“We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf” (Hebrews 6:19-20).

Shake the Gates of Hell, Cause Heaven to Rejoice, and Change Lives.

Shake the Gates of Hell

Upon Simon Peter’s confession of Jesus as the Messiah, Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it” (Matthew 16:17-18).

Can you imagine a church so aligned with God’s purpose and power that the hell of addiction, loneliness, unforgiveness, broken relationships, selfishness, and so many others is released over persons, families, and communities?

Cause Heaven to Rejoice

Jesus was ridiculed by religious leaders for hanging out with sinners and eating with them. In response, Jesus shared a parable, or story, “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent” (Luke 15:1-7).

Can you imagine a church so aligned with God’s purpose and power that it joyfully focuses on joining in on God’s search-and-find missions and rejoices with heaven when each person turns toward God?

Change Lives

Jesus shared another parable, or story, about changed lives. After the prodigal son left home and hit rock bottom, Jesus said, “he came to his senses” and made the decision to go home to his father. It was more out of necessity than a spiritual awakening. However, Jesus described the action of the father, “while the son was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate” (Luke 15:11-32).

Can you imagine a church so aligned with God’s purpose and power that it expects people to “come to their senses” and celebrates the God in heaven who lovingly runs to the returning prodigals to change their lives?

At Anchor Fellowship, every resource, every idea, every ministry, every dollar, and every effort will align with our vision to: Shake the Gates of Hell, Cause Heaven to Rejoice, and Change Lives.

Love God, Love People, and Make disciples of Jesus Christ.

When Jesus was asked, “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”, he replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments” (Matthew 26:34-40).

The early Christian church defined what loving God and loving people looked like for a church like Anchor Fellowship: “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us” (1 John 4:7-12).

Jesus also gifted us with a holy purpose in the Great Commission: “Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:18-20).

As the Body of Christ, the Mission of Anchor Fellowship is: Love God, Love People, and Make disciples of Jesus Christ.

What do we value that drives this mission toward our vision and creates the culture of Anchor Fellowship?

● We SEEK after what God is doing so we can join in

● We CELEBRATE when and where we see God moving

● We EXPECT prayer to change lives

● We TRUST the Bible as God’s Word

● We LOVE where we live and back it up with action

● We SERVE others before ourselves

● We PRACTICE generosity because God is generous

● We EMBRACE the messiness of authentic relationships

● We PRIORITIZE reaching people no other church is reaching

The overlap of these nine values is the place that Jesus intended for us to live and it is there we

find the fullness of joyful life that Jesus promises us in John 10:10.

We believe in the one true, holy and living God, Eternal Spirit, who is Creator, Sovereign and Preserver of all things visible and invisible. He is infinite in power, wisdom, justice, goodness and love, and rules with gracious regard for the well-being and salvation of humanity, to the glory of his name. We believe the one God reveals himself as the Trinity: Father, Son and Holy Spirit, distinct but inseparable, eternally one in essence and power. Gen. 1:1-2; Exod. 3:13-15; Deut. 6:4; Matt. 28:19; John 1:1-3; 5:19-23; 8:58; 14:9-11; 15:26; 16:13-15; 2 Cor. 13:14.

God was Himself in Jesus Christ to reconcile people to God. Conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, He joined together the deity of God and the humanity of humankind. Jesus of Nazareth was God in flesh, truly God and truly human. He came to save us. For us the Son of God suffered, was crucified, dead and buried. He poured out His life as blameless sacrifice for our sin and transgressions. We gratefully acknowledge that He is our Savior, the one perfect mediator between God and us. Matt. 1:21; 20:28; 26:27-28; Luke 1:35; 19:10; John 1:1, 10, 14; 2 Cor. 5:18-19; Phil. 2:5-8; Heb. 2:17; 9:14-15.

Jesus Christ is risen victorious from the dead, His resurrected body became more glorious, not hindered by ordinary human limitations. Thus He ascended into heaven. There He sits as our exalted Lord at the right hand of God the Father, where He intercedes for us until all His enemies shall be brought into complete subjection. He will return to judge all people. Every knee will bow and every tongue confess Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Matt. 25:31-32; Luke 24:1-7; 24:39; John 20:19; Acts 1:9-11; 2:24; Rom. 8:33-34; 2 Cor. 5:10; Phil. 2:9-11; Heb. 1:1-4.

