Leadership Qualifications at the Firehouse Chapel Please read over this and prayerfully wait before the Lord before signing and returning. The reason that The Firehouse Chapel exists is because God had called this work to be a rescue station one foot from the gate of Hell.  This isn't a cliche, it is a calling and it is what keeps this work focused upon the work God has for it. As a leader...and a leader could be an elder, deacon, Sunday school teacher, kid's worker, nursery attendant, etc. you must realize the tremendous responsibility that comes along with this. To be a leader you must understand that you are called to a higher standard.  Because of the nature of this ministry and the purpose for its existence, this will mean that there are sacrifices to be made.  Not for the purpose of man-made regulations, but for the purpose of fulfilling the calling of God. This higher standard doesn't mean that you are any better than anyone else, but it does mean that you are accepting the responsibility to be held at a higher level of accountability. The whole reason and purpose for this is that we can stand along side any brother or sister who is struggling with the worldly things and be an encouragement to them instead of a stumbling block. Qualifications: 1.  You have accepted Jesus Christ into your heart and you live daily to serve Him with everything you have. 2.  You have a solid time of daily prayer and scripture reading and would be willing to be accountable with that time. 3.  You accept the fact that living your life in Christ and being a leader that your life will be an open book to be read by all men.  Therefore, you must strive to live a holy life.  2 Corth. 7:1, 1 Thess. 5:22 IMPORTANT NOTE:  Understanding the apparent increase of worldiness among Christians, it is important that we point out the teaching of Christ that we here at The Firehouse Chapel adhere to in regard to this.  We look at the plain teaching of God's word concerning worldly amusements, and having fellowship and entangling alliances with unbelievers, as given in the following and many other passages. 2 Corth. 6:14-7:1:  "Do not be yoked together with unbelievers.  For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common?  Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?  What harmony is there between Christ and Belia?  What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever?  What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols?  For we are the temple of the living God.  As God has:  "I will live with them and walk with them and I will be their God, they will be my people."  Therefore come out from them and be separate, says the Lord.  Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.  I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty."  Since we have these promises dear friends let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God." Romans 14:20 & 21:  "Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food.  All food is clean, but it is wrong for a man to eat anything that causes someone else to stumble.  It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause a brother to fall." These scripture clearly admonish the child of God to abstain from the unwholesome pleasures and conformity to the world in conduct and questionable practices which mar his/her fellowship with Christ or might be a stumbling block to others, particularly the weak. Although each believer is in a different stage of spiritual growth, we believe that each should strive, in dependence upon God, to abstain from all forms of sensuality, whether found in music, films, reading material or any other kind of entertainment.  We should be free from all habits and chemical indulgences that would enslave us and be separate from all worldiness such as the lust of flesh, the lust of eyes and the pride of life. (1 John 2:15-17) We must never be involved in any practices which are considered questionable such as being untied with unbelievers in secret oath-bound organizations, indulging in the occult, sexual immorality, etc. We should curb our liberty if actions cause a brother or sister to stumble, be made weakk or offended (Romans 14:13).  The fact that we have liberty in given matters does not mean we should necessarily exercise it.  Paul taught that if meat caused his brother to stumble, he would no longer eat it as long as he lived (1 Corth. 8:13). We must have a clear conscience.  If we cannot believe that God is please with our conduct, then for us it is wrong even if, in itself the action may be right.  We must believe we have God's blessing for what we do, or else we are living in disobedience (Romans 14:22-23). We must not merely separate right from wrong, but the good from the best.  Many activities may be neither harmful to the participant nor to others, but are a distraction from more important spiritual duties (1 Corth 6:12). We must to all for the glory of God, believing that He is honored by our conduct (Col 3:17). I have read the above and by signing this I do know that I am willing and prepare to follow the guidelines stated.  I submit myself first unto God, then to the leadership and qualifications required by The Firehouse Chapel.  I look forward to the adventure ahead. _______________________ (Signature) _______________________ (Date) Next >