appointments for the fulfillment of the great commission. Each believer, born of the Spirit, is an integral part of the General Assembly and Church of the Firstborn, which are written in heaven.
• Ephesians 1:22-23
• Ephesians 2:22
• Hebrews 12:23

Since God’s purpose concerning man is to seek and to save that which is lost, to be worshipped by man, to build a body of believers in the image of His Son, and to demonstrate His love and compassion for all the world, the priority reason for being of the Assemblies of God as part of Faith Chapel is:

1. To be an agency of God for evangelizing the world.
o Acts 1:8 Matthew 28:19-20 Mark 16:15-16

2. To be a corporate body in which man may worship God.
o 1 Corinthians 12:13

3. To be a channel of God’s purpose to build a body of saints being perfected in the image of His Son.
o Ephesians 4:11-16
o 1 Corinthians 12:28
o 1 Corinthians 14:12

4. To be a people who demonstrate God’s love and compassion for all the world.
o Psalms 112:9
o Galatians 2:10, 6:10
o James 1:27

The Assemblies of God exists expressly to give continuing emphasis to this reason for being in the New Testament apostolic pattern by teaching and encouraging believers to be baptized in the Holy Spirit. This experience:

1. Enables them to evangelize in the power of the Spirit with accompanying supernatural signs.
o Mark 16:15-20
o Acts 4:29-31
o Hebrews 2:3-4

2. Adds a necessary dimension to worshipful relationship with God.
o 1 Corinthians 2:10-16
o 1 Corinthians 12
o 1 Corinthians 13
o 1 Corinthians 14

3. Enables them to respond to the full working of the Holy Spirit in expression of fruit and gifts and ministries as in New Testament times for the edifying of the body of Christ and care for the poor and needy of the world.
o Galatians 5:22-26
o Matthew 25:37-40
o Galatians 6:10
o 1 Corinthians 14:12
o Ephesians 4:11-12
o 1 Corinthians 12:28
o Colossians 1:29

Faith Chapel’s Mission

Faith Chapel’s mission is defined in three words, “Culture like Christ” What does that mean? Culture can be a noun and a verb. As a noun, we see the term culture showcasing a lifestyle and an environment whereby we are carrying what He carries. It’s something tangible that we can see and sense all around us. Just like Jesus created a culture all around Him that was unmistakable, we aim to do the same.

As a verb, it is action, teaching and implementing. We are aiming to cultivate ourselves to be like Jesus. We should be saying what Jesus said and doing what Jesus did. We should be following His commands and looking to Him as our great example. If we will, then we’ll begin to culture others all around us and through the ministries of Faith Chapel the same way Jesus did to the world around Him as He walked the earth. Furthermore, like He still is doing today by the work of His Spirit through Believers.

This mission becomes the filter everything we do flows through. That is the function of the mission. To help us filter and decide what Faith Chapel should or should not do. It’s a guide, a compass to keep us on track with where God is taking us. Thus, the Pastors, the Elders, and Board members need to protect the mission. We need to be careful that a good activity does not get Faith Chapel off track from the mission; to have and to "Culture like Christ".

The mission helps us to see who we are and why we are here. Who am I? I am His Beloved? Why am I here? I am here to share Jesus with whomever I encounter. Matthew 28:18-20 states, "Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, 'All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.' Amen". The Paramount Point for us to capture is that "We are called to Culture Like Christ." Nobody gets a pass. It’s mandated for each person who names Jesus, Lord to fulfill. That means we culture like Jesus did. Members are expected to accept the mission; pray it; serve in it, give to it and make it their own. If we will, then the generations who come after us will see and experience Jesus in ways perhaps we’ve only dreamed of.

Faith Chapel’s Vision

Faith Chapel’s mission in defined in three words, its vision is defined in one, “Jesus.” The vision is very simple yet powerfully deep. “The vision is JESUS.” That enlarged period after Jesus is intentional and powerful. In Him, we’ll satisfy everything we need to know about the Lord and all that He’s called us to do. (Colossians 2:9) We’re aiming to keep our eyes on Jesus and to not change the subject to something else. Keep peripheral things in the periphery and keep the absolute epicenter of all we do about Jesus.

Parallel to keeping the word pure, we need to keep our vision (where we are going) pure-Jesus. 1 Corinthians 2:2 states it well. “For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.” In Greek “determined” means to choose or to prefer. We choose and prefer Jesus above all else. Philippians 3:8-9 states “Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For His sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ and become one with Him…” We need to keep Him the affection of our hearts. For Jesus embodies love, generosity, selflessness, humility, surrender, discipling, power, honor, obedience, the Kingdom and so much more!

