membership
Please read carefully what's below before you go to the signup form.
OUR HISTORY
The history of Go For God Family Church goes back to the early years of Deeper Life Ministries and the birthing of the Charismatic Renewal Movement in Jamaica in the 1970’s. It became a spiritual movement of the Kingdom of God, for the renewing of the Church, the evangelization of the people and the transformation of the nation. The passion of that generation was motivated by the rallying cry expressed by Bishop Peter Morgan “God is going somewhere; I am going with Him, how about you!”
That history gave birth to many new local churches and the establishment of a number of Christian ministries operating beyond the walls of the church. One such ministry is City Life Ministries in 2004 led by Pastor Carrington Morgan along with a small group of committed believers. They planted themselves within the heart of the City to institute transformational programs to bring relief and empowerment to the poor, the depressed and the marginalized. They provided by precept and by example the spiritual and Biblical principles of the Kingdom of God. The prophetic determination was expressed: “No Longer will violence be heard in your land, nor ruin and destruction within your borders, but you will call your walls salvation and your gates praise.” (Isaiah 60:18). It is that same corps that has formed the base of Go For God Family Church under the leadership of Pastor Christopher Morgan, giving further impetus to the Kingdom mandate to renew the church, evangelize the people and transform the nation.
In 2000, Pastor Christopher obeyed the call of God and enrolled in the School of Theology and Missions at Oral Roberts University, to formally prepare himself for the vocational Ministry. After completing his Masters in Divinity, he joined the staff of Covenant Church of Pittsburgh under the mentorship of Bishop Joseph Garlington. There he became immersed in worship, pursued the presence of God, developed the capacity to pastor and acquired the skill to administer the church. In January 2009, he again obeyed the call of God. He returned to his homeland with a determined desire to shape a people into a community with a passion for God in worship, fellowship and witness. The result is this unique company of believers, “In passionate pursuit of God and in powerful pursuit of His purpose”, with a heart to evangelize the people and to transform whole communities for the Glory of God.
Bishop C.B. Peter Morgan, D.Min, M.Div, B.A.
OUR VISION
We are a family in passionate pursuit of God’s presence. We get together every chance we can to strengthen ourselves in the Word of God and to celebrate our gift of abundant life.
WORSHIP as a lifestyle
We emphasize the passionate pursuit of God’s presence through High Praise and Worship as a lifestyle.
“As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God.
My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?”
Psalm 42:1-2
CELEBRATION of life
We place emphasis on events that celebrate the gift of Life.
“Then he said to them, ‘Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.’” Nehemiah 8:10
EMPOWERMENT for living
We place emphasis on the teaching and declaration of the Word of God for empowerment and victorious Christian living.
“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12
FAMILY for life
We emphasize strong family values and provide a culture where one can truly belong, and be an active member of the body of Christ.
“…so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one
another.” Romans 12:5
OUR MISSION
We go for God to save the dying, strengthen the weak, support the strong and send the strong out to establish the Kingdom.
EVANGELISM (Save)
We go to tell everyone the good news about Jesus Christ our Savior and Friend.
“…Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 8:19
CHARITY (Strengthen & Serve)
We care for orphans, widows and the poor and destitute in our communities.
“Charity suffers long and is kind; charity … rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Charity never fails.”
1 Corinthians 12:4
COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP (Support)
We seek to support civic, governmental, social and business leaders in our communities.
“I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” 2 Timothy 2:1,2
KINGDOM ESTABLISHMENT (Send)
We go for God to possess our land and establish His Kingdom in our world.
“Your kingdom come. Your will be done, On earth as it is in heaven.” Matthew 6:10
“You shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine. And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation." Exodus 19:5,6
OUR STATEMENT OF FAITH
The doctrinal position of Go for God Family Church is summarized in our eight-article Statement of Faith. (Adopted on February 7, 2009)
GOD
We believe in one God, Creator and Sustainer of all things, sovereign, holy, infinitely perfect, and eternally existing in a loving unity of three equally divine Persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
The BIBLE
We believe the Scriptures, both Old and New Testaments, to be the inspired Word of God, without error in the original writings, the complete revelation of His will for salvation, and the ultimate authority by which every realm of human knowledge and endeavor should be judged.
The HUMAN CONDITION
We believe that man was created in the image of God but fell into sin and is, therefore, lost, and only through God’s saving work in Jesus Christ can we be rescued, reconciled and renewed.
JESUS CHRIST
We believe that Jesus Christ is God incarnate, fully God and fully man. Jesus, Israel’s promised Messiah, was conceived through the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He lived a sinless life, was crucified on a cross, arose bodily from the dead, ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father as our High Priest and Advocate.
The WORK of CHRIST
We believe that the shed blood of Jesus Christ and His resurrection provide the only ground for justification and salvation for all who believe. Only such as receive Jesus Christ are born of the Holy Spirit and thus become children of God.
The HOLY SPIRIT
We believe that the ministry of the Holy Spirit is to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ. He convicts the world of its guilt, and regenerates the believing sinner. He also indwells, illuminates, guides, and equips believers for Christ-like living. We believe in the baptism of the Holy Spirit which is the promise of the Father, and His accompanying gifts and fruit, which empower the believer for the building of His Church and the establishment of His Kingdom.
