Component Workbench

We understand that there are different factors that lead to your decision to say yes to participation in this church-wide commitment. We want to do the best that we can to help provide 3 different ways to engage with this fast. We do not presume to be authoritative or comprehensive in the correct ways to fast, but we have chosen these pathways after thoughtful consideration about ways to include everyone in the journey we feel called to in this season. As a church, we have purposed that our fast will be directly connected to food, as we see multiple examples of this throughout the Scripture.

Option 1 (All Meals)

This will be a commitment toward fasting from all food except for water, juice and other broths for the duration of the 21 days of the fast.

Option 2 (Varied Weeks)

Week One: A commitment toward fasting from all food except water, juice, and other broths for the first 7 days.

Week Two: A commitment toward fasting from all meals, except the incorporation of one meal into the schedule during days 8-14. (ex: fasting all day until 6PM)

Week Three: A commitment towards fasting for one meal out of the day, with an intentional time of focused prayer during the time period normally spent eating during days 15-21.

Option 3 (Some Meals/Altered Diet)

This will be a commitment toward fasting for a significant portion of your day, incorporating only 1-2 meals into your schedule. (ex. fasting all day until 6:00 PM) Or, due to medical and other considerations, it may be necessary to participate by altering your diet for the duration of the fast. (This may be with vegetables only, or something known as the Daniel Fast)

*While we do believe biblical fasting is focused primarily on food, we acknowledge with great care that because of past struggles, a fast from food may not be beneficial for some of you. A fast of this type could be detrimental if you’ve experienced a difficult season of disordered eating in the past and we understand the hesitancy around participating in any fast that requires abstaining from food. In that case, we encourage you to consider abstaining from something else not connected to food during these 21 days. A helpful and beneficial fast will be to abstain from anything you tend to depend on for comfort or coping with difficult emotions. Examples would be television/media, alcohol, retail spending, or other entertainment and creature comforts. Rather than participating in that thing, a fast encourages spending the time you’d normally allot to that thing going to God in prayer instead. Use that new time to be seeking Him for comfort and for help navigating difficult emotions or asking for wisdom regarding next steps in your life. We believe there’s abundant provision and blessing from God to be found when we’re intentional with these days and we hope you’ll join us.

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What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. – Philippians 4:9

Prepare Your Fast (See “How Can I Participate?” FAQ question)

Option 1 (Varied Weeks)
Option 2 (All Meals)
Option 3 (Some Meals/Altered Diet)

Prepare Your Prayer

Consider the ways that we are praying together for our church. We want to see unity amongst the body of Christ. We are hoping for the fulfilment of vision and purpose for our COTC family. We are praying that we see many come to know Christ as their redeemer in 2022.
Pick up our download our Formation Journal so that you can follow along with our daily devotionals.
Identify some friends and partners to be praying with through this time.

Prepare Your Mind

Take some time to consider the real implications of how the fast will affect your regular life rhythms. For example, think about how your daily schedule may be altered and have some forethought on how to adjust properly.
Ask the Lord to prepare your mind for the challenge in the days ahead.
Meditate on scripture and stories that are a reminder of God’s faithfulness and ability to sustain us: ex. Psalm 100, Matthew 4:1-4, Matthew 6:25-26

Prepare Your Heart

Take some time to ask God to identify potential areas of difficulty during the 21 days. Do you see the potential for emotions like anger, anxiety, and fear to rise up during this fast? Are there areas of sin that you are aware of and have not addressed in your life?
Spend some time in confession and repentance concerning these areas to which the Spirit leads you. As it says in 1 John 1:9, “if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Asking yourself difficult and direct questions and answering them in honesty may help you to enter the fast with a posture ready to receive. (ex. Am I honest in all my acts and words or do I exaggerate? Do I confidentially pass on what has been said to me in confidence?)
Ask the Lord to show you any areas of discord or disunity in your life relationally and seek to address them.

