Pre-Baptism

And
Membership Class

Praise the Lord!

WELCOME!

We are very happy that you are with us. This step that you are taking is of the utmost
importance. Whether you are about to be baptized or become part of our family in
AOACHURCH, our desire is for you to grow in the Lord Jesus Christ.

We will be covering these areas:

1. Time Page 2
2. Body Page 4
3. Gifts and Talents Page 9
4. Money Page 12
5. My Church Page 15
6. Jesus Strategy Page 16
7. Norms And Discipline For Church Members Page 21

These classes will serve you in your walk with Jesus Christ, it’s not all, because there is
much more to learn. The important thing is that we are doers of the Word. My prayer is
that you persevere to the end.

God bless you greatly.

John Almaraz
Pastor
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PRE-BAPTISM

If you are here it is because:

Faith-Believe
“6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must
believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”
(Hebrews 11:6)

Repentance
“19 Therefore, repent and turn, so that your sins may be blotted out;” (Acts 3:19)

Confession
“9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine
heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession
is made unto salvation.” (Romans 10:9-10)

Baptism
“38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name
of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”
(Acts 2:38)

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FAITHFUL STEWARDSHIP SERVING GOD

Stewardship: the job of supervising or taking care of something.

Steward: Man used to manage a property or business of another person, and

responsible for them. Butler; The person exercising administration over the property that
an owner entrusts in him.

God Is The Owner Of Everything!

For by Him all things were created, that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and
invisible; whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things
were created through him and for him. (Colossians 1:16)

Jehovah is the earth and its fullness; The world and those who dwell therein. For he
hath founded it upon the seas and established it upon the floods. (Psalm 24: 1-2)

Lord! Teach me to be a good steward of ALL that you have entrusted to me!

STEWARDSHIP OF TIME
“See then that ye walk diligently, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because
the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord.”
(Ephesians 5: 15-17)

Time Management = Spiritual Discipline

Is a spiritual Discipline, there are many distractions that rob us of our precious time to
learn from God and receive His blessings. We often intend to do many things, but that’s
all.

“To want” is not enough - There must be action!

"For it is God who works in you to will and to do His good pleasure." (Philippians 2:13)

Losing Time is Wasting Life

TIME = LIFE
If we do not seize the time, if we do not plan, we are wasting life.
Wasting time is a sin! There's Always Time!
"Everything has its time, and everything under heaven has its time." (Ecclesiastes 3:1)

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A Believer makes time for:

● Time for Prayer
“Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and He shall hear my
voice.”(Psalm 55:17)
● Time to search the Scriptures…(John 5:39)
● Time for Fasting
“So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer.”
(Ezra 8:23)

What do you do with your time?

The "worldly" Christian divides The disciple devotes 100%
his/her time into compartments: Of his/her time to God.

1. Church activities...for God 1. Church activities...for God

2. Work...to earn money 2. Work...for God
3. Personal time...to fill my desires 3. Personal time...for God
and entertain

Our goal is not to balance life, it is to live with a purpose for God!

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STEWARDSHIP OF
GIFTS AND TALENTS
“God has given each of you a gift. Use it to help each other. This will show God’s
loving-favor..” (1 Peter 4:10)

Gifts
The gifts are supernatural, spiritual abilities given by God. It is a gift, for us to use for His
honor and glory; for the edification of the church and the salvation of souls. At the same
time this shows His favor to us. They are given to carry out the mission that we have as
His church in this world.

“The Holy Spirit works in each person in one way or another for the good of all.”
(1 Corinthians 12:7)

TALENTS
Talents are natural, they are abilities or skills.
We may have been born with them, they are often genetic. But we can also train
ourselves in something, learn a trade, an instrument, etc.

“The one who had received the five pieces of money worth much came and handed him
five pieces more. He said, ‘Sir, you gave me five pieces of money. See! I used it and
made five more pieces.’ 21 His owner said to him, ‘You have done well. You are a good
and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things. I will put many things in
your care. Come and share my joy.” (Matthew 25:20-21)

According to the gifts, talents & abilities that have been given to you, it is important to
make use of them everyday, helping the needy. In the spiritual path, serving in some
ministry within the church, etc.

In all this, availability is the most important thing. For God has already endowed you
with His gifts and talents so that you may be a blessing.

