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