Glorious Ladies Christian Fellowship International
FAQs
Membership FAQs
Why does GLCFI have “members”?
GLCFI is a fellowship, and the Bible uses the metaphor of a body to describe the Church: ‘‘For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ’‘(1 Cor. 12:12). It’s a beautiful illustration of how we are each created to serve different functions, we need everyone to function in order to be a healthy body, and all of us as separate parts find purpose and unity under Jesus, ‘‘the head of the body, the Church‘ (Col. 1:18). Members are the church & fellowship (Eph. 2:19-22).
What’s the difference between a member and somebody who just goes to GLCFI Meetings?
At GLCFI, we make a distinction between “members” and “guests.” If you’re not a member, then you’re technically a guest that remains to a certain extent separated from our fellowship family, and separated from the maturity, protection, accountability, and care that comes with being an active part of the fellowship. This may not make much difference for visitors and non-Christians, but Christians who consume rather than commit to the fellowship do a disservice to Jesus’ body (the fellowship/ church) and themselves. Members, on the other hand, participate as the fellowship: sacrificing time, talents, and treasure; committing to the care and community of their fellow members; and submitting to the authority God has established to lead our gathering. In short, the difference between a member and a non-member is that members are “on mission.”
What does it mean to be “on mission”?
To be on mission means that you’re a Christian, that your identity is founded in Jesus, and that you embody the GLCFI fellowship mission statement by living a life of worship to Jesus, a life of fellowship with other Christians, and a life of mission to non-Christians (Matt. 28:18-20). These expressions are only possible with an identity established in Jesus. To learn more about what it means to be on mission, read about the GLCFI mission statement.
Why should I become a member?
GLCFI is a family, adopted by God (Gal. 4:6-7 Eph. 1:5). We care for each other, pray for each other, and serve together. If you’re already a Christian, if you’re already in one of the Ministries of GLCFI community, if you’re already giving of your finances and your time, then you’re already fulfilling some functions of a member. Without making an official commitment, however, we cannot provide the same level of pastoral care and community support, in part because we may not know who you are, and in part because the Bible requires that we take care of our family first (Eph. 2:19 cf. Gal. 6:10).
If you’re not a Christian, don’t worry about membership until you've been reconciled to God though Jesus. If you are a Christian who has spent a lot of time at church, however, search your heart and identify your hesitation. There may be valid reasons to abstain from GLCFI membership. But we’re rebels by our cursed nature; if you bristle at the very idea of becoming a member, ask yourself why–and don’t hesitate to speak with the leader of GLCFI.
How do I become a member?
It’s a five step process. Connect, Believe, Learn, Commit, and Converse.
Do members have to be baptized?
Since Jesus commands that all of his disciples be baptized, baptism is a requirement for all GLCFI members (Matt. 28:19 Acts 2:38 10:48 1 Peter 3:21). If you've already been baptized since you became a Christian, you don’t need to get re-baptized. GLCFI doesn't perform baptism. If a prospective member was baptized as a baby and does not want to be re-baptized due to reasons of conscience, that is acceptable as long as this decision remains personal and does not become a divisive issue within the fellowship. If you have more questions about baptism specifically, please speak with leader at GLCFI.
What is a “member covenant”? Can I read it before I become a member?
A covenant is a promise by which we obligate ourselves to one another in such a way that the obligation of one party is not dependent on the faithfulness of the other (Ezek. 20:44 36:22 Ps. 76:11 Hos. 2:19-20 3:1 2 Tim. 2:13). A covenant is what we would use to describe the vows between a husband and his wife, and between God and his people. We ask our members to sign a covenant so that we know that prospective members understand what it means to be a part of the fellowship. The member covenant is not a legal document or some sort of cultic rite. It is an affirmation, an agreement, and a source of accountability for both the fellowship and its individual members. Read the GLCFI member covenant.
Why do I need to sign a covenant?
This is by far the most frequent question asked. Being a member of the fellowship has to do with living out your corporate identity as a part of Jesus’ people, the local church (e.g. member of the body of Christ, member of the family of God, citizen of the kingdom of God, living stone within the temple of God, et al.) We covered this in full during the first week of the fellowship Membership series. All of these biblical images highlight that Christians are to relate to one another in a way that is formal, committed and interdependent in the setting of a local church. One of the ways we express this type of relationship in our culture is by affixing our signature to an agreement. It’s a way of saying, “I am declaring myself to be formally committed to this individual, group or organization”. We do this when we start a new job, when we get married, when we have a new child, when we purchase or rent a home, etc. The difference is that church membership is a covenant, not a contract, before God. In the context of marriage, in particular, it is the supreme demonstration of love because it says “I am committing myself to you and no one else.” Given the nature of our corporate identity in Christ, as expressed in the Scriptures, how much more should we formally commit ourselves to other brothers and sisters in Christ as part of a local church in a specific context?