The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity. Proceeding from the Father and the Son, He is one with them, the eternal Godhead, equal in deity, majesty and power. He is God effective in creation, in life and in the church. The Incarnation and ministry of Jesus Christ were accomplished by the Holy Spirit. He continues to reveal, interpret and glorify the Son. Matt. 28:19; John 4:24; 14:16-17, 26; 15:26; 16:13-15.

The Holy Spirit is the administrator of the salvation planned by the Father and provided by theSon’s death, resurrection, and ascension. He is the effective agent in our conviction,regeneration, sanctification and glorification. He is our Lord’s ever-present self, indwelling,assuring and enabling the believer. John 16:7-8; Acts 15:8-9; Rom. 8:9, 14-16; I Cor. 3:16; 2 Cor. 3:17-18; Gal. 4:6.

The Holy Spirit is poured out upon the church by the Father and the Son. He is the church’s life and witnessing power. He bestows the love of God and makes real the lordship of Jesus Christ in the believer so that both His gifts of words and service may achieve the common good and build and increase the church. In relation to the world He is the Spirit of truth, and His instrument is the Word of God. Acts 5:3-4; Rom. 8:14; I Cor. 12:4-7; 2 Pet. 1:21.

The Bible is God’s written Word, uniquely inspired by the Holy Spirit. It bears unerring witness to Jesus Christ, the living Word. As attested by the early church and subsequent councils, it is the trustworthy record of God’s revelation, completely truthful in all it affirms. It has been faithfully preserved and proves itself true in human experience.

The Scriptures have come to us through human authors who wrote, as God moved them, in the languages and literary forms of their times. God continues, by the illumination of the Holy Spirit, to speak through this Word to each generation and culture.

The Bible has authority over all human life. It teaches the truth about God, His creation, His people, His one and only Son and the destiny of humankind. It also teaches the way of salvation and the life of faith. Whatever is not found in the Bible nor can be proved by it is not to be required as an article of belief or as necessary to salvation. Deut. 4:2; 28:9; Ps. 19:7-11; John 14:26; 17:17; Rom. 15:4; 2 Tim. 3:14-17; Heb. 4:12; James 1:21.

The Old Testament is not contrary to the New. Both Testaments bear witness to God’s salvation in Christ; both speak of God’s will for His people. The ancient laws for ceremonies and rites, and the civil precepts for the nation Israel are not necessarily binding on Christians today. But, in the example of Jesus, we are obligated to obey the moral commandments of the Old Testament. Matt. 5:17-18; Luke 10:25-28; John 5:39, 46-47; Acts 10:43; Gal. 5:3-4; I Pet.1:10-12.

The books of the Old Testament are: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, I Samuel, 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, 2 Kings, 1 Chronicles, 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, The Song of Solomon, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi.

The New Testament fulfills and interprets the Old Testament. It is the record of the revelation of God in Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. It is God’s final word regarding humankind, sin, salvation, the world and its destiny. Matt. 24:35; Mark 8:38; John 14:24; Heb. 2:1-4; 2 Pet. 1:16-21; I John 2:2-6; Rev. 21:5; 22:19.

The books of the New Testament are: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts, Romans, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians, 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, Hebrews, James, 1 Peter, 2 Peter, 1 John, 2 John, 3 John, Jude, Revelation.

God created human beings in His own image, innocent, morally free, and responsible to choose between good and evil, right and wrong. By the sin of Adam, humans as the offspring of Adam are corrupted in their very nature so that from birth they are inclined to sin. They are unable by their own strength and work to restore themselves in the right relationship with God and to merit eternal salvation. God, the omnipotent, provides all the resources of the Trinity to make it possible for humans to respond to His grace through faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. By God’s grace and help people are enabled to do good works with a free will. Gen. 1:27; Ps. 51:5; 130:3; Rom. 5:17-19; Eph. 2:8- 10.

God’s law for all human life, personal and social, is expressed in two divine commands: Love the Lord God with all your heart and love your neighbor as yourself. These commands reveal what is best for persons in their relationship with God, others and society. They set forth the principles of human duty in both individual and social action. They recognize God as the only Sovereign. All people as created by Him and in His image have the same inherent rights regardless of gender, race or color. All should therefore give God absolute obedience in their individual, social and political acts. They should strive to secure to everyone respect for their person, their rights and their greatest happiness in the possession and exercise of the right within the moral law. Matt. 23:35-39; John 15:17; Gal. 3:28; I John 4:19- 21.