In addition from John 14:6-7a, we remember that Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. If you had really known me, you would know who my Father is.” If a person wants to know the Father, he/she needs to know Jesus. “The person of Jesus is the great revealing of the Father to us.” The Father and Jesus are one. Again by knowing Jesus, you know the Father. The Father is powerful, mighty, and good. Jesus is precisely everything the Father has to say about Himself. (John 14:8-14, 15:1-17)

As we keep Jesus our vision, we gain the generations to follow. The success of Jesus’ ministry was contingent upon the faithfulness of the disciples. They had to carry the Gospel message to the world after Jesus accomplished everything needed at the cross. Suffice it to say, without passing on the message of the Gospel to the next generation, this message would ultimately die out after a short time. The reason we’re here thousands of years later still giving our lives to the message of the Gospel is because the power of the Gospel is still moving in our spirits, souls and bodies. Jesus is alive and well! His Spirit is moving in the earth and we are declaring His message to the lost and dying world all around us. Especially to the next generation.

“Unless the LORD builds a house, the work of the builders is wasted. Unless the LORD protects a city, guarding it with sentries will do no good. It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, anxiously working for food to eat; For God gives rest to his loved ones. Children are a gift from the LORD; they are a reward from him.” Psalm 127:1-3 (NLT)

The vision is Jesus.

Values

Character and Integrity:
We’re aiming at Jesus, Who was completely sinless! He walked with utmost character and integrity in all things. We should strive to do the same. Both in public as well as in secret. It’s how we live in private that will impact the public. (2 Corinthians 5:21, Luke 12:3)

Prayer:
Jesus prayed, taught on prayer, gave us the Holy Spirit to help us pray and displayed the results of a healthy prayer life. We’re called to engage with God in the arena of prayer. Our prayers are powerful. Especially when aligned with God’s will for a particular topic. Recognizing our authority in the arena of prayer is also crucial. Sometimes we’re speaking to God in relationship and sometimes we’re speaking to situations and principalities influencing the world around us as ambassadors of the Kingdom of God. Putting our authority into action in the arena of prayer is how Jesus modeled and has encouraged us to live. We all having expectation of our own, are also expected to pray. (Matthew 6:5-13, James 5:16, Ephesians 6:12, 20, Matthew 28:18-20)

Presence:
We treat the presence of God as a big deal. When He shows up in whatever way He so chooses, we give Him the whole room. His presence is the pinnacle of what we’re gathering to do, to host Him well. We’re aiming at Him coming and abiding with us in tangible and life changing ways. We believe that what God can do in a moment where His manifested presence rivals what man can do in enormous amounts of time. (Exodus 33:14-16, Psalm 11:7, 16:11, 22:3, Hebrews 10:19-20)

The Holy Spirit:
We value how Jesus ministered which was in the power of the Holy Spirit. The Apostle Paul chose to do the same as did the disciples. These are our purest and earliest examples of what Godly ministry should look like. Jesus was clear when He said it was to our benefit that He go and that He would send the Holy Spirit. As we value the Holy Spirit and His activity in our midst we know that Jesus will be glorified. We’ll aim to protect our ministries from veering off into the flesh when we should be engaging in the Spirit. We’ll be risk takers. We believe the fruit of the Spirit is more important than the gifts of the Spirit. That being said, the more fruit we’re consistently showcasing the more we’ll be trusting to utilize the gifts of the Spirit. A healthy Believer and by extension a healthy church partners with the Holy Spirit in all things and partners with Him in ministry. (Luke 4:14, Matthew 10:1, 1 Corinthians 2:4-5, Acts 10:38, John 16:7, 14, Galatians 5:16, 22-23, 1 Corinthians 12:7-11)

Relationships:
Jesus walked with His disciples everywhere He went. He did life with these friends of His. Relationships in the church is crucial. We’ll create opportunities to strengthen the relationships we already have and be intentional about making new ones. We believe life is better when lived with others in one accord. (John 15:15, 1 Thessalonians 3:12, 5:11, 1 Peter 1:22)

Honor:
We’re choosing to build a culture of honor. First and foremost we want to honor the Lord in all things. This happens by how we live our lives. The choices we make and how we treat each other. Essentially, this connects honor to worship very closely. We also want to live honorably with people. Operating out of a lifestyle of gratitude and thanksgiving pleases God and conveys our sincere heart towards people. (Romans 12:10, Ephesians 6:2, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, 1 Peter 2:17, Proverbs 3:9, Psalm 107:1, 1 Thessalonians 5:18)

