WILLS VALLEY COMMUNITY CHURCH

1. The Church is a Fellowship."They continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship . . ." Acts 2:42A top priority in a fellowship is unity and harmony. "Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." Ephesians 4:3."

Let us, therefore, follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another." Romans 14:19

ANY attitude that causes disunity is a sin.

Col. 3:15, 1Cor. 1:10, 2 Tim. 2:14, Pr. 17:14, 2 Cor 13:11, Phil 1:27, Phil. 2:1-3, Col. 2:2, Phil 4:2,

1 Peter 3:8, 1 Cor. 14:33, John 13:34-35, 2 Tim. 2:23, Rom 15:5-6, Rom. 12:16-18, Col. 3:13-14, Ps 133:1

 

Implications: A Good Structure Promotes Unity and Downplays Differences.". . . Ye come together not for the better, but for the worse. For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there are divisions among you; and I partly believe it." 1 Corinthians 11:17-18 "Voting" tends to divide people.

 

At Wills Valley Community Church we place all leadership and decision-making responsibility in the hands of qualified Pastors/Elders recognized by the congregation.

 

These Pastors/Elders are reaffirmed annually in their ministry. The Pastors/Elders will seek affirmation on the following:

• Calling Pastors/Elders

• Annual budget

• Purchase of land or buildings

• Changes in the church bylaws or constitution

 

2. The Church is a Family."You should be like one big happy family, full of sympathy toward each other, loving one another with tender hearts and humble minds." 1 Peter 3:8Gal. 6:10, Heb. 2:10-12, 1 Peter 4:17. So We Operate On the Basis Of Relationships Not Regulations."Rebuke not an elder, but entreat him as a father, and the young men as brethren." 1 Tim. 5:1-2"(A Pastor) One, that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjections with all gravity; (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)" 1 Timothy 3:4-5

 

3. The Church is a Body. 1 Corinthians 12:27, Ephesians 5:23, Colossians 1:18, 2:19We are a Body - not a Business! We are an organism - NOT an organization!Therefore, we function on the basis of spiritual gifts NOT elected officers.For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;" Romans 12:4-6In an organization "maintenance" becomes the focus. But in an organism "ministry" is the focus.

At Wills Valley, we have a simple structure so we can maximize ministry and minimize maintenance. "And He (God) gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers." Ephesians 4:11-12

 

Our Structure

• The people are the "Ministers."

• The Pastors/Elders are the "Administers."

 

4. The Church is a Flock. (Jesus' favorite description of the Church.) John 10:1-30; Matthew 26:31; Matthew 25:33 Therefore is cared for and led by Shepards. "He (Jesus) saith to him again the second time; Simon (Peter), son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto Him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep." John 21:16-17 Three different terms are used in the New Testament to refer to the same church leaders:"And he gave some apostles; and some prophets; and some evangelists; and some pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints . . ." Ephesians 4:11-12"To the elders which are among you I exhort, i who am also an elder, . . . Feed (Pastor) the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, no by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind."! Peter 5:1-2"A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teach." 1 Timothy 3:2See also Titus 1:5-7, 1 Timothy 3:1-7

 

Our Affiliation

• Dekalb Baptist Association 63 Churches that fellowship together and work together to reach Dekalb County.

• The Alabama Baptist State Convention Over 3,000 churches that fellowship together with the goal of evangelizing our state.

• Southern Baptist Convention What is the Southern Baptist Convention? It is the largest association of Christian churches in America. One out of every ten churches in America is affiliated with the SBC. (Forty thousand churches and 15 million members - more than most other denominations combined.)It is the most diverse association of churches. SBC churches include every race, nationality, and ethnic groups. Each Sunday, services are held in over 80 languages in the United States. It is one of the fastest growing groups.The SBC baptizes over 1,000 new Christians a day in the United States and begins nearly five new churches a day!

 

"Bold Mission Thrust" is Wills Valley's stated public goal to give everyone in the world a chance to hear the Good News. It is exciting to be a part of a group with that kind of vision!

 

Why Not Just Be An Independent Church?

We are an independent church! Every SBC church is completely independent. There is no denominational control or hierarchy, as there is in most other denominations. Each church is self-governed and determines its own affairs.

For example:

* Every SBC church chooses its own pastor(s).

* Every SBC church owns its own buildings and assets.

* Every SBC church determines its own programs.

 

What are the advantages of affiliating with The SBC?

It allows us to identify with other Christians around the world who are known for their commitment to the Bible. Unlike other groups, the SBC has no man-made "creed." The Bible is our only authority.

It allows our church to participate in the largest missionary organization in the world. Through the SBC "Cooperative Program" we help support over 7,500 missionaries around the world in 104 countries around the world.