The CHURCH
We believe that the true Church comprises all who have been justified by God’s grace through faith in Christ alone. They are united by the Holy Spirit in the body of Christ, of which He is the Head. We believe that water baptism and the Lord's Supper are ordinances to be observed by the Church during the present age. They are, however, not to be regarded as means of salvation.
The End - ESCHATOLOGY
We believe in the bodily resurrection of the dead; of the believer to everlasting blessedness and joy with the Lord; of the unbeliever to judgment and everlasting conscious punishment. We believe in the personal and bodily return of our Lord Jesus Christ and that this "Blessed Hope" has a vital bearing on the personal life and service of the believer.
We believe the coming of Christ, at a time known only to God, demands constant expectancy and, as our blessed hope, motivates the believer to godly living, sacrificial service and energetic mission.
OUR CORE VALUES
CREATIVITY
We believe that we have been created in the image and likeness of our God and therein possess His magnificent creative ability. (Genesis 1:26)
We are determined to bring glory to our Creator by expressing fully our God given creative ability. We insist on applying the highest level of creativity, innovation, ‘cutting edge’ and ‘outside the box’ thinking to all areas of our church development and personal lives.
EXCELLENCE
We believe that we have been filled with the Spirit of our Holy God and therein possess His outstanding ‘spirit of excellence.’ (Daniel 6:3)
We are determined to do our ‘best better’ and to make surpassing expectations a habit in our church development and personal lives.
INTEGRITY
We believe that we have received our Lord Jesus Christ into our hearts and therein possess His unwavering call to integrity. (Romans 8:29)
We are determined to become like our Hero Jesus Christ. We choose to be guided and defined by honor, veracity and reliability in all areas of our church and personal lives.
COMMITMENT
We believe that we have become saturated by the love of our most faithful God and therein possess an instinctual response of zealous commitment. (Matt. 3:33-37)
We are determined to make our ‘yes be yes’ and our ‘no be no’. We lovingly remain loyal, devoted and dedicated to the vision and mission of our church and to the fulfillment of Gods purpose for our lives.
OUR COMMITMENT TO MEMBERS
To Provide:
PASTORAL Ministry
Spiritual Covering and Authority
Pastoral Care and Counseling
Personal Gifts and Purpose Development
Cleansing and Deliverance ministry
Ministry to the sick - Hospital and Hospice visits
Accountability and Partnership
PRIESTLY Ministry (Performance and Participation in…)
Ordinances – Communion (Lords Supper), Infant Blessing, and Water Baptism
Weddings
Funerals
Commendation to Ministry
PREACHING and TEACHING Ministry
Biblical Literacy and Competency
Discipleship Programs
Leadership Training
PROPHETIC Ministry
Prophetic Proclamation
Prophetic Blessings
Prophetic Guidance
PRAYER and INTERCESSION
Healing
Protection
Guidance
Provision
PRAISE and WORSHIP
Corporate praise and worship experiences
PLACE of SANCTUARY
A Haven of Safety, Refuge and Peace
The history of Go For God Family Church goes back to the early years of Deeper Life Ministries and the birthing of the Charismatic Renewal Movement in Jamaica in the 1970’s. It became a spiritual movement of the Kingdom of God, for the renewing of the Church, the evangelization of the people and the transformation of the nation. The passion of that generation was motivated by the rallying cry expressed by Bishop Peter Morgan “God is going somewhere; I am going with Him, how about you!”
That history gave birth to many new local churches and the establishment of a number of Christian ministries operating beyond the walls of the church. One such ministry is City Life Ministries in 2004 led by Pastor Carrington Morgan along with a small group of committed believers. They planted themselves within the heart of the City to institute transformational programs to bring relief and empowerment to the poor, the depressed and the marginalized. They provided by precept and by example the spiritual and Biblical principles of the Kingdom of God. The prophetic determination was expressed: “No Longer will violence be heard in your land, nor ruin and destruction within your borders, but you will call your walls salvation and your gates praise.” (Isaiah 60:18). It is that same corps that has formed the base of Go For God Family Church under the leadership of Pastor Christopher Morgan, giving further impetus to the Kingdom mandate to renew the church, evangelize the people and transform the nation.
In 2000, Pastor Christopher obeyed the call of God and enrolled in the School of Theology and Missions at Oral Roberts University, to formally prepare himself for the vocational Ministry. After completing his Masters in Divinity, he joined the staff of Covenant Church of Pittsburgh under the mentorship of Bishop Joseph Garlington. There he became immersed in worship, pursued the presence of God, developed the capacity to pastor and acquired the skill to administer the church. In January 2009, he again obeyed the call of God. He returned to his homeland with a determined desire to shape a people into a community with a passion for God in worship, fellowship and witness. The result is this unique company of believers, “In passionate pursuit of God and in powerful pursuit of His purpose”, with a heart to evangelize the people and to transform whole communities for the Glory of God.
Bishop C.B. Peter Morgan, D.Min, M.Div, B.A.
OUR VISION
We are a family in passionate pursuit of God’s presence. We get together every chance we can to strengthen ourselves in the Word of God and to celebrate our gift of abundant life.
WORSHIP as a lifestyle
We emphasize the passionate pursuit of God’s presence through High Praise and Worship as a lifestyle.
