From the Pastors
 
Ekklesia - the original Greek word which we translate “church” - appears in the New Testament 114 times, most of which are in the writings of the Apostle Paul. Ekklesia literally means “a gathering of people, an assembly.”  It’s worth noting that the word synagogue also means “a gathering of people, an assembly,” and appears 56 times in the New Testament, 34 of which are in the Gospels. Synagogue, of course, normally reflects the gathering/assembling of those of the Jewish faith for worship.
 
     For the 1st century Church, the theological part of church membership is that the disciples were sent to make disciples. They were sent to proclaim God’s Word, to baptize and teach throughout the world so that all might come to know and become followers of Jesus Christ. In so doing, local churches were the logical and practical outcome wherever disciples went and preached the gospel.

1. This brings us to the most important point of church. The real test of membership for any church is DISCIPLESHIP.  This is the biblical principal for people who become believers in Jesus Christ:
2. Disciples become involved in the Church’s mission;
3. They participate in the church’s upkeep;
4. They adhere to the church’s beliefs, living a faithful life; and,
5. They continue to study God’s Word (after all, “disciple” means to be a student who accepts and assists in spreading the teachings of another… in our case, the teachings of Jesus Christ).  

In other words, disciples are those called to build up the church, both locally and globally… caring for and up-keeping the local congregation and Church with a capital “C” - in all its missions & ministries.
  
     The Apostle Paul tells us that those who are members of the local house churches of the 1st century are:

• People who are caring – Romans 12; 1 Corinthians 12
• People who shares the burdens of other Christians – Galatians 6:2;           1 Corinthians 12:26 
• People who encourage one another – Romans 1:12; 1 Corinthians 14:3
• People who serve one another – 1 Corinthians 12:7
• People who submit to each other and to Christ – Ephesians 5:21-24
• People who pray for one another – 2 Corinthians 1:11; 9:14
• People who love one another – Romans 13:8
• People who give offerings to the church’s work – Philippians 4:18

     Being part of both a local church and the “Big C” Church is a commitment which means much more than just having your name on the roll book.  It means accepting the responsibility that accompanies the privileges of being a disciple of Jesus Christ. 

      St. John's is a church that takes it's commitment to Jesus Christ and spreading the Gospel to all the world seriously! We invite you on our journey, come and visit us!

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, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded  you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age."   (Matthew 28:90-20)

Salaam!  Shalom!  God’s Peace!

Pastor Danny & Pastor Maria