Partnership at Lifeway
Being a partner at Lifeway Christian Church means being an intentional part of our local church community. It is an invitation to join us in what God has specifically called us to do—growing in faith, serving others, and working together to make Jesus known. Partnership is about more than attending—it’s about actively belonging, committing to the mission, and investing in the church’s vision as we seek to impact lives for Christ.
But partnership is not a one-way commitment. While partners willingly and intentionally enter into a covenant with their church, embracing greater responsibility in service and mission, they are not alone in this. The pastors and elders are committed to loving, leading, and equipping partners—praying for them, teaching God’s Word, and providing guidance to help them grow in faith and fulfill their calling. As Ephesians 4:11-12 says, “So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.”
At the same time, every partner has a vital role to play. 1 Corinthians 12:27 reminds us, “Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.” The church thrives when each person actively participates, working together in unity to serve God and others. Partnership at Lifeway is about embracing Christian community and stepping into both the responsibility and the support that comes with being part of the body of Christ.
Why does Lifeway Christian Church have “partners”?
The Bible describes the church as the body of Christ, where each believer plays a vital and unique role. Just as every part of a physical body is essential for its proper function, the church flourishes when each member actively contributes. As 1 Corinthians 12:14 reminds us, “For the body does not consist of one member but of many.” Jesus is “the head of the body, the church” (Colossians 1:18), and under His leadership, we find both direction and unity as we serve together.
At Lifeway, we use the term “partner” instead of the common term; “member” because membership can sometimes imply passive belonging. Partnership instead reflects active participation and shared responsibility. Partners don’t just attend Lifeway; they commit to serving, growing, and contributing to the mission of making Jesus known. In doing so, they live out their calling as “fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household” (Eph. 2:19-22).
What’s the difference between a partner and somebody who just goes to Lifeway every week?
At Lifeway, we will choose to love and make welcome anyone who attends our church. There is however a greater opportunity for those who choose to become partners. Partnership signifies a deeper level of commitment to the mission and vision of Lifeway Christian Church. While anyone who attends Lifeway is encouraged to grow in their faith, participate in community, and serve where they feel led, partners take on a more intentional role in shaping and sustaining the church’s mission and ministry.
Partners make a deliberate and formal commitment to steward their time, talent, and treasure in a way that supports the mission and ministries of Lifeway, ensuring they continue to flourish. Recognising the call to seek first the Kingdom of God, they embrace a sacrificial way of living within the body of Christ.
This commitment is reflected in their time, through active participation in the life of the church; their talent, by using their gifts, skills, and experience for the benefit of the church community; and their treasure, by contributing their resources—including regular financial giving to help meet the church’s agreed budget and respond to needs as they arise.
For this reason it is only a Partner of Lifeway who is eligible for leadership positions and only a Partner who is able to participate in meetings concerning the Church.
Why should I become a partner?
Becoming a partner at Lifeway Christian Church is a step toward deeper commitment and purpose. It’s an opportunity to actively participate in what God is doing through the church and to embrace the call to serve and grow together. In 1 Peter 4:10, we’re reminded, “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” By becoming a partner, you are saying “yes” to using your gifts to build up the body of Christ and make a lasting impact in the world around you.
Partnership is also about belonging. In Ephesians 2:19-22, Paul reminds us that we are “no longer strangers and aliens, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.” As a partner, you are part of a family—a community united by faith, dedicated to love and service.
Ultimately, becoming a partner means fully stepping into your role in the body of Christ. It’s about more than just attending; it’s about being a vital, active part of a community where your faith can be strengthened, and together we can advance the mission of God’s Kingdom.
If you’re not a Christian, don’t worry about partnership until you’ve been reconciled to God though Jesus. If you are a Christian who has spent a lot of time at Lifeway, however, search your heart and identify your hesitation. There may be valid reasons to abstain from Lifeway partnership. But we’re a rebellious people by our nature; if you hesitate at the very idea of becoming a partner, ask yourself why–and don’t hesitate to speak with a pastor or elder at the church.
How do I become a partner?
If you are coming from another church in which you are a member, you should ask your previous church for a letter of release and recommendation. Raise your intention to become a partner with Lifeway Christian Church through its pastor/elder leadership. A pastor or one of the Elders will visit you and make you familiar with this document and also answer any questions you may have. You will be asked to read through the partnership covenant (found at the back of this document) and sign it. There will be a time in a service which you will be formally welcomed into partnership.
Acceptance into partnership
Upon signing the Partnership Covenant, the applicant’s name is then notified to the Church Partners at Lifeway for a duration of two weeks. This is to allow time for any concerns to be raised and for the church community to affirm the applicant’s commitment to partnership.