“As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God.
My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?”
Psalm 42:1-2
CELEBRATION of life
We place emphasis on events that celebrate the gift of Life.
“Then he said to them, ‘Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.’” Nehemiah 8:10
EMPOWERMENT for living
We place emphasis on the teaching and declaration of the Word of God for empowerment and victorious Christian living.
“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12
FAMILY for life
We emphasize strong family values and provide a culture where one can truly belong, and be an active member of the body of Christ.
“…so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one
another.” Romans 12:5
OUR MISSION
We go for God to save the dying, strengthen the weak, support the strong and send the strong out to establish the Kingdom.
EVANGELISM (Save)
We go to tell everyone the good news about Jesus Christ our Savior and Friend.
“…Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 8:19
CHARITY (Strengthen & Serve)
We care for orphans, widows and the poor and destitute in our communities.
“Charity suffers long and is kind; charity … rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Charity never fails.”
1 Corinthians 12:4
COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP (Support)
We seek to support civic, governmental, social and business leaders in our communities.
“I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” 2 Timothy 2:1,2
KINGDOM ESTABLISHMENT (Send)
We go for God to possess our land and establish His Kingdom in our world.
“Your kingdom come. Your will be done, On earth as it is in heaven.” Matthew 6:10
“You shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine. And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation." Exodus 19:5,6
OUR STATEMENT OF FAITH
The doctrinal position of Go for God Family Church is summarized in our eight-article Statement of Faith. (Adopted on February 7, 2009)
GOD
We believe in one God, Creator and Sustainer of all things, sovereign, holy, infinitely perfect, and eternally existing in a loving unity of three equally divine Persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
The BIBLE
We believe the Scriptures, both Old and New Testaments, to be the inspired Word of God, without error in the original writings, the complete revelation of His will for salvation, and the ultimate authority by which every realm of human knowledge and endeavor should be judged.
The HUMAN CONDITION
We believe that man was created in the image of God but fell into sin and is, therefore, lost, and only through God’s saving work in Jesus Christ can we be rescued, reconciled and renewed.
JESUS CHRIST
We believe that Jesus Christ is God incarnate, fully God and fully man. Jesus, Israel’s promised Messiah, was conceived through the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He lived a sinless life, was crucified on a cross, arose bodily from the dead, ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father as our High Priest and Advocate.
The WORK of CHRIST
We believe that the shed blood of Jesus Christ and His resurrection provide the only ground for justification and salvation for all who believe. Only such as receive Jesus Christ are born of the Holy Spirit and thus become children of God.
The HOLY SPIRIT
We believe that the ministry of the Holy Spirit is to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ. He convicts the world of its guilt, and regenerates the believing sinner. He also indwells, illuminates, guides, and equips believers for Christ-like living. We believe in the baptism of the Holy Spirit which is the promise of the Father, and His accompanying gifts and fruit, which empower the believer for the building of His Church and the establishment of His Kingdom.
The CHURCH
We believe that the true Church comprises all who have been justified by God’s grace through faith in Christ alone. They are united by the Holy Spirit in the body of Christ, of which He is the Head. We believe that water baptism and the Lord's Supper are ordinances to be observed by the Church during the present age. They are, however, not to be regarded as means of salvation.
The End - ESCHATOLOGY
We believe in the bodily resurrection of the dead; of the believer to everlasting blessedness and joy with the Lord; of the unbeliever to judgment and everlasting conscious punishment. We believe in the personal and bodily return of our Lord Jesus Christ and that this "Blessed Hope" has a vital bearing on the personal life and service of the believer.
We believe the coming of Christ, at a time known only to God, demands constant expectancy and, as our blessed hope, motivates the believer to godly living, sacrificial service and energetic mission.
OUR CORE VALUES
CREATIVITY
We believe that we have been created in the image and likeness of our God and therein possess His magnificent creative ability. (Genesis 1:26)
We are determined to bring glory to our Creator by expressing fully our God given creative ability. We insist on applying the highest level of creativity, innovation, ‘cutting edge’ and ‘outside the box’ thinking to all areas of our church development and personal lives.
EXCELLENCE
We believe that we have been filled with the Spirit of our Holy God and therein possess His outstanding ‘spirit of excellence.’ (Daniel 6:3)
We are determined to do our ‘best better’ and to make surpassing expectations a habit in our church development and personal lives.
INTEGRITY
We believe that we have received our Lord Jesus Christ into our hearts and therein possess His unwavering call to integrity. (Romans 8:29)
We are determined to become like our Hero Jesus Christ. We choose to be guided and defined by honor, veracity and reliability in all areas of our church and personal lives.
COMMITMENT
We believe that we have become saturated by the love of our most faithful God and therein possess an instinctual response of zealous commitment. (Matt. 3:33-37)
We are determined to make our ‘yes be yes’ and our ‘no be no’. We lovingly remain loyal, devoted and dedicated to the vision and mission of our church and to the fulfillment of Gods purpose for our lives.
