foundations
Foundations of Gulf Coast: Building With Purpose
An eight-week series explaining Biblical principles of church life and how they are applied at Gulf Coast Community Church
"It is necessary to stress that the New Testament never countenances the possibility of a believer living his Christian life apart from the context of the local church." -G. W. Kirby
"How do I become a member at Gulf Coast Community Church?" The Foundation Series is designed to introduce you to our mission and beliefs as a church, enabling you to know how to serve, and if we are the church where God has joined you. This course is essential for membership at Gulf Coast.
Week 1 - Introduction: Biblically Defining the Church
(Eph 2:19-20 NIV) Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household. We use this first week to present our mission and vision, and we focus on defining the church and how it is Jesus Christ's great love, work and passion.
Week 2 - The Church's Message - The Glorious Gospel
In this most important session, we will study the problem of sin through the eyes of a holy and just God, and come to a deeper understanding of the cross as his gracious provision for us through the death and resurrection of his Son, Jesus Christ.
Week 3 - The Church's Power - The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit
(Acts 1:8 NIV) But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." In our own strength we can do nothing of eternal worth. This week we look at God's provision for us through the Person and work of the Holy Spirit. Who He is, His coming, and the power and nature of the gifts He gives.
Week 4 - The Church's perspective - The Centrality of God
How do I relate to everything going on in my life in such a way that it renders glory to God? This week we see the heavenly reality that God is on His throne at the center of the universe and the only way to rightly relate in the universe is "under His Sovereign rule!" This involves trusting God and discovering how to functionally live with God at the center rather than ourselves at the center.
Week 5 - The Church's bond - Fellowship & Church Life
This week we will focus on the church Jesus Christ is building, and how He has called each one of us to be a part.
Week 6 - The Church's Attitude - Servanthood
Jesus "did not come to be served but to serve," and He commanded His church to "do likewise." With His example before us, we will learn both the attitudes and actions of an effective servant. We will discover that God has also given each person unique gifts that can be used to strengthen their local church.
Week 7 - The Church's Example - Pastoral Leadership
This week we will explore what the Scriptures say about those whom God uses to lead and care for His precious people and how we are to relate to them.
Week 8 - The Church Covenant
This session will tie it all together. We will review the Church Covenant, and discuss the teachings and doctrine of Gulf Coast Community Church.
Each week light refreshments are served before the teaching begins. This gives you the opportunity to fellowship with the teacher and others participating in the class. Please join us.
8:30 - 8:45 Coffee, Juice, & Pastries
8:45 - 9:45 Teaching
Childcare will be available for children up to age 10. Please let us know in advance if you will need childcare. Children 11 years and up will certainly benefit from the material presented in this series and are welcome to attend with you.