Prepare Your Body

Drink plenty of water, maintaining proper hydration and water intake leading up to the beginning of the fast.
Eat healthier foods (fruits and veggies) directly before the start of the fast in order to make for an easier transition. Avoid overindulging, as well. When the fast is complete, be mindful of easing back into your regular diet, as to not shock your system.
If you have potential medical concerns, you should visit your doctor to make sure that you are physically able to participate as you intend. A chronic or severe medical condition, such as diabetes or heart disease, may prevent you from fasting in the manner you’d like. You should also consult your doctor if you are pregnant or nursing in order to enter into the fast in the most informed way.

Prepare Your Schedule

Take time to pre-plan what types of juices, liquids, and supplies you will need while engaged in the fast. If you are planning to drink juices for part or all of the fast then you may prepare for this by purchasing a portable cooler to take with you to work, ball games, etc. This practice will keep you from being at the mercy of snack and sports drink machines.
Think about when you will set aside time to pray and when you will partake in liquids throughout the day.
Discuss with family and those in your household about what the upcoming days will look like together.

Prepare Your Response

“And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. – Matthew 6:16–18

In hopes to avoid pride and self-appreciation, we don’t want to broadcast our decision to fast publicly. But, when addressed about it directly, we should prepare a thoughtful response, rather than feeling the need to be dishonest or making a bigger issue of it.
When someone asks why you aren’t eating, consider simple ways to communicate that you are dedicating yourself toward a time of prayer and listening to God. Seek to respond in a simple and straightforward way without belaboring the point.
Consider beforehand how to graciously communicate with those that may invite you to a meal or gathering when it may conflict with the fast. (ex. As you are preparing for the gathering, please note that my family and I are praying and fasting together in this season, so we may not fully take part in the meal portion of the evening. Thanks for understanding.)

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The spiritual gifts of discernment, wisdom, and leadership are considered foundational gifts for those who serve as Elders; however, the presence of other gifts such as teaching, administration, encouragement, and mercy greatly enhance Elder functioning.

1 – Discernment

The gift of discernment is the divine enablement to distinguish between truth and error. It is the ability to discern the spirits, differentiating between good and evil, right and wrong. Scripture references are: 1 Corinthians 12:10; Acts 5:1–4; and Matthew 16:21–23.

People with this gift:

Distinguish truth from error, right from wrong, pure motives from impure motives.
Identify deception in others with accuracy and in an appropriate manner.
Determine whether a word attributed to God is authentic.
Recognize inconsistencies in a teaching, prophetic message, or interpretation.
Can sense the presence of evil.

2 – Wisdom

The gift of wisdom is the divine enablement to apply spiritual truths effectively to meet needs in specific situations. Scripture references are: 1 Corinthians 12:8; James 3:13–18; 1 Corinthians 2:3–14; and Jeremiah 9:23–24.

People with this gift:

Focus on the unseen consequences in determining what next steps to take.
Receive an understanding of what is necessary to meet the needs of the body.
Provide divinely guided or given solutions in the midst of conflict and confusion.
Hear the Spirit provide direction for God’s best in a given situation.
Apply spiritual truth in specific and practical ways.

3 – Leadership

The gift of leadership is the divine enablement to envision the future of the church coupled with a humble heart to serve others. Scripture references are: Genesis 12:1; Isaiah 43:18–19; Matthew 7:7; Matthew 20:25–28; Luke 22:27; John 10:3–4, 11; I Corinthians 2:9–13; and James 1:5.

People with this gift:

Are servants by nature; eager to see the church prevail in the world.
Demonstrate spiritual foresight that anticipates the work of God.
Allow Scripture and prayer to inform their decision-making process.
Impart vision to others using clear communication.
Can assess significant past events and their potential for impact on the present and future.
Are able to think creatively and apply ideas and concepts in new ways.
Desire accountability in fulfilling their responsibilities and meeting the needs of those they serve.

4 – Teaching

The gift of teaching is the divine enablement to understand, clearly explain, and apply the Word of God, causing greater Christ-likeness in the lives of listeners. Scripture references are: Romans 12:7; 1 Corinthians 12:28–29; Acts 18: 24–28; and 2 Timothy 2:2.