Growth:
A healthy Believer should be growing in all areas. Discipleship is tied to growth. Though there are many ways to be growing, discipleship is likely the most effective. There are many expressions of discipleship that are effective, and the life of Jesus certainly displayed several of them. In order to combat apathy and stagnation, mature ones are on a trajectory of growth in the things of God. Growth can happen by attending weekly services, small groups, one on one discipleship opportunities, reading books, listening to podcasts, walking with mentors, attending conference etc. Never stop growing as a person, as a leader and as a follower of Christ. (Matthew 28:19-20, 2 Timothy 2:2, John 15:8, 1 Corinthians 11:1, John 8:31-32, Luke 14:27, 1 Peter 2:21)

Serving:
Jesus came to serve. He washed His disciples feet and laid His life down for His friends. His great example, once again, leads us to become a servant just like Him. (John 13:1-17, Matthew 20:28, 1 Peter 4:10-11)

Generosity:
For God so loved the world He gave… if we’re going to be like Jesus, we too should be givers. God loves a cheerful giver and one of the ways we show what our heart values is by looking at where our treasures go. Living generously looks like a selfless life with our time, our energy our finances and anything else God calls us to give. (John 3:16, 2 Corinthians 9:7, Luke 12:34_

Corporate Prayer

We aim to cultivate a culture of prayer on a consistent basis. Our corporate gatherings are an opportunity to come before the Lord together and individually in prayer for our church, its people and for the world around us. Throughout church history, God’s people have gathered for corporate prayer and witness its powerful effects. In fact, many of the greatest revivals started as believers joined together in community prayer meetings. In the early church, believers met often – sometimes daily – for prayer and worship. What exactly is corporate prayer? Corporate prayer is simply praying as one. When we gather together and combine our prayers as one body of Christ, the results are powerful. The important element of corporate prayer is praying together. People praying together unites us in mind and purpose. It is a way for us to come together in community and humility before God, entrusting ourselves to Him and seeking His will. Whether alone or corporately, our part in prayer is simply to come before God in humility, as forgiven people, and in confidence, as those who have been adopted into His family and invited to relationship with Him and participation in His work (Hebrews 4:14–16). As members of Faith Chapel, you are strongly encouraged to be part of these Sunday prayer nights and take advantage of what corporate prayer can do for the church, community, and self.

Midweek Encounter

“Midweek Encounter” service occurs each Wednesday night from 6:30pm to 8:00pm. If you’re hungry to go deeper in the things of God, these Midweek Encounter gatherings will be for you. Members are encouraged to attend and come prepared to be challenged to expand their horizons and understanding concerning the things of God as we as a church family create a culture honoring the presence of the Lord and all He desires to do in our midst. During this service there is a time of worship as praise is offered to the Lord followed by time in the Word and opportunity for Body ministry.

Classes and Small Group Ministries

Connect Classes The purpose of a connect class is to provide a variety of scripture-based lessons to enhance the spiritual journey of those who attend. It is highly recommended that as a member of Faith Chapel you find one of the classes meeting each week. A current list of classes can be found in the monthly “Faith Builders” newsletter or by checking with the administration office. Small Groups Small groups are small gatherings of people who meet in different places around our church and community to fellowship, eat, talk about life and above all grow their relationship with God. Small groups are where prayer for each other and supporting each other takes place. These gatherings take place each week. A small group turns a crowd into a community. As with connect classes it is highly recommended that as a member of Faith Chapel you find a small group to join and participate. Small groups currently in session can be found on the Faith Chapel APP.

Volunteer Opportunities


There are many ways to serve and use your Spiritual Gifts here at Faith Chapel. Sunday nursery and children’s ministry, ushering, greeting, worship, production and media, special projects and hospitality are some of the ways you can get plugged in and use your talents and gifts to serve the body of Christ. If you would like to volunteer for any of these areas, contact the church office or info center in the main lobby for more information or simply click “Serve” on the Faith Chapel app or website. All members and church attenders are encouraged to become Faith Chapel volunteers.

Campus Tour

For those who are relatively new to Faith Chapel or those who have not had the opportunity to experience the many facets of the Faith Chapel campus, a guided tour by one of the church Elders will provide a tour if requested.

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