Good works are the fruit of faith in Jesus Christ but works cannot save us from our sins nor from God’s judgment. As expressions of Christian faith and love, our good works performed with reverence and humility are both acceptable and pleasing to God. However, good works do not earn God’s grace. Matt. 5:16; 7:16-20; Rom. 3:27-28; Eph. 2:10; 2 Tim. 1:8-9; Titus 3:5.

Christ offered once and for all the perfect sacrifice for the sins of the whole world. No other satisfaction for sin is necessary; none other can atone. Luke 24:46-48; John 3:16; Acts 4:12; Rom. 5:8-11; Gal. 2:16; 3:2-3; Eph. 1:7-8; 2:13; Heb. 9:11-14, 25- 26; 10:8-14.

A new life and a right relationship with God are made possible through the redemptive acts of God in Jesus Christ. God, by His Spirit, acts to impart new life and put people into a relationship with Himself as they repent, and their faith responds to His grace. Justification, regeneration and adoption speak significantly to entrance into and continuance in the new life. John 1:12-13; 3:3-8; Acts 13:38-39; Rom. 8:15-17; Eph. 2:8-9; Col. 3:9-10.

Justification is a legal term that emphasizes that by a new relationship in Jesus Christ people are in fact accounted righteous, being freed from both the guilt and the penalty of their sins. Ps. 32:1-2; Acts 10:43; Rom. 3:21-26, 28; 4:2-5; 5:8- 9; I Cor. 6:11; Phil. 3:9.

Regeneration is a biological term which illustrates that by a new relationship in Christ, one does in fact have a new life and a new spiritual nature capable of faith, love and obedience to Christ Jesus the Lord. The believer is born again and is a new creation. The old life is past; a new life has begun. Ezek. 36:26-27; John 5:24; Rom. 6:4; 2 Cor. 5: 17; Eph. 4:22-24; Col. 3:9-10; Titus 3:4-5; I Pet. 1:23.

Adoption is a filial term full of warmth, love, and acceptance. It denotes that by a new relationship in Christ believers have become His wanted children freed from the mastery of both sin and Satan. Believers have the witness of the Spirit that they are children of God. Rom. 8: 15-17; Gal. 4:4-7; Eph. I :5-6; I John 3: 1-3.

Sanctification is that saving work of God beginning with new life in Christ whereby the Holy Spirit renews His people after the likeness of God, changing them through crisis and process, from one degree of glory to another, and conforming them to the image of Christ.

As believers surrender to God in faith and die to self through full consecration, the Holy Spirit fills them with love and purifies them from sin. This sanctifying relationship with God remedies the divided mind, redirects the heart to God, and empowers believers to please and serve God in their daily lives.

Thus, God sets His people free to love Him with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love their neighbor as themselves. Lev. 20:7-8; John 14:16-17; 17:19; Acts 1:8; 2:4; 15:8-9; Rom. 5:3-5; 8:12-17; 12:1-2; I Cor. 6:11; 12:4-11: Gal. 5:22-25; Eph. 4:22-24; 1 Thess. 4:7; 5:23-24; 2 Thess. 2:13; Heb. 10:14.

Christians may be sustained in a growing relationship with Jesus as Savior and Lord. However, they may grieve the Holy Spirit in the relationships of life without returning to the dominion of sin. When they do, they must humbly accept the correction of the Holy Spirit, trust in the advocacy of Jesus, and mend their relationships.

Christians can sin willfully and sever their relationship with Christ. Even so by repentance before God, forgiveness is granted and the relationship with Christ restored, for not every sin is the sin against the Holy Spirit and unpardonable. God’s grace is sufficient for those who truly repent and, by His enabling, amend their lives. However, forgiveness does not give believers liberty to sin and escape the consequences of sinning. Matt. 12:31-32; 18:21-22; Roman. 6:1-2; Gal. 6:1; 1 John 1:9; 2:1-2; 5:16-17; Rev. 2:5;3:19-20.

● Being a Partner says, “I belong here.” God says believers belong together (Hebrews 10:23-25). You sense that God wants you here with the people of Anchor Fellowship at this time in your Christian life and you want to make a public declaration you are committed to God’s work through this Church

● Being a Partner says, “We share the same ministry goals.” God says believers are to be committed to one another for the sake of spiritual impact (Ephesians 4:16) You believe Jesus has work to do here and around the world, and you are willing to join others to see that Anchor Fellowship fulfills its purpose to “Shake the Gates of Hell, Cause Heaven to Rejoice, and Change Lives.”