People with this gift:

Communicate biblical truth that inspires greater obedience to the Word.
Challenge listeners simply and practically with the truths of Scripture.
Present the whole counsel of God for maximum life change.
Give attention to detail and accuracy.
Are committed to consistent personal time of biblical study and reflection.

To become a Stakeholder, an individual must be high school age or older and in full understanding of the commitments connected to this distinction. A Stakeholder of COTC is responsible for participating in the life and mission of the church by following Christ and seeking to live as He would live. We commit to do so according to the following premises:

AUTHENTICALLY PROFESS FAITH IN CHRIST
The local church is a body of believers in Jesus Christ, seeking to be His hands and feet on earth (Ephesians 4:4-6). It is under this shared belief that we unite as a local expression of the body at COTC. We have professed our faith and have publicly identified with Jesus and His church through baptism.

COMMIT TO LIVING AS A FOLLOWER OF CHRIST
We commit to continually be moving toward living a life that is a reflection of the love and the way of Jesus. We commit ourselves to the practices of the faith, as well as relationship and discipleship with fellow believers (Galatians 3:27).

PROTECT THE PEACE AND PURITY OF THE CHURCH
We believe we are called to fight to preserve peace and not to participate in sowing discord and disunity in the church. As Stakeholders, we commit to forgiveness, reconciliation, and restoration as guideposts for relationship (Ephesians 4:32).

SUPPORT THE WORSHIP AND PRACTICES OF THE CHURCH
We commit to move toward regularly attending and faithfully praying for our gatherings and to partake in the Lord’s Supper (Hebrews 10:24-25). We also commit to move toward the practice of generosity in God’s kingdom through financially giving to our local church (1 Timothy 6:18-19).

SERVE AND REINFORCE THE MISSION OF THE CHURCH
We commit to identify our gifts, serve our body in a specific capacity, and remain aware of the present needs of COTC. (1 Peter 4:10). We will also commit to moving toward participation and engagement with a Missional Community. We believe that this is a venue in which both spiritual development and engagement with our neighborhoods for the gospel can occur (Acts 5:42).

As Stakeholders, we have the right and responsibility to influence the key decisions of the church, most importantly through the selection and affirmation of elder candidates. Stakeholders also receive priority for facility usage and staff members’ time (such as weddings, funerals, benevolent needs, and personal support in your area of ministry). From time to time, meetings or other functions are held for “Stakeholders only.” These events are usually called either to inform the church about a major concern or to garner input from the body; therefore, they are limited only to those who are participating Stakeholders. Finally, leadership positions in the church require being a Stakeholder as a prerequisite. The primary reason to become a Stakeholder, however, is not to gain a personal advantage, but to identify with and live according to the values of COTC.

The central themes of Jesus’ 14 teachings in the Sermon on the Mount address the issues of money, sexuality, and power. We desire to experience the deliverance of the kingdom of God in these areas and to put on display tangibly what it looks like to walk in the way of Jesus. It is important for our tone that we seek to define what we are pursuing rather than simply what we are avoiding, and therefore, we have framed these three categories as a pursuit of:

1. Generosity (Our money ethic)
2. Faithfulness (Our sexual ethic)
3. Servanthood (Our power ethic)

GENEROSITY
God is a generous God who gives generously to all without finding fault. God demonstrates generosity in not sparing the Son but freely giving Him to us (Rom. 8). Paul says of Christ, “He who was rich became poor that by his poverty we might become rich.” Generosity is at the heart of who God is, and it is at the heart of the kind of people He invites us to become. Generosity is about more than money. It is about time and abilities as well. We are stewards, meant to see life as a gift that is stewarded for the glory of God. In the Bible, this fundamentally means we take on a vision of abundance over scarcity.

FAITHFULNESS
How we relate sexually is a critical arena for Christian proclamation and instruction, but one that is often neglected due to fear of giving offense or simply embarrassment and shame. We hope the following offers some clarity on this important issue.

