The Blessings of Commitment to Cottonwood Community Church

Each believer in Jesus Christ has been chosen by God to bear fruit
(John 15:16)
… to be full of good works
(Ephesians 2:10)
… to be equipped for service (Romans 12:4-8, Ephesians 4:11-13)
... and to testify of and share the good news of Jesus Christ with others (Matthew 28:19,20).

The church is likened to
...a family (Ephesians 2:19, 3:15)
… a building (Ephesians 2:21)
 … a body (I Corinthians 12)
… and an army (Matthew 16:18)

Commitment to a local church identifies you as a believer in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:19, Romans 12:5) and gives you a spiritual family for support and encouragement. The church is also the context in which you will discover and utilize your unique gifts God has given you for service to others (I Corinthians 12:4-27, Romans 12:6-8). The godly leaders of the church are there for your guidance as well as spiritual protection (Hebrews 13:17, Acts 20:28). It is within the relationships in the church that we find necessary accountability for growth (Ephesians 5:21). Without commitment to a local church, the result is isolation and self-seeking (Proverbs 18:1).

Our commitment as leaders to you is:
...to be examples in thought, word, and deed for you to follow
   (I Peter 5:2,3 and I Corinthians 11:1)
… to serve you so that you mature in Christ
   (Matthew 20:26-28)
… to pray for you
   (Jeremiah 10:21, Ephesians 1:16,17, and Colossians 1:19)
… and to teach, encourage, correct and train you to full spiritual maturity in Jesus
   Christ (Colossians 1:28 and I Timothy 4:1,2).

Your commitment to Cottonwood Community Church is:
...to pray for and seek the guidance of your pastors
   (I Timothy 2:1,2 and Hebrews 13:17)
 … pray and care for your fellow church members
   (Ephesians 6:18 and I Corinthians 12:25)
… support the church financially through tithes and offerings
   (I Timothy 5:17,18)
… and take responsibility for your spiritual growth by your commitment to and
   participation in the ministries of Cottonwood
   (Hebrews 10:23-25).