OUR COMMITMENT TO MEMBERS
To Provide:
PASTORAL Ministry
Spiritual Covering and Authority
Pastoral Care and Counseling
Personal Gifts and Purpose Development
Cleansing and Deliverance ministry
Ministry to the sick - Hospital and Hospice visits
Accountability and Partnership
PRIESTLY Ministry (Performance and Participation in…)
Ordinances – Communion (Lords Supper), Infant Blessing, and Water Baptism
Weddings
Funerals
Commendation to Ministry
PREACHING and TEACHING Ministry
Biblical Literacy and Competency
Discipleship Programs
Leadership Training
PROPHETIC Ministry
Prophetic Proclamation
Prophetic Blessings
Prophetic Guidance
PRAYER and INTERCESSION
Healing
Protection
Guidance
Provision
PRAISE and WORSHIP
Corporate praise and worship experiences
PLACE of SANCTUARY
A Haven of Safety, Refuge and Peace
CHRIST AND BAPTISM
1.Who is Jesus of Nazareth?
When Jesus asked His disciples, “Who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered
correctly. “You are the Christ, Son of the Living God.” Matthew 16:13-18
2.What does it mean: Jesus is the Christ?
The word "Christ" is a Greek word meaning "the anointed one;"
The equivalent Hebrew word "Messiah" also means "the anointed one".Jesus is the Christ evidenced in that He fulfilled the Old Testament messianic prophesies. The Messianic prophecies are too numerous to be quoted. (Micah 5:2; Haggai 2:6–9; Isaiah 7:14; 9:6, 7; 11:1, 2; 53; 60:10, 13; Psalm 16:11; 68:18.)
3.What does it mean: Jesus is Savior?
Jesus is God’s greatest gift to mankind; the savior of the World. Jesus taught in John 3:16.
For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.
Salvation begins with God loving you so much that He willingly gave His Son to die in your place (Romans 8:31-32).
Salvation is not/ or has nothing to do with religion but a person: the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the only way to God (John 14:6).
The Apostle Peter told the Sanhedrin Council, Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved. (Acts 4:12)
4.What did the cross accomplish for the world?
The phrase, “the finished work of the cross” means the death of Jesus on the cross has secured salvation for all who repent and believe. There is nothing anyone can do to add to the work of the cross.
5.Why is baptism called an ordinance?
Baptism is called an ordinance because it has been ordered.
You do not have an option. Your obedience to the lordship of Jesus Christ includes submission to the command, the order to be baptized.
Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:38)
6.What does baptism mean to me as a believer?
Baptism means that, by faith, you are identifying totally with the burial and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. In baptism, you are testifying to God, to demons, to the world and to yourself (a fourfold testimony) that by your obedience to this ordinance: “Jesus Christ is the Lord of my life, I am dead to the practice of sin and wrongdoing, and I am born again and have new life in Christ by faith.”
By faith, you have been freed from the bondage of sin to walk in newness of life in Christ. Baptism is a confirmation of the genuineness of your living faith in the living Lord.
7.Does baptism save me?
No. You are saved because you repent of your sin; trust in the shed blood of the Lord Jesus Christ making Him the Lord of your life. It is the blood of Jesus that washes away your sins (Ephesians 1:7; 1 Peter 1:18-19; I John 1:7), not the waters of baptism.
The blood of the Passover lamb saved the children of Israel, not the waters of the Red Sea. The waters of the Red Sea showed them that they were, indeed, delivered by the faith in God. In the same way, the waters of baptism confirm the genuineness of our faith in the shed blood of the Lamb of God, the Lord Jesus Christ.
1.Who is Jesus of Nazareth?
When Jesus asked His disciples, “Who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered
correctly. “You are the Christ, Son of the Living God.” Matthew 16:13-18
2.What does it mean: Jesus is the Christ?
The word "Christ" is a Greek word meaning "the anointed one;"
The equivalent Hebrew word "Messiah" also means "the anointed one".Jesus is the Christ evidenced in that He fulfilled the Old Testament messianic prophesies. The Messianic prophecies are too numerous to be quoted. (Micah 5:2; Haggai 2:6–9; Isaiah 7:14; 9:6, 7; 11:1, 2; 53; 60:10, 13; Psalm 16:11; 68:18.)
3.What does it mean: Jesus is Savior?
Jesus is God’s greatest gift to mankind; the savior of the World. Jesus taught in John 3:16.
For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.
Salvation begins with God loving you so much that He willingly gave His Son to die in your place (Romans 8:31-32).
Salvation is not/ or has nothing to do with religion but a person: the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the only way to God (John 14:6).
The Apostle Peter told the Sanhedrin Council, Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved. (Acts 4:12)
4.What did the cross accomplish for the world?
The phrase, “the finished work of the cross” means the death of Jesus on the cross has secured salvation for all who repent and believe. There is nothing anyone can do to add to the work of the cross.
5.Why is baptism called an ordinance?
Baptism is called an ordinance because it has been ordered.
You do not have an option. Your obedience to the lordship of Jesus Christ includes submission to the command, the order to be baptized.
Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:38)
6.What does baptism mean to me as a believer?
Baptism means that, by faith, you are identifying totally with the burial and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. In baptism, you are testifying to God, to demons, to the world and to yourself (a fourfold testimony) that by your obedience to this ordinance: “Jesus Christ is the Lord of my life, I am dead to the practice of sin and wrongdoing, and I am born again and have new life in Christ by faith.”
By faith, you have been freed from the bondage of sin to walk in newness of life in Christ. Baptism is a confirmation of the genuineness of your living faith in the living Lord.