We believe God’s design in creation is that marriage is constituted by the committed, faithful relationship between one man and one woman, in which they become one flesh in a new social unity that is distinct from their birth families, and that sexual intercourse as the expression of that ‘one flesh’ is to be enjoyed exclusively within the bond of marriage. This loving sexual union, in which ‘two become one,’ reflects both Christ’s relationship with the Church and also the unity of Jew and Gentile in the new humanity.

We recognize our need for deep humility and consciousness of failure in this area. We long to see Christians challenging our surrounding cultures by living according to the standards to which the Bible calls us. Our church will always be a place where the dignity of all people is respected with love, kindness, and empathy.

SERVANTHOOD
In our corruption by sin, power is often exercised to abuse and exploit others. We exalt ourselves, claiming superiority of gender, race, or social status. Paul counters all these marks of power abuse with his requirement that those who are filled by God’s Spirit should submit to one another for Christ’s sake. Such mutual submission and reciprocal love is to be expressed in marriage, family, and socio-economic relations. Jesus teaching on power is crucial here. There arose a reasoning among the disciples, which would be the greatest. Jesus rebuked this mentality, calling them to humble service. He said of himself, “The Son of Man has not come to be served, but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.” This is the pattern of Jesus for power.

Church of the City (COTC) is a nondenominational church that believes in the authority of the Christian Scriptures for our life and practice. Three documents—the Apostles’ Creed, the Nicene Creed, and the Evangelical Statement of Faith—embody the tenants upon which COTC is founded.

THE FATHER
The first person of the Trinity orders and directs all things according to His purpose and pleasure. He has created humanity to bring Him glory and honor, through His grace. While He is transcendent, He is also actively involved in His creation—offering an eternal relationship with us through His Son, Jesus Christ. (Matthew 6:9; John 5:19-24; Ephesians 1:3-6; 2:1-10)

THE SON
Jesus Christ is both the eternal Son of God and virgin-born Son of man. Fully God, fully man, He surrendered nothing of His deity during His earthly life. His sinless, sacrificial offering on the cross satisfied the Father’s justice, offering atonement for all of humanity’s sins for all time. We believe in His bodily resurrection, His physical ascension, and His visible return back to earth to establish His earthly kingdom. (John 1:14-18; Colossians 1:15-20)

THE HOLY SPIRIT
The Holy Spirit executes the will of God in this world through humanity by leading, guiding, filling, teaching, and convicting. The Holy Spirit is not merely an impersonal force, but is a person, displaying the qualities of personhood (intellect, emotions, and will). The Holy Spirit equips believers upon conversion by giving them gifts to be used for the building up of the church and by bearing fruit through their yielded lives. (John 16:7-11; Ephesians 2:10; Ephesians 1:13-14; Galatians 5:22-25)

HUMANITY
We are created in the image of God, destined to enjoy an intimate relationship with Him and one another, fulfilling His will here on earth. Through Adam and Eve’s willful sin in the garden, sin entered the world and has infected all of humanity. Due to our inherent sinful nature received from our father Adam, we are separated from God, spiritually dead, and destined for physical death and an eternity removed from God. (Genesis 1-3; Romans 1:18-32; Romans 5:12-21; Ephesians 2:1-3)

SALVATION
Jesus Christ died for our sins as the only sufficient sacrifice, offering atonement for the sin of all mankind through His death, burial, and resurrection. While salvation is available to all, it is only experienced by those who receive His gracious gift by faith, apart from works. As a result of our new relationship with God through His Son, Jesus, we are called to a life of submission to the Holy Spirit, manifesting spiritual fruit, and walking in good works that God has prepared beforehand for us to do. (John 14:6; Acts 4:12; John 1:12; Ephesians 1:7, 2:8-9; Hebrews 10:10-14; 1 John 5:11-13; Galatians 3:26; John 3:16)1-3)

THE SCRIPTURES
We believe every word in the original writings is inspired by God and is without error. The Word of God reveals God’s nature and will for all of humanity and is to be the foundation of faith and practice. We affirm that while God’s Word is accurate in all matters, it is not given as an end in and of itself, but rather a means to a relationship with God. (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21; Hebrews 4:12; John 17:17)