● Being a Partner says, “I accept responsibility for a group of fellow believers in the family of God.” That’s God’s plan as well (Galatians 6:1-2, 10). You want to be part of a caring network of people, sharing one another’s joys and sorrows (1 Corinthians 12:25-27), and helping one another grow through Believing, Belonging, and Becoming.

● Being a Partner says, “I am accountable to mature brothers and sisters in Christ for my walk with God.” God warns against spiritual autonomy (Hebrews 13:17; Matthew 18:15-20). You don’t want to go it alone standing for Jesus Christ; you want to receive the guidance, equipping and assistance necessary to remain on target.

● Being a Partner says, “I accept responsibility for how things are done here.” Members lead ministries and serve faithfully as our spiritual leaders. Every member helps shape our church’s direction and ministry goals. (1 Corinthians 12:20-27).

● Being a Partner says, “I am invested in advancing the Kingdom of God with others through Anchor Fellowship.” Jesus has given His disciples their marching orders (Matthew 28:18-20): ““Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

The Church is God’s idea; Christ is the Head; we follow the Leader. God has given responsibility and power to the church to restore penitent believers through loving reproof, counsel, and acceptance.

The church is created by God. It is the people of God. Christ Jesus is its Lord and Head. The Holy Spirit is its life and power. It is both divine and human, heavenly and earthly, ideal and imperfect. It is an organism, not an unchanging institution. It exists to fulfill the purposes of God in Christ. It redemptively ministers to persons. Christ loved the church and gave Himself for it that it should be holy and without blemish. The church is a fellowship of the redeemed and the redeeming, preaching the Word of God and administering the sacraments according to Christ’s instruction.

Anchor Fellowship purposes to be representative of what the church of Jesus Christ should be on earth. It therefore requires specific commitment regarding the faith and life of its members. In its requirements it seeks to honor Christ and obey the written Word of God. Matt.16:15-18; 18:17; Acts 2:41-47; 9:31; 12:5; 14:23-26; 15:22; 20:28; 1 Cor. 1:2; 11:23; 12:23; 16:1; Eph. 1:22-23; 2:19-22; 3:9-10; 5:22-23; Col. 1:18; I Tim. 3:14-15.

Water baptism and the Lord’s Supper are the sacraments of the church commanded by Christ. They are means of grace through faith, tokens of our profession of Christian faith, and signs of God’s gracious ministry toward us. By them, He works within us to quicken, strengthen and confirm our faith. Matt. 26:26-29; 28:19; Acts 22:16; Rom. 4:11; 1 Cor. 10:16-17; 11:23-26; Gal. 3:27.

Water baptism is a sacrament of the church, commanded by our Lord, signifying acceptance of the benefits of the atonement of Jesus Christ to be administered to believers as a declaration of their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior.

Baptism is a symbol of the new covenant of grace as circumcision was the symbol of the old covenant; and, since infants are recognized as being included in the atonement, they may be baptized upon the request of parents or guardians who shall give assurance for them of necessary Christian training. They shall be required to affirm the vow for themselves before being accepted into church membership. Acts 2:38, 41; 8:12-17; 9:18; 16:33; 18:8; 19:5 John 3:5; I Cor. 12:13; Gal. 2:27-29; Col. 2:11-12; Titus 3:5.

The Lord’s Supper is a sacrament of our redemption by Christ’s death. To those who rightly, worthily and with faith receive it, the bread which we break is a partaking of the body of Christ; and likewise the cup of blessing is a partaking of the blood of Christ. The supper is also a sign of the love and unity that Christians have among themselves.

Christ, according to His promise, is really present in the sacrament. No change is effected in the element; the bread and wine are not literally the body and blood of Christ. Nor is the body and blood of Christ literally present with the elements. The elements are never to be considered objects of worship. The body of Christ is received and eaten in faith. Mark 14:22-24; John 6:53-58; Acts 2:46; 1 Cor. 5:7-8; 10:16; 11:20, 23-29.

The kingdom of God is a prominent Bible theme providing Christians with both their tasks and hope. Jesus announced its presence. The kingdom is realized now as God’s reign is established in the hearts and lives of believers.

The church, by its prayers, example and proclamation of the gospel, is the appointed and appropriate instrument of God in building His kingdom.