What do I do if I need to move?
Just let us know and, though we’ll be sad to see you go, we’ll gladly send you off. Our hope will be that you continue to contact us and remain a member.
How long will I be considered a member?
We will ask all members to renew their covenant commitment annually.
What are the ‘benefits’ of becoming a member?
Being a member of GLCFI, there are certain privileges granted to you. For example priority in counselling and visitation, leadership opportunities, certain service positions and access to our limited benevolence funds.
Is membership required for serving and leadership within the Fellowship?
We will require membership for all leadership positions and many service positions .However, there will be certain exceptions (e.g. greeters, ushers, hospitality & Volunteers). We’re still sorting through the specifics here.
What if I choose not to become a member?
We love you and are entirely for you. We will not, and cannot, force anyone to become a member. That would be weird. All we can do is present the biblical case for membership and call every follower of Jesus to gladly embrace becoming a covenanted member of GLCFI. It’s a vital component of your personal discipleship.
What is expected out of members?
We will expect every member to give of their time (participation in community, Fellowship meetings, etc.), treasure (regularly, sacrificial, joyful giving) and talents (serving in some way). The exact conditions and expectations will be spelled out in the membership covenant itself. You are making a covenant with other members of the fellowship, the leadership, before God. Similarly, the leadership will make a covenant with you, before God. It’s a beautiful thing.
Can I become a member at any time?
At this time, YES. We will have set times during the year (i.e. twice a year) when we will hold a Membership class and open the opportunity to anyone who has just joined us or recently became a Christian.
If I’m still exploring the person and work of Jesus, can I become a member?
We’re excited you’re with us! Membership is specifically for those who follow Jesus Christ. So, for now, we’ll wait. Take your time to ask questions, get connected in community and continue to explore the stunning claims of Jesus Christ. If and when you decide to follow him we’ll revisit the membership topic.
What is Business Mentoring?
Business mentoring is a relationship between you - as an entrepreneur and someone with business experience who is willing to act as a guide. The business mentor offers advice, guidance and support to help you run and improve your business.
It can involve face-to-face meetings or online discussions - or a combination of both - depending on which arrangement is best for both parties.
Formal and informal mentoring
Mentors will usually stay in regular contact with you through meetings, telephone calls and emails. The nature of the relationship may vary from being fairly casual - e.g. a monthly telephone call or informal visit - to being more formal and structured - e.g. setting meeting agendas and business objectives.
Not all mentors have to be formally established as such. Friends, family and business contacts can all become involved in unofficial mentoring.
Why is business mentoring important?
If you have a gap in your knowledge or experience, then mentoring could work very well for you. For example, you may have a great idea for a business but need a bit of guidance to turn it into a successful venture.
A mentor can provide you with a number of benefits, such as:
• guidance on developing and improving your business
• help with difficult decisions
• ideas for new products or services, or ways of working
• tips for your business that are gained from practical experience
• access to a network of contacts with other people
A business mentor can also help you to:
• develop key business skills
• improve your problem solving abilities
• build confidence
• work on your personal development
However, a business mentor won't sort out all your problems for you, tell you what to do or offer business advice. They don't act as consultants or take the place of any existing professional advisers.
Business mentoring and other types of advice
Using a business mentor is one way of helping you make the right decisions for your business, but there are other forms of support you could consider. These include:
- Coaching
- Peer mentoring and peer learning alliances
- Networking
- Professional advice
Coaching
Specific short-term business issues can be addressed through coaching which has similar elements as mentoring. There are many organisations that offer coaching services.
Peer mentoring and peer learning alliances
You can also get help or advice from other people in a similar situation, such as people of a similar age or background. When setting up a business, this is likely to involve contacting someone who is also trying to set up a business and faces similar issues. Like business mentoring, this can be as formal or informal as you like.
Networking
The wider world of networking allows you to meet a range of business people. You can do this at a local level - by talking to other business people in your area - or at a much broader level, e.g. through social networking websites and professional networks such as LinkedIn.
Sources of information about local networking groups or meetings are available from your local Chamber of Commerce, business advisers or trade associations.