THE CHURCH
All who place their faith in God through His Son, Jesus Christ, are a part of the universal body of believers known as the Church. The purpose of the local church is to lead people to Christ and bring them to maturity in Him. Members of the local church are to live lives in humble submission to other Spirit-led believers and to the God-appointed leaders of the church. COTC is an autonomous local assembly led by Jesus Christ, who directs as the head of this body through a team of appointed elders. (Hebrews 10:24-25; Acts 2:41- 47; 1 Corinthians 12-14; Matthew 28:18-20; Ephesians 2:19-22; 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17)

THE KINGDOM
At the end of all things, God promises to make all things new. He invites us, His followers, to join Him in this work of renewal on earth. The signs of His kingdom coming are salvation, joy, peace, justice, God’s presence, belonging, and healing. (Revelation 21:5)

NONESSENTIALS
We affirm that the doctrines of the Trinity, the deity of Christ, the bodily resurrection, the atoning work of Christ on the cross, and salvation by grace through faith make up the essential, distinctive nature of Christianity. We acknowledge that there are peripheral, nonessential doctrines that are important but not critical to the follower of Christ as it relates to salvation. While COTC may hold positions on these nonessentials, we will not allow these doctrines to cause division within the church. We will accept into our body those who have differing views on the nonessential doctrines but will not allow those of a different opinion to fracture the church.

Choosing a church home is an important decision. We are committed to assisting with the process, regardless of the outcome. We desire to help individuals discern whether God is calling them to commit to Church of the City (COTC) as their home. Many churches refer to this commitment as church membership. We choose to identify it as being a Stakeholder. We find this distinction important because we have a shared interest in God’s specific work in and through COTC.

COVERING
Protection, Care
COTC is led and governed by an elder board, with members appointed and affirmed by Stakeholders. These elders exercise spiritual and financial oversight and governance of COTC. Our staff and leaders are accountable to these elders (1 Timothy 5:17). The elders, pastors, and leaders of COTC desire to serve in a manner reflective of 1 Peter 5:1-5 and take seriously the responsibility to contend for the integrity of the church because of the type of resistance noted in Acts 20:29-30.

COMMUNITY
Accountability, Discipleship, Missional Community
God calls us to dwell in community, and Scripture demonstrates and instructs us in how to pursue unity. Being a Stakeholder does not grant salvation (Acts 4:12), but does provide a biblical covering and the many benefits of community. Being a Stakeholder provides the opportunity to be encouraged toward and accountable to living a Christian lifestyle (Romans 12:11-16). It also provides us an opportunity to be challenged in more intentional ways by brothers and sisters who have the same aim to please Christ and to confess and repent in community. We believe one of the best ways to experience life together in Christ is when we are a part of Missional Communities and smaller groups. In this, we also become an extension of God’s church throughout our city and are best prepared to advance the kingdom of God on earth as it is in heaven (Acts 2:42-47).

COMMISSION
Sharing the Gospel, Cultural Renewal, Loving Your Neighborhood
It is a joy to share the love of Jesus and the message of the gospel in our city and with those around us. The Bible clearly reminds us to be mindful of others as we pursue Christ. As a Stakeholder of COTC, you will be equipped and provided specific opportunities to do just that (Matthew 28:18-20). When we are unified as Stakeholders, we begin to think differently about how we can be best equipped to love and serve our neighbors well with a shared purpose and focus (Matthew 6:10).

COMMITMENT
Gathering, Participating, Serving the Body

One of the signs of the kingdom of God is belonging. Our hearts long for this, yet our tendency is to keep our options open. We believe that we can’t have community without commitment. Becoming Stakeholders signifies our commitment to partnering with one another and contending for the health and work of the church. Every Stakeholder has a unique gift that is needed for our church to thrive and truly be at its best for the advancement of the kingdom of God (1 Peter 4:10). In our hope to be a church that loves and serves people well, we commit to serve our body in a specific capacity and remain aware of the present needs of COTC and meet those needs when able. (Galatians 6:10; John 13:34-35).

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