The purpose of the church is
clear: to be the body of Christ in the world, an army of disciples of Jesus who
will bring glory to him and disciple this generation for him
(Matthew
28:19-20).
The purpose of the church is
clear: to be the body of Christ in the world, an army of disciples of Jesus who
will bring glory to him and disciple this generation for him
(Matthew
28:19-20).
God has great plans for the church! He is restoring to the church all that has been lost by negligence or man's traditions. Think of it! You are part of God's exciting plan: "Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work in us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever! Amen". (Ephesians 20:21). This is God's sovereign work. No man can take glory for its success. "This is the Lord's doing; it is marvelous in our eyes."
As one part of the church's great over all plan, God has created this local body, Christian Fellowship Ministry, for a specific vision: to raise the Biblical standard of the family in order to train and send disciples throughout the word. Around that cause we rally, and toward that goal all activity and programs are measured.
We believe God has given Christian Fellowship Ministry a unique role to play in His Kingdom. As in a physical body where each part has purpose and design, so in the worldwide church, each congregation has a part to play. Other churches have other visions that are vital to the completion of Christ's call before He returns. So we work together under the headship of Christ, understanding and encouraging other Christians and congregations. "Upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it" (Matthew 16:18).
WHAT IS THE PLAN TO FULFILL THE CFM VISION?
Family
God has instituted the home as the basic institution of not only society but also of the church. It is in a family that children are to be trained in God's ways and prepared for usefulness in God's Kingdom.
It is Biblical.
It is effective.
It can be implemented throughout the world.
Cells
Small groups that meet weekly in
homes form the second avenue of training, relationships, prayer, evangelism,
accountability, and ministry at Christian Fellowship Ministry. It forms an
extended spiritual family. Commitment to a
cell is not optional for members; we see it as the basic structure of our
corporate body, not just another program. Some cells at CFM are
intergenerational and some are for special groups. Why do we feel being a cell
member is so important?
It is Biblical.
It is effective.
It can be implemented throughout the world.
Corporate Body
Cells are basic to both physical
and spiritual bodies, but they must work together as well. Thus, our entire CFM
church body cooperates to fulfill extended functions:
Corporate Worship each Sunday morning and other special times
Special Training, Opportunities and Meetings that are best accomplished by a large group
Ministry Teams that fulfill practical functions of the church and extend into the community. Currently our ministry teams are Missions, Worship, Family Resources, Hospitality, Finance, and Building & Grounds, but as other ministry needs arise, these will be expanded.
Why
do we feel that corporate body life is important?
It is Biblical.
It is effective.
It can be implemented throughout the world.
WHAT STRUCTURE
SUPPORTS THAT PLAN?
The church is not a democracy; it is a theocracy with every person being under the Lordship of Christ. Therefore, the only vote that counts is God's. With each decision, we seek God's will through the Word and prayer and fasting.
Every group must have authority to function properly. Thus, God has delegated spiritual authority in a congregation to elders, chosen to serve as shepherds and servant-leaders to the body. We choose elders by the qualifications given in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9.
Other leaders are cell group and ministry team leaders. The leadership of CFM does not own the church. It belongs to God and it is their duty to lead by hearing and obeying God's will.
Our church body is not under any denomination, and structurally we are independent of other congregations. However, since we understand that we need fellowship and interaction with other churches, CFM is a member of the Midwest Ministers' Fellowship (www.mmfellowship.org).
Everything a Christian has belongs to God, and the tithe is the God-ordained recognition of His ownership. The tithe (10%) is to go to the local church, and offerings (above the tithe) can be directed as you feel God leads.
At CFM, we are confident that God will provide for His work through His people. We do not endorse community fund-raisers in the name of the church as we seek to exhibit God's powerful provision, not make Him a beggar to the world.
The purpose of the by-laws is not to set up a legal code to restrict and regulate the freedom of God's people. Rather, it is to provide guidelines and direction, keep us on course, and to ensure freedom in Christ. The spirit of the law concerns us, not the letter. A copy of the by-laws is available through the church office.
WHAT DOES
MEMBERSHIP AT CFM MEAN?