Why Partnership?

Many people view churches as an unnecessary, or even manipulative, institution— not particularly valuable for spiritual growth or personal well-being. This mindset has only increased in our post-modern and post-Christian culture. Because of this, joining a church is one of the most counter-cultural things a person can do. Becoming a church partner means leaving behind the comfort of individualism and voluntarily allowing yourself to be bound to others in accountability and love. It is a beautiful picture of the Gospel. And we do this because Jesus joyfully left behind his comfort and bound himself to us. (Matt 20:28, Phil 2:4-8) Partnership is what we choose to call church membership. The reason for this distinction is to further emphasize the spirit of unity and accountability that comes with it. Many find church partnership a complicated topic. They aren’t sure why partnership is necessary if they are otherwise committed to the church. However, the Bible contains a plethora of evidence for local church partnership.

What it means to be a partner?

At CityLight we recognize the need for a formal membership that we call partnership.

We ask you to commit to partnership for four reasons:

I. A Biblical Reason: Christ is committed to the Church. Therefore in joining in partnership we are making a visible commitment to Christ and His people

The church is described in Scripture as the bride of Christ and also a fellowship of believers living together on mission. Within these Scriptures there is language and an emphasis of commitment, accountability and togetherness.“Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her,” Ephesians 5:25

“For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.” Romans 12:4-5

“Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.” Acts 20:28

“not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” Hebrews 10:25

“And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.” Acts 2:42

“to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.” Ephesians 4:12-16

II. A Cultural Reason: It is an antidote to our society of self-sufficiency and self-determination

We live in an age where very few want to be committed to anything. This attitude has even produced a generation of “church shoppers and hoppers.” Partnership swims against the current of our world’s “consumer religion.” Joining a church in such an environment makes a counter-cultural statement. It says “I am committed to this group of people and they are committed to me. I am here to give, more than get.” Commitment always builds character.

“Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:3-4

III. A Practical Reason: It defines who can be counted on and allows for more honest accountability, discipline, and care

Every team must have a roster. Every school must have an enrollment. Every business has a payroll. Every army has an enlistment. Even our country takes a census and requires voter registration. Partnership identifies our team— our family. We are placing ourselves under leaders and submitting to their authority. Church partnership is our opportunity to grasp hold of each other in discipline, responsibility, and love. By identifying ourselves with a particular church, we let the pastors and other members of that local church know that we intend to be committed in attendance, giving, prayer, and service. Whenever someone falls short of this, partnership allows for the spiritual leaders, or pastors in our case, to come in with a solemn and shepherding spirit to guide, chasten and discipline, if necessary. This becomes even more necessary in the case of someone living in ongoing sin. Pastors are called to help protect the church from sin. “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.” Matthew 18:15-17

“Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.” Acts 20:28

“Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you” Hebrews 13:17

IV. A Personal Reason: It produces spiritual growth through accountability and ongoing encouragement

The New Testament places a major emphasis on the need for Christians to be accountable to each other for spiritual growth. You cannot be accountable when you’re not committed to any specific church family. When we join a church we are offering ourselves to one another to be encouraged, rebuked, corrected, and served. By joining a church, we are saying, “I am here to stay. I want to help you grow in godliness. Will you help me to do the same?”

What is expected of me as a partner?

At CityLight LA, we never ask our Partners to do more than the Bible clearly teaches. We only expect our partners to do what the Bible expects every Christian to do. These responsibilities are spelled out in the Partnership Covenant.

There will be no regular meetings of partners for governance purposes, as partners do not have a role in the governance of the Church.