7.Does baptism save me?
No. You are saved because you repent of your sin; trust in the shed blood of the Lord Jesus Christ making Him the Lord of your life. It is the blood of Jesus that washes away your sins (Ephesians 1:7; 1 Peter 1:18-19; I John 1:7), not the waters of baptism.
The blood of the Passover lamb saved the children of Israel, not the waters of the Red Sea. The waters of the Red Sea showed them that they were, indeed, delivered by the faith in God. In the same way, the waters of baptism confirm the genuineness of our faith in the shed blood of the Lamb of God, the Lord Jesus Christ.
AUTHORITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY
1.What is the meaning of authority?
Legal or rightful power; a right to command or to act; power exercised buy a person in virtue of his office or trust; dominion; jurisdiction; authorization; as, the authority of a prince over subjects, and of parents over children; the authority of a court. The power derived from opinion, respect, or esteem; influence of character, office, or station, or mental or moral superiority.
2.Where does authority come from?
The reality permeating both the Old and the New testament is that God is the ultimate authority and He alone is the ultimate source of authority for others.
3.What are the various spheres in which God has entrusted authority into the hands of leaders?
a.The Church
Christ has given authority to certain men to be leaders (often termed elders or bishops) in his church. Their task is to shepherd the church with love and humility as the servants of Christ and his people (I Tim. 3:5; I Pet. 5:1-4).
b.Marriage and the Family
Women as equals of men in both creation and redemption (cf. I Pet. 3:7; Gal. 3:28) are asked to submit to their own husbands as heads of the home because of the pattern established by God at creation (I Cor. 11:3, 8-9; Eph. 5:22; I Pet. 3:1-6). Both husbands and wives are asked to offset the effects of sin on this God-ordained authority relationship by their attitude and conduct, i.e., the husband exercising headship with love, honor, and without bitterness (Eph. 5:28; Col. 3:19; I Pet. 3:7) and the wives, with respect, as unto the Lord, and with a gentle spirit (Eph. 5:22, 33; I Pet. 3:4). Children are commanded to obey their parents (Eph. 6:1-3; Col. 3:20) and to care for them in times of need (I Tim. 5:4).
c.Civil Government
Christians are to recognize that God has granted authority in this realm to those who by his providence "exist" (Rom. 13:1; cf. John 19:11). Thus they are called dutifully to subject themselves to civil authorities (I Pet. 2:13-17) who are described as God's servants to prevent evildoers and to encourage good behavior (Rom. 13:1ff.). This authority requires not only subjection but also the rendering of various taxes, respect, and honor (Rom. 13:7).
d.Other Authorities in Human Life
The Bible teaches that Christians, for the Lord's sake, should submit to every appropriate human institution (I Pet. 2:13). It is however stated explicitly in Acts 5:29, in reference to the civil and religious sphere, that "we must obey God rather than men" (cf.4:19). When the human authority clearly contravenes one's allegiance to God's authority, one is authorized to appeal to God's authority and obey it in contradistinction to that of any human authority. For in that situation the authority structure has so opposed the one who gives it its validity that it forfeits its authority.
e.Satan's Authority
The exercise of power by the evil one and the demons is also regarded as a power or authority, but a usurped one which is only under God's ultimate authority (Luke 4:6; Acts 26:18; Col. 1:13; cf. Job 1). Such angelic beings, who are called powers or authorities, have been disarmed by Christ (Col. 2:15) and have no other final outcome than that of the devil's final doom (Rev. 20:10).
4.How is authority seen in the average local church?
The church, the Body of Christ, is a living organism. As the Body of Christ, the church is analogous to the human body with the head giving it direction, even as Christ is the Head of the Church, giving it direction. There is also an organizational side of the Church that governs its various functions. Historically, the Church is governed in three different ways.
TYPES OF CHURCH GOVERNMENT
-The word Episcopal comes from the Greek word episkopos, meaning “overseer.” It identifies churches governed by the authority of bishops. In a simple form, the Methodist church and in complex form the Episcopal (Anglican) church use this form of church government. The most complex Episcopal structure is found in the Roman Catholic Church, with the ultimate authority vested in the bishop of Rome, the pope. In the Episcopal form of church government the authority rests with the bishops who oversee a group of churches. In essence, the bishop becomes a pastor of pastors. From the practical side, since every pastor needs a pastor, the position of the bishop is invaluable. The biblical support is from the position of James in the church of Jerusalem (Acts 15:13-21), as well as the position and authority of Timothy and Titus.
-The word Presbyterian comes from the Greek word presbuteros, meaning “elder.” Presbyterian (sometimes termed federal) is the form of church government where elders rule, as in the Presbyterian and Reformed churches. Presbyterian church government emphasizes representative rule by the elders who are appointed or elected by the people. The session is the name of the elected ruling elders who govern the local church. The teaching elder presides over the session. Above the session is the presbytery, including all ordained ministers or teaching elders as well as one ruling elder from each local congregation in a district. Above the presbytery is the synod, and over the synod is the general assembly, the highest court. Both of these bodies are also equally divided between ministers and laymen or ruling elders. The pastor serves as one of the elders. The biblical support for this is the frequent mention of elders in the New Testament: there were elders in Jerusalem (Acts 11:30; 15:2, 4) and in Ephesus (Acts 20:17); elders were appointed in every church (Acts 14:23; Titus. 1:5); elders were responsible to feed the flock (1 Peter 5:1, 2); there were also elders who ruled (1 Timothy 5:17).
