Joining the Gentle Shepherd MCC Family

We encourage each new member to discover his or her spiritual gifts. This on-line Spiritual Gifts Assessment may help you in your quest to find out which ministries at Gentle Shepherd MCC best suit you and the gifts you possess. To become a member, you will attend a short membership orientation class. This class will familiarize the prospective member with the history and philosophy of the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches. All members are expected to abide by the following Membership Covenant

Membership Covenant

Having been baptized into the Christian faith and fellowship, and being in agreement with Gentle Shepherd MCC’s Mission, Vision and Core Values, I now feel led by God to unite with this community of faith. In doing so, I commit myself to God and to the other members to do the following to the best of my ability:

1. I will protect the unity of my church
   …by acting in love toward other members
   …by refusing to engage in negative gossip
   …by supporting the leadership of my church
   …by assuming the good intent of others without blame or judgment
   

   “So let us concentrate on the things which make for harmony, and on the growth of our fellowship together.” (Romans 14:19)

   “Now that you have purified your souls by your obedience to the truth so that you have genuine mutual love, love one another deeply from the heart.” (1 Peter 1:22)

   “I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought.”. (1 Corinthians 1:10)

2. I will turn conflict into opportunity through positive resolution.

   “But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” (Luke 6:27-28)

   “Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings because we know suffering produces perseverance, perseverance character, and character hope.” (Romans 5:3-4)

3. I will share the responsibility of my church
   …by praying for its growth, its leadership, its mission and its people
   …by inviting others to attend and experience God’s love
   …by warmly welcoming our guests who visit Gentle Shepherd MCC
   …by letting people know they have been missed when they stop attending
   …by helping in any way possible to maintain the proper functioning of God’s house
   

   “To the church… we always thank God for you and pray for you constantly.” (1 Thessalonians)

   “The landowner then said to the aide, ‘Go out and scour the side roads and back roads and make them come in. I want my house to be full!’” (Luke 14:23)

   “So warmly welcome each other into the church, just as Christ has warmly welcomed you; then God will be glorified.” (Romans 15:7)

4. I will serve the ministry of my church
   …by discovering my gifts and talents and seeking to put them to use for God
   …by being equipped to serve by my pastors
   …by developing a servant’s heart
   

   “Serve one another with the particular gifts God has given each of you.” (1 Peter 4:10)

   “[God] gave… some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.” (Ephesians 4:11-12)

   “Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interest of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Jesus Christ: Who…[took on] the very nature of a servant.” (Philippians 2:3-4, 7)

5. I will support my church
   …by attending worship faithfully
   …by being committed to my own spiritual growth
   …by giving regularly
   

   “God is Spirit, and God’s worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth.” (John 4:24)

   “Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:4)

   “Each of you, on the first day of the week, should set aside a specific sum of money in proportion to what you have earned and use it for the offering.” (1 Corinthians 16:2)

---

Leadership Covenant

In the Bible (James 3:1), we are told that those who lead are held to a higher standard than others. No Christian is required to be a leader, but if we answer God’s call to a leadership position, then we must accept the responsibility as well as the honor. The Board of Directors and congregation of Gentle Shepherd MCC has adopted the following as an expression of what is expected of those who would like to serve in a position of leadership. As more and more of the pyramid of responsibility rests on you, it is essential that the church know it can count on you.

Leadership Expectations

1. Spiritual Discipline:
   Leaders are committed to personal growth by applying the spiritual disciplines to their lives. The primary spiritual disciplines include: regular worship, personal prayer, study, proportional giving and service to others in God’s name. The Church must be led forward by Christians who are going forward in their own relationship with God.
2. Exemplify Positive Faith:
   The things leaders say to other people should demonstrate their faith in God’s grace by choosing to be constructive, supportive, and positive. Leaders believe God can change a situation, and rather than simply complain or criticize, leaders pray and do what they can to make a difference. They do not talk about the problem with anyone who is not directly involved in the problem or its solution.
3. Praying:
   Leaders should regularly pray for the Pastor, Board, Staff, Church Groups, and all those who are guiding this church. We should be able to count on the sustaining prayers of our sisters and brothers.
4. Living a Morally Mature Life:
   Although MCC is not in the habit of dictating how people ought to live, leaders understand that members expect them to be healthy examples. Leaders evaluate their behavior in the light of that reality and attempt to live in such a way that they are not stumbling blocks for others.
5. Mutual Accountability:
   The Bible talks about being submitted to one another in love (Eph. 5:21). Leaders should be willing to receive instructions, and even discipline, from fellow leaders, or those put in authority over them. It is healthy that everyone be accountable to someone and willing to participate in a mature way in this process.
6. Listening to one another before taking action:
   God calls us to listen to one another before taking action. Therefore, before we make a decision to act, we will ask for, and take into account, the input of those who may be affected by our actions.

As a leader of Gentle Shepherd MCC, I am willing to participate in this covenant relationship with the other leaders of this church. May God’s power strengthen me to be faithful, and may God’s grace forgive me should I fail.