Leadership Commitment
I am committed to the Vineyard’s mission: Love Like Jesus.
We hold in tension the radical welcome of Jesus and the new life he calls every person toward. We apply these tensions by allowing anyone to participate in the life of our church in a centered set model where your involvement is defined by a center (Jesus) and movement toward that center. Our partnership commitment helps define what it means to be moving toward Jesus together. It is our best attempt at simplifying Jesus’ teaching and way of life, specifically as it intersects with a local church. Everyone is invited to worship, communion, baptism, participation in groups, and care for the poor. But for leaders and others given special spiritual authority, we employ a bounded set model, with a higher level of commitment.
Typically, leaders are invited to sign this commitment at the time they are deployed by the staff, but it may be used at any point as a step toward becoming a leader. It’s a way for us to acknowledge the influence and authority held, to show are belief and support, and to clarify the “higher standard” to which leaders are called. By signing, you in turn acknowledge that you desire and respect the responsibilities of a leader. For more information on how leaders function in our church structure, consult the document “Everybody Gets To Play” below.
What this commitment is not: You can belong and serve at the Vineyard without leading. We do not intend this commitment to be legalistic or guilt-producing. It has nothing to do with earning God’s favor and you can participate in his Kingdom without being a formal leader at the Vineyard Church.
- I am a committed partner at the Vineyard Church in Chester Springs.
- I am committed to stay connected to God. I will do my best to cultivate healthy spiritual practices, both personal and corporate, that foster deeper relationship with Him.
- I am committed to live a life of integrity, honesty and spiritual maturity. I will be faithful in my commitments and set good boundaries in my life so that I can keep them.
- I am committed to live life above reproach (1 Timothy 3), specifically:
Regarding social media: I will refrain from posting slanderous, “mean-spirited,” or objectionable content. I will be wise when posting sarcastic or politically/theologically charged content. I will be gracious and respectful when entering into dialogue.
Regarding sexuality: I will submit my sexuality to the Lordship of Jesus, acknowledging that his design for sexual identity and activity is good. Specifically, I will strive for sexual integrity, as the Bible defines it. This means refraining from from pre-marital sex, extramarital sex,
homosexual practice, pornography addiction, and embracing a transgendered identity ( Matthew 5:27-30; 15:18-19; 19:4-6, Romans 1:24-28, 1 Corinthians 5-7).
- I will participate regularly in Life Group where I will let others into my life, carry one other’s burdens and allow others to carry mine.
- I am committed to develop a lifestyle characterized by financial generosity. I will do this by giving faithfully and significantly to my church.
- I am committed to promoting unity in the church. I will not participate in negativity, triangulation or gossip and I will discourage it in groups I am a part of. I will encourage others to engage in biblical relationships and reconciliation whenever possible (see our Partnership Commitment).
- I am willing to be be coached and corrected by the pastors/leaders of the Vineyard Church, maintaining an attitude of humility and teachability.
- I am committed to grow in my ability to identify and respond to the movement of the Holy Spirit in myself and others.
- When I need help (personally) or encounter challenging ministry situations, I will seek help from other leaders/pastors, and will surround myself with community to hold me accountable for struggles/addictions.
- I am committed to completing Vineyard’s Prayer Training and will prioritize ongoing leadership training opportunities when they are offered.