|
|
DISTINCTIVES
At Clemson Community Church we strive to live as
an authentic 1st century church in the 21st century.
What does this look like?
- Emphasis on developing deep, meaningful
relationships among each other
- Caring for those with emotional or physical needs
- Being a praying church
- Helping each other grow in faith and love
- An outward focus - bringing help and the gospel to others
For us, church is not just a building (although we
have one). It is not just a Sunday morning service
(although we have that too). It is not measured by
how many programs we have. (Most of our get-togethers
are more informal.) It is not leadership-centered (although
we do have elders). It is about all believers in our
local body living a Christ-focused life together,
serving one another, helping one another, and loving one another.
Here are a few additional distinctives about our church:
- We do not "pass the baskets" or ask for an offering. Our
regular attenders simply give as the Lord leads. (We have a
"giving box" that can be used anytime.)
- We do not believe that a church needs full-time paid pastors
in order to operate effectively. At present our elders receive
no funds from the church. All giving goes into outreach/evangelism
activities, ministry to the needy, minimal secretarial and other
staff support, and facilities maintenance.
- We do not have formal membership procedures. We don't see these
in the Bible, and we don't think they are necessary. If you are
a regular attender and a believer, consider yourself a member.
|
Relevant Scripture
"I pray also for those who will believe
in me through their message, that all of them may be one,
Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also
be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.
I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be
one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to
complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have
loved them even as you have loved me." (Jesus praying) - John 17:20b-23
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. Every day
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 being saved. - Acts 2:42-47
All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any
of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had.
With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection
of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all. There were no needy
persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses
sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles'
feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need. - Acts 4:32-35
|
|
Growing or Just Going?
It is possible to attend a large church with a beautiful building,
hundreds of programs, terrific sermons, and fantastic worship, and yet
not grow at all in your Christian walk. Why is this? Largely it is
because it is possible to "just go" to church, to be a spectator.
Christianity was never meant to be a "spectator sport." It is only
through pursuing real relationships with God and with other believers
that one can really grow. Bible study, prayer, and other individual
"spiritual" activities can become natural outgrowths of these
relationships.
Some people have stopped attending church altogether because of past hurts,
hypocritical people, or just shallow church life. This is not healthy
or safe for Christian believers. Prayerfully consider visiting us and see what
genuine love can look like in a small body of committed believers.
|
|