But the kingdom is also future and is related to the return of Christ when judgment will fall upon the present order. The enemies of Christ will be subdued; the reign of God will be established; a total cosmic renewal, which is both material and moral, shall occur; and the hope of the redeemed will be fully realized. Matt. 6:10, 19-20; 24:14; Acts 1:8; Rom. 8:19-23; 1 Cor. 15:20-25; Phil. 2:9-10; 1 Thess. 4:15-17; 2 Thess. 1:5-12; 2 Pet. 3:3-10; Rev. 14:6, 21:3-8; 22:1-5, 17.

The return of Christ is certain and may occur at any moment, although it is not given us to know the hour. At His return He will fulfill all prophecies concerning His final triumph over all evil. The believer’s response is joyous expectation, watchfulness, readiness and diligence. Matt. 24:1-51; 26:64; Mark 13:26-27; Luke 17:26-37; John 14:1-3; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Thess. 4:13-18; Titus 2:11-14; Heb. 9:27-28; Rev. 1:7: 19:11-16; 22:6-7, 12, 20.

There will be a bodily resurrection from the dead of both the just and the unjust, they that have done good unto the resurrection of life, they that have done evil unto the resurrection of damnation. The resurrected body will be a spiritual body, but the person will be whole and identifiable. The resurrection of Christ is the guarantee of resurrection unto life to those who are in Him. John 5:28-29; 1 Cor. 15:20; 51-57; 2 Cor. 4:13-14.

God has appointed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness in accordance with the gospel and our deeds in this life. Matt. 25:31-46; Luke 11:31-32; Acts 10:42; 17:31; Rom. 2:15-16; 14:10-11; 2 Cor. 5:6-10; Heb. 9:27-28; 10:26-31; 2 Pet. 3:7.

Our eternal destiny is determined by God’s grace and our response, not by arbitrary decrees of God. For those who trust Him and obediently follow Jesus as Savior and Lord, there is a heaven of eternal glory and the blessedness of Christ’s presence. But for the finally impenitent there is a hell of eternal suffering and of separation from God. Mark 9:42-48; John 14:3, Heb. 2:1-3; Rev. 20:11-15; 21:22-27

We believe that all persons are of sacred worth. Therefore, we gladly welcome all who seek to grow in their relationship with God to attend worship services and participate in the church’s ministries. No person shall be disqualified from becoming a member of a local congregation, holding a leadership position in the church, or becoming an ordained or licensed clergy based on gender, race, color, nationality, national origin, or economic condition.

Anchor Fellowship specifically renounces all racial and ethnic discrimination and commits itself to work toward full racial and ethnic equality in the church and in society.

In addition, Scripture teaches that men and women are of equal value in the eyes of God. Accordingly, the church should treat women and men equally. We believe that both women and men are called to and gifted for ordained and licensed ministry, and both genders are able to hold leadership roles within Anchor Fellowship.

We believe marriage and sexual intimacy are good gifts from God. In keeping with the Scriptures and historic, orthodox, Christian teaching through the ages we believe that marriage is the uniting of one man and one woman in a single, exclusive union (Genesis 2:24-25; Matthew 19:5; 1 Corinthians 6:16 ; Ephesians 5:31).

We believe that God intends for His children to practice sexual purity – faithfulness in marriage and celibacy in singleness. We believe any sexual expression outside of these standards is not in line with the teachings of Scripture. Therefore, we denounce all forms of sexual expression in conflict with the Scriptures (cohabitation, pornography, extra-marital relationships, homosexuality, etc).

We believe that all people are individuals of sacred worth and affirm that God’s grace is available to all. All persons (heterosexual AND LGBTQ+) need the ministry and guidance of the church in their struggles for human fulfillment, as well as the spiritual and emotional care of a fellowship that enables reconciling relationships with God, others and with self.

1. Couples who wish to be married by Anchor Fellowship Pastors must participate fully in premarital preparation (or preparation approved by the pastor if they live out of town).

2. Couples that want to be married must have been dating more than 6 months prior to their wedding date. While we are not for LONG engagements we are for appropriate engagements that are long enough for couples to get to know one another and explore any pre-marital circumstances together.

3. If the marriage is a second marriage (or subsequent), both of the parties should have not been in a significant dating relationship for the last year prior to the marriage and each party should have been legally divorced for at least 18 months.