-In congregational church government the authority rests not with a representative individual but with the entire local congregation. Two things are stressed in a congregational governed church: autonomy and democracy. A congregational church is autonomous in that no authority outside of the local church has any power over the local church. In addition, congregational churches are democratic in their government; all the members of the local congregation make the decisions that guide and govern the church.
This is particularly argued from the standpoint of the priesthood of all believers. Baptists, Evangelical Free, Congregational, some Lutherans, and some independent churches follow the congregational form of church government.[1]
4.Where are the workings of authority most commonly seen in the local church?
Outside of official church governance the workings of authority are most commonly seen in the three levels of normal relationships – (2 Timothy 2:2)
5.What is accountability?
To be accountable means that you voluntarily submit to someone overseeing, monitoring, or supervising your behavior. A person who is liable to be called to account and capable of being accounted for.
6.What is the mandate given by Jesus to the church?
Christ commanded us to go and make disciples of the nations. Matthew 28:19-20, 19 "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."
7.What is the goal of discipleship?
The goal of discipleship is to make disciples who make disciples. Jesus said, “Follow Me, and I will make you a fisher of men.” (Matthew 4:19)
8.What is the definition of a disciple?
· Someone who is being discipled (following)
· Someone who is being transformed and empowered through discipleship
· Someone who is committed to God’s mission, and to mandate of making disciples
The Go For God Discipleship Mandate is “I am a disciple in passionate pursuit of God’s presence, who is being transformed and empowered for the fulfillment of His Kingdom purpose.”
[1] Enns, Paul, The Moody Handbook of Theology, (Chicago, Ill.: Moody Press) 1996.
1.What is the meaning of authority?
Legal or rightful power; a right to command or to act; power exercised buy a person in virtue of his office or trust; dominion; jurisdiction; authorization; as, the authority of a prince over subjects, and of parents over children; the authority of a court. The power derived from opinion, respect, or esteem; influence of character, office, or station, or mental or moral superiority.
2.Where does authority come from?
The reality permeating both the Old and the New testament is that God is the ultimate authority and He alone is the ultimate source of authority for others.
3.What are the various spheres in which God has entrusted authority into the hands of leaders?
a.The Church
Christ has given authority to certain men to be leaders (often termed elders or bishops) in his church. Their task is to shepherd the church with love and humility as the servants of Christ and his people (I Tim. 3:5; I Pet. 5:1-4).
b.Marriage and the Family
Women as equals of men in both creation and redemption (cf. I Pet. 3:7; Gal. 3:28) are asked to submit to their own husbands as heads of the home because of the pattern established by God at creation (I Cor. 11:3, 8-9; Eph. 5:22; I Pet. 3:1-6). Both husbands and wives are asked to offset the effects of sin on this God-ordained authority relationship by their attitude and conduct, i.e., the husband exercising headship with love, honor, and without bitterness (Eph. 5:28; Col. 3:19; I Pet. 3:7) and the wives, with respect, as unto the Lord, and with a gentle spirit (Eph. 5:22, 33; I Pet. 3:4). Children are commanded to obey their parents (Eph. 6:1-3; Col. 3:20) and to care for them in times of need (I Tim. 5:4).
c.Civil Government
Christians are to recognize that God has granted authority in this realm to those who by his providence "exist" (Rom. 13:1; cf. John 19:11). Thus they are called dutifully to subject themselves to civil authorities (I Pet. 2:13-17) who are described as God's servants to prevent evildoers and to encourage good behavior (Rom. 13:1ff.). This authority requires not only subjection but also the rendering of various taxes, respect, and honor (Rom. 13:7).
d.Other Authorities in Human Life
The Bible teaches that Christians, for the Lord's sake, should submit to every appropriate human institution (I Pet. 2:13). It is however stated explicitly in Acts 5:29, in reference to the civil and religious sphere, that "we must obey God rather than men" (cf.4:19). When the human authority clearly contravenes one's allegiance to God's authority, one is authorized to appeal to God's authority and obey it in contradistinction to that of any human authority. For in that situation the authority structure has so opposed the one who gives it its validity that it forfeits its authority.
e.Satan's Authority
The exercise of power by the evil one and the demons is also regarded as a power or authority, but a usurped one which is only under God's ultimate authority (Luke 4:6; Acts 26:18; Col. 1:13; cf. Job 1). Such angelic beings, who are called powers or authorities, have been disarmed by Christ (Col. 2:15) and have no other final outcome than that of the devil's final doom (Rev. 20:10).
4.How is authority seen in the average local church?
The church, the Body of Christ, is a living organism. As the Body of Christ, the church is analogous to the human body with the head giving it direction, even as Christ is the Head of the Church, giving it direction. There is also an organizational side of the Church that governs its various functions. Historically, the Church is governed in three different ways.
