Christian Walk
Baptism
A testimony of our faith and a symbol of our relationship with the triune God.
There’s nothing special about the water. There’s nothing magical about the act. We can go to heaven without being baptized. But Jesus asks us to do it to testify of what we believe, to symbolize our relationship with Him, and to demonstrate that we’ve left a former way of life to live new lives as children of God.
We believe that because the very word “
Church Membership
Heaven is bigger than all of us put together…so why sign on the dotted line at a local church?
Membership is an official tie with other people in the name of Christ. It is an agreement of cooperation and responsibility, your voluntary commitment to minister. Like brothers and sisters in a home, members in a church are related. They have agreed to be united by common consent to some important biblical beliefs and goals. Membership is the basis for church and pastoral care for you from the rest of the church.
Communion
A grand celebration of the work of Jesus Christ in the life of every believer.
Jesus himself gave us this ordinance the evening before His crucifixion. Communion is comprised of precious symbols that teach and remind us of joyous spiritual truths central to dynamic life in Christ (Luke 22:7–20; John 13:1–17; 1 Corinthians 11:17–34).
Jesus was explicit when He said “Do this in remembrance of Me” (1 Corinthians 11:24,25) and “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you” (John 13:15). Followers of Jesus should value Communion as a high priority of their fellowship with Him. In our joyful obedience Jesus promises profound blessing: “Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them” (John 13:17).
At Grace Polaris Church, we celebrate three elements as part of our Communion services: the love feast, foot washing, and the bread and cup.
Deaconship
God is not looking for perfect people to serve as deacons and deaconesses.
God simply indicates high standards and hopes for those who want to serve:
Deacons, likewise, are to be men worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons. In the same way, their wives are to be women worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything. A deacon must be the husband of but one wife and must manage his children and his household well.
1 Timothy 3:8–12
Becoming a deacon or deaconess at Grace Polaris Church involves tangible steps that are designed to affirm God’s will for you and the church:
- Request and complete a deacon application from the Administrative Deacon Commission chairman.
- Meet with the elder advisor of the Administrative Deacon Commission. This interview is to affirm your qualifications and to verify that you understand what would be expected of you as a deacon or deaconess.
Once elected to the College of Deacons, you will receive training in several ministry areas: hospitality, baptism, communion, friendship focus ministries, and emergency care. All deacons are expected to serve in the ministry areas of widows, Communion, and greeters. You may also choose to serve in other areas of the Deacon Ministry.