How do we view fellowship with other churches and ministries?
In Paul’s first letter to the Corinthian church, he addressed them this way: “To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours,” (1 Cor 1:2, ESV). Paul shows right out of the gate that this church is not alone. They are connected to other bodies of believers who call on the name of the Lord Jesus. We have adopted this same posture: we want to stand in fellowship with ministry partners who are like-minded. We believe that this makes us more fruitful as a church as we bring glory to our one Lord.
Aside from ministries and churches that we appreciate and learn from, ministry partners are those with whom we have a vested relationship. This could include sharing resources, partnering together for various ministry purposes, and supporting one another.
Ministry Partners
“Harbor Network is a growing family of churches and church leaders across the United States who are committed to building strong relationships and sharing resources to help launch, lead, and multiply thriving churches.” Reformation Bible Church is happy to be a part of Harbor Network and is excited to partner with them to see more healthy churches planted.
Emmaus Theological Seminary is based in Cleveland, Ohio, but seeks to serve beyond the region. It values embodied formation for students, ecclesial theology that is grounded in local churches, and humble orthodoxy that seeks to graciously pursue the truth revealed in the Scriptures. Pastor Nick serves with them both in administration and through teaching, so they and the network of churches they serve are closely connected to Reformation Bible Church.
Steppin-Out Missions
“Steppin-Out Missions is primarily involved in assisting other like-minded ministries with building & reconstruction needs. These projects include Disaster Relief work, Local Church Outreach Ministries and various other Countries.” One of our elders serves full-time with Steppin-Out, so they serve us by giving Joel the space to serve our church. And we get to serve them as we send Joel out to serve and work with them.
“Church planting isn’t just a ministry for individual church planters—it’s a ministry for the whole Church. Send Network is a partnership of people just like you—churches and church planters—planting churches everywhere for everyone.” Send Network is another helpful relationship our church has to plant and see other churches planted.
“The State Convention of Baptists in Ohio (SCBO) is the missionary organization within Ohio that coordinates the Great Commission cooperative efforts of Southern Baptists to reach Ohio and the world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.” As we are part of the Southern Baptist Convention, SCBO is the state convention with which RBC happily partners.
“The Summit Baptist Association is made up of like-minded congregations from Carroll, Stark, Summit, Medina, and Portage counties. Our hope is to bring the greatest Kingdom impact by partnering in ministry together.” As we are part of the Southern Baptist Convention, Summit is the local association with which RBC happily partners.
To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours. - 1 Corinthians 1:2