Where there are no objections from the Partners of Lifeway, the applicant will be formally welcomed into the Partnership of the Church. This will normally take place during a church service where the new partner is announced and prayed for as they step into this deeper commitment to the life and mission of Lifeway Christian Church.
Lifeway’s values
Vision Statement: Lifeway Christian Church seeks to be a vibrant and inclusive community, deeply rooted in prayer, committed to transforming lives, and impacting our community for Christ.
Mission Statement: Live life God’s way
OUR VALUES:
We are selfless
We will be focused and committed to reaching out to those who need us more than to maintaining our own comfort and preferences.
We are inclusive
We embrace diversity and welcome everyone with open arms, creating a community where all people can find love, support, and acceptance.
We are servants
We are committed to serving our community and beyond, providing help to those in need and spreading the love of Christ through our actions.
We are faithful
We stand firm in our faith, trusting in God's guidance and wisdom, and staying true to His teachings in all that we do.
We are compassionate
We show Christ’s love through acts of kindness and mercy, offering comfort and support to those who are hurting and in need.
We are growing
We strive for continuous spiritual growth, encouraging each other to deepen our relationship with God.
We are connected
We foster genuine relationships within our congregation and with the broader community, building a network of support and friendship.
We are mission-focused
We are dedicated to spreading the Gospel, both locally and globally, reaching out to those who have not yet heard the good news of Jesus Christ.
We are innovative
We embrace new methods and technologies to enhance our ministry and effectively communicate the timeless message of God's love.
We are generous
We believe in the power of generosity and give freely of our time, talents, and resources to support the church's mission and serve others in need.
We are prayerful
We believe in the transformative power of prayer, committing ourselves to ongoing conversation with God as we cultivate a deeper relationship with Him and intercede for our community and its needs."
We are influential
We strive to be a positive influence not only in our community but also among other churches, where we can use our resources to lead by example, inspire others to live out their faith in impactful ways.
We are united
We are the body of Christ—individuals uniquely gifted yet brought together as one, committed to a shared mission. United in purpose, we set aside personal agendas to serve God and each other. Displaying this unity shows the world that we belong to Jesus, embodying His love through our togetherness.
Lifeway’s beliefs (as outlined in our constitution)
The Eternal Triune God
We believe that there is only one eternal and true living God who has revealed Himself as existing in three persons – Father, Son and Holy Spirit. (Luke 3:21-22)
Father
We believe:
Creator God, Creator of the whole universe. Father of all things. It was on the Father’s initiative because of His Love for us, that He sent His Son to pay the penalty for our sins. (Gen 1:1, John 3:16, Matt 6:9, Eph 4:6, 1 John 4:14, John 14:6.)
Jesus
We believe:
- Jesus is the Son of God, born of a virgin. (Matt1:18, Isaiah 7:14)
- He lived a sinless life and that He performed miracles as a testimony of His deity. (John 14:11, 2Cor 5:21)
- His death upon the cross was for the forgiveness of our sins. (Col 2:13-15)
- He was raised from the dead and is now seated at the right hand of God. (Eph 1:20-22)
- He will return for the Church who will remain with Him throughout eternity. (John 3:16, 36)
Holy Spirit
We believe:
- The Holy Spirit produces new life through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and that He
dwells in the lives of believers. (John 3:3-5, 14:26, 16:13)
- The Holy Spirit empowers those who receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit, either at the time of conversion or subsequent to it, to be witnesses to the life of Jesus. (Acts 1:4-8, 8:15-17, 19:1-6)
- The Holy Spirit manifests Himself in the gifts of the Spirit through believers, irrespective of race, gender or age, primarily for the Church’s corporate life and witness, and in the fruit of the Spirit for the believer’s walk and witness. His ministry has not changed from the beginning and is just as relevant and powerful today. (Acts 5:32, 1 Cor 12, Gal 5:22-25, Heb 13:8)
The Bible
We believe the Bible is the inspired and infallible Word of God and is our authority for belief and behaviour (2 Tim 3:16-17) .
The Fall of Humankind
We believe that all humankind has sinned and fallen short of God’s glory and that we can only be saved from the consequences of our sin by accepting the finished work of Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. (Rom 3:23, 6:23)
Sin
We believe we are a fallen race, inherited from the fall in the Garden of Eden through the sin of Adam and Eve and that Christ came to redeem us through His sacrificial life and death on the cross. (Gen 3:8, Rom 5:12)
Satan
We believe in the reality and personality of Satan, yet affirm the victory Christ won at Calvary over Satan’s influence and authority. (Eph 1:20-22, John 10:10, 1 John1:8)
Water Baptism
We believe that water baptism (by full immersion, of a believer) is an act of obedience to the commands of Jesus. Baptism identifies the believer with the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus, dying to oneself and rising to new life in Jesus Christ (Acts 2:38). Please see our document on Baptism for more information.