4. Our pastors are authorized to only perform marriage ceremonies between God defined male and female participants.

All budget, donations and expenses are overseen by a team of three lay people. Any questions regarding Anchor Fellowship finances can be directed to finance@anchorfellowship.church

Joining a church is a big decision. The Church is the Body of Christ (Ephesians 4:1-16). It is also a faith family where relationships with others and with Jesus take on specifical significance.

When you join Anchor Fellowship, we ask you to be Partners, not Members. Here is why the distinction matters:

For many, church membership is holy and sacred. Unfortunately, in today’s culture, many people equate being a Member of an organization with privilege – there are special rights that only members have. If you hold membership in a country club, you have access to amenities that non-members do not. If you are a member of Sam’s Club or Costco you get to shop at their stores, while non-members do not. If you are a member of a church, it is easy to slip into the same expectations of special rights that one has with other organizations. This might look like assuming you have special privileges to get your weddings and funerals covered, as well as cast your ballot in church votes.

God created us for more than this limited understanding of membership when it comes to His Church.

To be a Partner is quite different than being a Member. As a Partner, you are joining up with others in continuing the ministry of Jesus Christ to a broken world, through the power of the Holy Spirit, and for the glory of God. A Partner isn’t focused on their special rights, but on being a part of a movement where God gets the glory and they and others get the benefit.

As a Partner you will be responsible to serve, to give, to pray, to lead ministries, and possibly even to be involved in leadership at Anchor Fellowship. But, even if you don’t feel like your gift is to serve in a leadership position, every Partner takes responsibility for Anchor Fellowship’s direction. This means that you take seriously our call to “Shake the Gates of Hell, Cause Heaven to Rejoice, and Change Lives.”

Anchor Fellowship’s commitment to you as a Partner is to help you grow as a follower of Jesus.

Loving Accountability is how Anchor Fellowship helps its Partners strive to grow as disciples of Jesus Christ as they live out the church’s Mission, Vision, and Core Values.

Each Partner signs a covenant to formally join Anchor Fellowship. A covenant is not the same thing as a contract. We have all entered into contracts that are legal agreements. A covenant is a relational agreement where there is a mutual understanding between two parties.

There are several Biblical examples of covenants, the first being Noah and the Ark when God made a promise to Noah, his descendants, and all creatures of the earth. God said, “I solemnly promise never to send another flood to kill all living creatures and destroy the earth.” God even gave a sign, the rainbow to remind us of this covenant. (Genesis 9:8-17). Covenant relationships are based on love and trust.

● Profess your faith in Jesus Christ, be baptized (or reaffirm your faith), and commit to ongoing discipleship. The first step to being a Partner in the community of faith is to declare faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. It means trusting that Christ gave His life for your sins and rose from the dead to give you new life. Baptism is God’s sign that you are His chosen child, and the commitment to discipleship. Discipleship is an intentional and ongoing process of growth in spiritual maturity through different aspects of Believing, Belonging, and Becoming.

● Pray daily for Anchor Fellowship, its ministries, missions, volunteers and staff. Prayer is the lifeline of Anchor Fellowship. We ask our Partners to commit to praying for “Thy Kingdom come, and Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10) in and through Anchor Fellowship. In doing so, we become what Jesus created us to be: A House of Prayer (Mark 11:17).

● Tithe, or move toward a tithe of my income. We recognize that beginning to give 10% (called a tithe in the Bible) of one’s income can be difficult. We ask Anchor Partners to tithe, or begin moving toward a tithe, as a spiritual discipline. (Matthew 22:17; Numbers 18:28-29; 2 Corinthians 8:1-15). Generosity is one of the primary evidences of maturing disciples. Jesus said, “Wherever your treasure is, there are the desires of your heart will also be.” (Matthew 6:21) At Anchor Fellowship, our Partners and regular attendees are asked to give to glorify God and to provide resources for reaching the 30,000 people in the Acton/Cresson/Godley/Pecan Plantation area. We believe in the God of Generosity; so we are to be generous.

● Work together in upholding and carrying out the Vision, Mission, and Core Values. Anchor Fellowship is made up of the staff, leaders, and Partner working together to continually grow in our faith (Growing Deep) and life together while reaching out to the world (Branching out) in the name of Jesus. (Acts 2:43-47)

● Invite others to Anchor Fellowship. The most compelling invitation to a community of faith is extended in the context of personal connection. This intentional commitment keeps us mindful of those whom God might bring to our attention who are far away from Christ and a community of faith. (Matthew 22:37-40)