Membership - Seven Step Strategy

Christ left the church with the mission of reaching people with the message of His death and resurrection, and teaching them to follow Him. But how does the church best accomplish its mission as it faces the 21st century? What is the game plan?

Atlee has adopted a seven stop strategy to allow newcomers to join us at any step along the way in their spiritual journey. We want to help people progress from being merely curious about Christianity to being totally convinced, and then becoming fully devoted followers of Christ.

Step 1: Build a Relationship

Luke 7:34; John 17:18

Our goal is to train an army of "bridge builders," who view every contact made with people through the week as a divine appointment. We don't want our members so busy "serving the Lord" that they can't take the time to interact with those outside the church. No amount of advertising can compare to the effectivenesss of an enthusiastic congregation of people dedicated to reaching out!

Question: Are you committed to building a bridges of relationships to those around you?

Step 2: Share a Verbal Witness

1 Peter 3:15

We must be sensitive to those around us, and tactful enough to know how and when to initiate a verbal witness under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The opportunity to do so may seldom arise during brief, chance encounters. Therefore, we believe a deliberate strategy of spending time in a social setting with those who do not know Christ is essential if we are to successfully share our faith with them. When a person is open to further spiritual input, he can be invited to a "seeker" service to investigate Christianity further.

Question: Are you prepared to share your faith?

Step 3: Invite to a Seeker Service

Luke 5:27-32

Providing a meaningful Sunday service each week is a rock-solid commitment of Atlee Church to its "bridge builders": If you establish a relationship with a "seeker," share a witness, and invite him to church, we will not let you down! This "seeker" service will be designed with the unchurched in mind. It will be upbeat, positive, relevant, and as high quality as we can possibly produce. We will not put visitors on the spot by asking them to say anything, sign anything, or give anything. We will not do anything "strange" in the eyes of an unbeliever. They can quietly, safely, and anonymously investigate the claims of Christ without pressure.

Question: Do you know "seekers" you can invite to such a service?

Step 4: Participate in a Small Group

John 13:34-35; Acts 2:42-47

Participating in a small group gives us the personal touch and accountability that large meetings can not. This is where seekers and believers can discuss issues of faith and life and learn together, as they get acquainted with a network of people who won't let them "slip through the cracks." Small groups offer community, a sense of belonging, and care-giving in times of crisis and need. It is the work of the small groups that allows the church to grow beyond the ability of its professional staff to minister.

Question: Are you participating in a small group or are you willing to lead or host a group?

Step 5: Attend "theEssentials"

Colossians 3:16

Mid-week services, called "theEssentials", are designed to help deepen the believer's appreciation and commitment to Christ. Bible teaching that follows along with Sunday Services and personal testimonies of life-change serve as motivation for greater commitment and service.

Question: Have you made commitment to make "theEssentials" a regular part of your life?

Step 6: Manage Our Gifts, Talents, and Resources

Romans 12:4-5; 2 Corinthians 8:7

"Every member a minister" is the motto for service at Atlee Community Church! We believe that, without exception, God has given every believer unique gifts, talents, and resources to be personally involved in ministry. The Scripture Tells us that we are to be good Managers (stewards) of our time, gifts, and abilities. We are encouraged to discover and develop those gifts in such a way that our abilities can be used in some form of ministry. Everything we have is a gift from God, including our financial resources, and He asks each of us to excel in giving. Our giving is an expression of thanksgiving and enables effective ministry to take place so others may also know Christ.

Question: Are your talents & resources totally available to God?

Step 7: Grow in Leadership

Matthew 20:25-27; Romans 12:4-8

The Bible teaches that those who lead must be servants. Leadership of some type is open to virtually everyone. Some lead in their families, others lead in a disciple ministry as they personally teach others about Christ, and others humbly exhibit leadership by simply setting examples in many areas for others to follow. In addition, some have special gifts of leadership which can be utilized in various leadership roles in the church, and even beyond, as they help advance the message of Christ through church starting, missionary work, and evangelism.

Question: What role of leadership are you growing into?

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Luke 7:34- The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and you say, 'Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and "sinners." '

John 17:18-As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.

1 Peter 3:15-But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect...

Luke 5:27-32-After this, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector by the name of Levi sitting at his booth. "Follow me," Jesus said to him, and Levi got up, left everything and followed him.

Then Levi held a great banquet for Jesus at his house, and a large crowd of ta collectors and others were eating with them. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law who belonged to their sect complained to his disciples, "Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and 'sinners'?"

Jesus answered them, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."

John 13:34-35-"A new Command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."

Acts 2:42-47-They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods they gave to anyone as he had need. Everyday they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were saved.

Colossians 3:16-Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.

Romans 12:4-5 -Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.

2 Corinthians 8:7-But just as you excel in everything-in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us-see that you also excel in this grace of giving.

Matthew 20:25-27-Jesus called them together and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave..."

Romans 12:4-8-Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.

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