Infant Dedication
Parents are encouraged to present their children for dedication to the Lord. This service of dedication reminds the parents and the church family of the privileges and responsibilities of nurturing young lives in the faith in the hope that one day they to will believe in Christ.
The Lord’s Supper / Communion
We are commanded to practice remembrance of the Lord’s Supper, for our participation in it reminds us of the death, resurrection and return of our Lord. All are welcome at the Lord’s Supper. (1 Cor 11:23-25, Heb 9:25-28)
Healing
We believe that God heals spirit, soul and body, through prayer, faith, laying on of hands and His use of health practitioners. In most services opportunity will be given for people in need of healing to receive prayer. (Luke 4:18-21, James 5:14)
Eternity
We believe that God offers eternal life for everyone who believes in Jesus the Christ and eternal separation from God for those that reject Him. (John 3:16, 11:25, Rom 10:9-13)
Worship
We believe that God’s people should worship Him in spirit and in truth with freedom and liberty.
Our praise and worship is contemporary and can be seen expressed in a variety of ways; lifting of hands, singing in the spirit, dancing, joyful celebration, people weeping, others sharing visions, some speaking out prophecies and sometimes people fall under the power and anointing of the Holy Spirit’s presence. Worship is not just singing but glorifying Christ in all we do. (Ps 51:10-11,17, 63:4, 126, 134;2,149;3, Joel 2:28, John 4:24, Acts 2;37, 8;17, 10:46, 19:6, Rom 12:6, Rev 1:17)
Forgiveness
We believe forgiveness is a Gift of God through Jesus Christ and that we should not only live in the reality of that forgiveness but offer and express forgiveness to one another as we are commanded to do. (Matt 5;24, 18:15-17, Acts 2:38, 1 John1:9, James 5;16)
Love
The Christian life is to be one full of love, love for God, love for ourselves and love for our neighbour. It is the greatest of the gifts and commandments given to us. It should be the motivation and desire behind all we do. (Lev 19:18, Matt 5:43-44, Mark 12:28-31, John 13:34,14:15, 1 Cor 13:1-13, 1 John 3:14-18, 4:8)
Tithing
We believe that tithing whilst an Old testament principle is still the foundational bench mark for all giving. It is the principle of putting Christ first in all things, in our time, talents and treasure, all for the extension and building up of God’s kingdom. (Malachi 3:10-12, Matt 6:33, 2 Cor 9:6-11)
Women in Leadership
We believe in the equality of women, the anointing and empowering of God’s Holy Spirit upon each one without prejudice. Women may serve within any capacity that God should call and anoint. (Joel 2:28-29, Romans 16:1-16, Galatians 3:28, 1 Timothy 3:11).
The Church
Our understanding of the Church is a local growing body of believers empowered by the Holy Spirit to continue the ministry of Jesus Christ. (Matt 16:18, Eph 4:11-16)
PARTNERSHIP COVENANT
Partnership is a covenant relationship, made between believers, to fellowship together as disciples of Jesus Christ in building His church. We believe it is important for every believer to be established in a local church. Having a commitment to this local fellowship and voluntarily placing oneself under its leadership for nurture, fellowship, teaching and discipline, so that each one might be brought into maturity and the fullness of Christ, and that together we might discern His will and direction (Eph 4:11-13).
Partners Agreement
- I have a personal faith in Jesus Christ and acknowledge Him as my Lord and Saviour and have been baptised.
- By the Grace of God, I will live a lifestyle that is consistent with Christian conduct and doctrine. I will continue to grow in my personal relationship with God, through prayer, worship, study and fellowship and where possible regularly attend a lifegroup.
- I commit myself to my fellow partners, to regularly attend Sunday services and participate whenever possible in activities outside of Sunday services.
- I will support Lifeway Christian Church with my time, talents and treasure – regularly serving and giving financially in a way that is sacrificial, cheerful and generous.
- I will voluntarily submit to, work with, the Pastors and Elders, upholding the Church’s values in working towards the Mission and Vision of the Church.
- I will not function in leadership or as a partner/member in another church.
I hereby identify myself with Lifeway Christian Church. I pledge myself, by God’s grace to be loyal to each partner of the body and to serve with them, living life in accordance with the standard of the Word of God.