TYPES OF CHURCH GOVERNMENT
-The word Episcopal comes from the Greek word episkopos, meaning “overseer.” It identifies churches governed by the authority of bishops. In a simple form, the Methodist church and in complex form the Episcopal (Anglican) church use this form of church government. The most complex Episcopal structure is found in the Roman Catholic Church, with the ultimate authority vested in the bishop of Rome, the pope. In the Episcopal form of church government the authority rests with the bishops who oversee a group of churches. In essence, the bishop becomes a pastor of pastors. From the practical side, since every pastor needs a pastor, the position of the bishop is invaluable. The biblical support is from the position of James in the church of Jerusalem (Acts 15:13-21), as well as the position and authority of Timothy and Titus.
-The word Presbyterian comes from the Greek word presbuteros, meaning “elder.” Presbyterian (sometimes termed federal) is the form of church government where elders rule, as in the Presbyterian and Reformed churches. Presbyterian church government emphasizes representative rule by the elders who are appointed or elected by the people. The session is the name of the elected ruling elders who govern the local church. The teaching elder presides over the session. Above the session is the presbytery, including all ordained ministers or teaching elders as well as one ruling elder from each local congregation in a district. Above the presbytery is the synod, and over the synod is the general assembly, the highest court. Both of these bodies are also equally divided between ministers and laymen or ruling elders. The pastor serves as one of the elders. The biblical support for this is the frequent mention of elders in the New Testament: there were elders in Jerusalem (Acts 11:30; 15:2, 4) and in Ephesus (Acts 20:17); elders were appointed in every church (Acts 14:23; Titus. 1:5); elders were responsible to feed the flock (1 Peter 5:1, 2); there were also elders who ruled (1 Timothy 5:17).
-In congregational church government the authority rests not with a representative individual but with the entire local congregation. Two things are stressed in a congregational governed church: autonomy and democracy. A congregational church is autonomous in that no authority outside of the local church has any power over the local church. In addition, congregational churches are democratic in their government; all the members of the local congregation make the decisions that guide and govern the church.
This is particularly argued from the standpoint of the priesthood of all believers. Baptists, Evangelical Free, Congregational, some Lutherans, and some independent churches follow the congregational form of church government.[1]
4.Where are the workings of authority most commonly seen in the local church?
Outside of official church governance the workings of authority are most commonly seen in the three levels of normal relationships – (2 Timothy 2:2)
- Responsibility for – those younger ones in the faith who need to be nurtured and disciplined (sons and daughters). In the atmosphere of fellowship, where operations like oversight and honest confrontation take place, they need to be taught the necessity of accountability and discipline as they seek to be developed into mature believers.
- Fellowship with – those who are your spiritual peers (brothers and sisters). You are exhorted that as you walk in the light of fellowship with God, you will experience fellowship (sharing in common) with those who are walking as you are, in fellowship with God, and you will be cleansed through the blood of Jesus (1 John 1:7).
- Accountability to – those leaders or mentors (fathers and mothers) that you are under. You are instructed to "obey" them and "submit" to their authority (Hebrews 13:7, 17). You must understand that the purpose of this submission is twofold: Protection and Provision.
5.What is accountability?
To be accountable means that you voluntarily submit to someone overseeing, monitoring, or supervising your behavior. A person who is liable to be called to account and capable of being accounted for.
6.What is the mandate given by Jesus to the church?
Christ commanded us to go and make disciples of the nations. Matthew 28:19-20, 19 "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."
7.What is the goal of discipleship?
The goal of discipleship is to make disciples who make disciples. Jesus said, “Follow Me, and I will make you a fisher of men.” (Matthew 4:19)
8.What is the definition of a disciple?
· Someone who is being discipled (following)
· Someone who is being transformed and empowered through discipleship
· Someone who is committed to God’s mission, and to mandate of making disciples
The Go For God Discipleship Mandate is “I am a disciple in passionate pursuit of God’s presence, who is being transformed and empowered for the fulfillment of His Kingdom purpose.”
[1] Enns, Paul, The Moody Handbook of Theology, (Chicago, Ill.: Moody Press) 1996.
STEWARDSHIP
Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” Genesis 1:26-28
Then the Lord God took the man and put him into the garden of Eden to cultivate it and keep it. Genesis 2:15
1.What is a steward?
In the New Testament, a steward (Greek: oikonomos) is a manager, usually the manager of a household. One trusted with responsibilities and who is under authority. One definition of a steward is – a manager of another’s property. Stewardship includes the management of all your life resources: physical health, relationships, physical possessions, time, talent, and financial possessions.
2.What is the main responsibility of a steward?
Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. 1 Corinthians 4:2 KJV
The major responsibility of the steward is faithfulness. He is to be faithful in his walk, his talk, and in the fulfilling of his responsibilities.
“he who is faithful over little will be faithful over much, and he who is unfaithful over little will also be unfaithful over much.” Luke 16:10
3. What are the specific areas in which I should be faithful?
a. TIME
The discipline of your time (Ephesians 5:16). This includes church attendance, Bible study, prayer, and Christian fellowship.
b. TALENTS
The use of your natural talents and spiritual gifts for the strengthening of brethren in the church (1 Corinthians 12; Ephesians 4:16).
c. TRUTH
The defense and spreading of the mysteries of God (1 Corinthians 4:1,2)
d. TREASURE
The management of financial possessions. Which includes the giving of tithes and offerings out of your financial resources to support God's work (Malachi 3:8-11; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11).
