What is partnership?
Partnership is simply a formal relationship between a local church and a Christ follower and is a reflection of the organic relationship and community that already exists in the church.
1 Corinthians 12:27-28 says, "Now you are the body of Christ, and individual members of it. And God has placed these in the church."
In the New Testament, Christians are always recognized as belonging to a specific faith community where they are being formed spiritually and strengthened in the care of that church and it’s leaders.
Partnership FAQs
What is the difference between Partnership and Membership?
Titles are important, not only because of the meaning they carry, but also because of what we experientially associate with them. In our cultural context, the term “membership” can imply that the church is something you can join in order to get special privileges others don’t have or you merely join a church in the same way you join a local health club, golf course, community organization, or hotel loyalty program. Membership in those settings involves paying a set of dues to an organization in exchange for a service. You have certain privileges as a member, and your relationship with that organization is consumer in nature.
There is nothing wrong with your gym, golf club, local civic organization, or loyalty program membership being consumer based. A local church however isn’t something you just join, it is something you both partner with in mission and submit yourself to. It is much more like joining a team than it is joining your local YMCA. Therefore, we feel that the term “partner” best describes what it means to be intentionally committed to a local church. Partnership is less about special privileges and more about intentional accountability and oversight in your discipleship to Jesus.
The New Testament pattern is that every Christian should be committed to a specific local church and under the spiritual care of appointed leadership. It is through the local church that God desires the Christian life to be lived out. Church partnership is for all believers, but for believers only. Because of that it is important that each local church has a process for identifying the specific people they are called to care for and exercise oversight over (Hebrews 13:17). It is equally important for the church partners to know the specific people they are partnering with on mission (Hebrews 10:24) and the local leadership they are choosing to come under.
WHO IS AN ELIGIBLE PARTNER?
“A disciple of Jesus” - One has professed faith in Jesus and can share their story of faith.
“Partnering in the mission, vision, and values of Generation Church” - We are fully transparent about who we are, where we are going, and how we feel like God is leading us to do it. Our mission, vision, and values may make us distinct from other churches.
“Affirms our beliefs” - As one who has professed faith in Jesus, the foundational beliefs become the basis for our faith.
What contributions does a partner make?
Regularly give to the mission and vision of Generation Church generously.
Actively serve as a part of a Generation Serve Team.
Engage in gathering corporately each weekend.
Intentionally live the UP, IN, & OUT rhythms through a Community Group & DNA
Care for the needs and burdens of each other through prayer and tangible acts.
What benefits does a partner receive?
Quarterly Updates on current and future vision casting for Generation Church.
Receive timely communication on all pertinent Generation updates.
Annual Spring Partner Event to celebrate together
Support and encouragement from the Generation Church Leadership Team.