4. What is being a good steward over my financial resources?
Firstly, it means that you are faithful in paying your tithes to the Lord. Jesus taught that you can detect where a man's heart is by where his treasure is.
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also, Matthew 6:21.
When the Lord truly has your heart, He will also have your tithe. “Where is your heart?”
5. What is a tithe?
The word tithe literally means "tenth." To give your tithe is to give the first tenth of your income to the work of the kingdom of God.
‘Thus all the tithe of the land, of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the tree, is the Lord’s; it is holy to the Lord. Leviticus 27:30
Practically speaking, it means that if you gross $100.00 in your pay, your tithe would be the first $10.00.
6. Where is tithing taught in the Bible?
a. Tithing is taught in the Old Testament. Here are some key passages:
1. Genesis 14:19-20 – Abram gave tithes to Melchizedek (who prefigured Christ, see Hebrews 7:1-17)
2. Nehemiah 10:37 – the tithes belonged to the Levites (the priests)
3. Malachi 3:8-11 – to withhold your tithes is to rob God. This disobedience is equivalent to stealing from the Lord.
"“Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me. “But you ask, ‘How do we rob you? “In tithes and offerings. Malachi 3:8-11
b. Tithing is taught in the New Testament. Here are some key passages:
1. Matthew 23:23 – Jesus rebuked the Scribes and Pharisees for their hypocrisy. They paid tithes but neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy and faithfulness. He commended them for the tithing when He said, "You should have practiced the latter without neglecting the former."
2. Luke 6:38; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11 – teach that giving is a part of sowing and reaping. It is a principle of prosperity in the kingdom of God.
7. What does it mean to give offerings?
By definition, offerings are the free gifts you give above your tithes. You actually pay your tithes, pay because it is like a bill that you owe, the tithe belongs to God. It is not yours to keep. But you give an offering. Give in the sense that you sow a seed expecting to reap a harvest. “Offering is not a seed you owe but a seed you sow.”
Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” Genesis 1:26-28
Then the Lord God took the man and put him into the garden of Eden to cultivate it and keep it. Genesis 2:15
1.What is a steward?
In the New Testament, a steward (Greek: oikonomos) is a manager, usually the manager of a household. One trusted with responsibilities and who is under authority. One definition of a steward is – a manager of another’s property. Stewardship includes the management of all your life resources: physical health, relationships, physical possessions, time, talent, and financial possessions.
2.What is the main responsibility of a steward?
Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. 1 Corinthians 4:2 KJV
The major responsibility of the steward is faithfulness. He is to be faithful in his walk, his talk, and in the fulfilling of his responsibilities.
“he who is faithful over little will be faithful over much, and he who is unfaithful over little will also be unfaithful over much.” Luke 16:10
3. What are the specific areas in which I should be faithful?
a. TIME
The discipline of your time (Ephesians 5:16). This includes church attendance, Bible study, prayer, and Christian fellowship.
b. TALENTS
The use of your natural talents and spiritual gifts for the strengthening of brethren in the church (1 Corinthians 12; Ephesians 4:16).
c. TRUTH
The defense and spreading of the mysteries of God (1 Corinthians 4:1,2)
d. TREASURE
The management of financial possessions. Which includes the giving of tithes and offerings out of your financial resources to support God's work (Malachi 3:8-11; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11).
4. What is being a good steward over my financial resources?
Firstly, it means that you are faithful in paying your tithes to the Lord. Jesus taught that you can detect where a man's heart is by where his treasure is.
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also, Matthew 6:21.
When the Lord truly has your heart, He will also have your tithe. “Where is your heart?”
5. What is a tithe?
The word tithe literally means "tenth." To give your tithe is to give the first tenth of your income to the work of the kingdom of God.
‘Thus all the tithe of the land, of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the tree, is the Lord’s; it is holy to the Lord. Leviticus 27:30
Practically speaking, it means that if you gross $100.00 in your pay, your tithe would be the first $10.00.
6. Where is tithing taught in the Bible?
a. Tithing is taught in the Old Testament. Here are some key passages:
1. Genesis 14:19-20 – Abram gave tithes to Melchizedek (who prefigured Christ, see Hebrews 7:1-17)
2. Nehemiah 10:37 – the tithes belonged to the Levites (the priests)
3. Malachi 3:8-11 – to withhold your tithes is to rob God. This disobedience is equivalent to stealing from the Lord.
"“Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me. “But you ask, ‘How do we rob you? “In tithes and offerings. Malachi 3:8-11
b. Tithing is taught in the New Testament. Here are some key passages:
1. Matthew 23:23 – Jesus rebuked the Scribes and Pharisees for their hypocrisy. They paid tithes but neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy and faithfulness. He commended them for the tithing when He said, "You should have practiced the latter without neglecting the former."
2. Luke 6:38; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11 – teach that giving is a part of sowing and reaping. It is a principle of prosperity in the kingdom of God.
7. What does it mean to give offerings?
By definition, offerings are the free gifts you give above your tithes. You actually pay your tithes, pay because it is like a bill that you owe, the tithe belongs to God. It is not yours to keep. But you give an offering. Give in the sense that you sow a seed expecting to reap a harvest. “Offering is not a seed you owe but a seed you sow.”