LET'S MULTIPLY OUR GIFTS AND TALENTS

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Ministry of Alpha & Omega

Supporting the vision, mission & values of our church.
I can help being part of one of these ministries to serve God, the church and the community.
Sign up in your Communication Card
Ministry Vision & Mission
1. Ministry System Vision: That everyone may become a servant, imitating Jesus Christ
☐ Interested Mission: Equipping every person to serve others. Creating new
☐ Maybe opportunities to serve, exalting Jesus Christ
2. Women’s Prayer Vision: That the sisters have a personal relationship with God and
☐ Interested know the foundation of our church
☐ Maybe Mission: Have a time of prayer, worship and teaching the word of God
and interceding for one another.
3. Christian Vision: To develop into a healthy and Holy body of Christ; working
Academy together to grow spiritually, and evolving into disciples of Christ through
☐ Interested the word of God.
☐ Maybe Mission: We will utilize the word of God, as well as adopted and
developed curriculum to effectively teach and help the church mature.
4. Ushers Vision: That every person feels welcome, cared for and guided in each
☐ Interested activity.
☐ Maybe Mission: To serve people with an attitude of love and respect, giving
direction and focus to promote order and reverence in the house of
God.
5. JAM Vision: Empowering our children with the Word of God, creating in them
☐ Interested faith and love for God's work.
☐ Maybe Mission: That our children have a time to worship and learn the word of
God in healthy fellowship. 
6. Praise Vision: To worship God whole-heartedly without fear.
Team-Music Mission: To lead the congregation in worship to God’s presence.
☐ Interested
☐ Maybe
7. Family Camp Vision: Uniting our family church spiritually, emotionally, and socially to
☐ Interested strengthen our faith.
☐ Maybe Mission: To organize a camp that will provide activities for all who
attend, and to grow spiritually, to unite us as a strong family church.
9. Park Day Vision: Our church to reflect Christ in unity, sharing time with family.
☐ Interested Mission: Strive to have a day of fellowship and recreation where all the
☐ Maybe families participate and enjoy the day.
10. Women’s Vision: That our sisters can have a continuing relationship with God
☐ Interested and sisters in Christ.
☐ Maybe Mission: To create spiritual and social activities, where each Sister has
a chance to grow.
11. Youth Vision: For each youth to grow and be imitators of Christ.
☐ Interested Mission: To unite and grow spiritually, through prayer, fasting, and
☐ Maybe studying the word of God to educate others.

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12. Sound Vision: That we may all hear clearly and receive music, worship, and
☐ Interested the message of God.
☐ Maybe Mission: A team of technicians prepared with a suitable audio system
to provide a pleasant sound in each service.
13. Theater Vision: To be a ministry that uses sign language and drama to bring
☐ Interested honor and glory to God
☐ Maybe Mission: To impact the church and visitors by delivering simple
messages from the word of God through sign language and drama.
14. Video-Media Vision: To outreach and spread the Gospel outside the four walls of the
☐ Interested church
☐ Maybe Mission: To train every disciple in this ministry with the knowledge of
the equipment, and record with excellence.
15. Multimedia Vision: Visually unify the congregation with our services.
☐ Interested Mission: To provide clear presentations to our services through lyrics,
☐ Maybe PowerPoint’s and media
16. Men’s Vision: To be united, growing in grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ.
☐ Interested Mission: Each male is the “Head of household” providing love,
☐ Maybe protection and encouraging one another committed to Jesus Christ.
17. Assimilation Vision: For all who come to church to receive attention and information
☐ Interested from our Congregation.
☐ Maybe Mission: Follow up and assist our friends until they become members
of the Church.
18. Juniors Vision: Shaping spiritually the next generation, strengthening their
☐ Interested identity.
☐ Maybe Mission: Uniting with parents in fellowship and in discipling our juniors
through dynamic activities, developing their gifts, talents, and abilities.
19. Strategy of Vision: Through the strategy of Jesus, maintain numerical and spiritual
Jesus (Friendship growth in our church.
Group) Mission: Reaching the lost and edify the church through the strategy of
☐ Interested Jesus Christ.
☐ Maybe
20. Property Vision: To have our property presentable like the house of God.
Maintenance Mission: Having a team of people available to day-cleaning and
☐ Interested general maintenance of the Church property.
☐ Maybe

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STEWARDSHIP OF THE BODY

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies
as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”
(Romans 12:1)

The word of God teaches us that our body is the temple of the Spirit of God, and for that
reason we need to take care of it.

Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom
you have received from God? You are not your own;” (1 Corinthians 6:19)

Holiness helps us to keep ourselves free from sin and situations that do not please God

HOLINESS, HOLY: The meaning is: A separation to live for God and to serve Him.

Manage your desires!

“5 Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality,
impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. 6 Because of these, the wrath of
God is coming.” (Colossians 3:5-6)

Worldly Pleasures

“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of
the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of
the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. 17 And the world
is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.”
(1 John 2:15-17)

“Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ himself? Shall I then take the
members of Christ and unite them with a prostitute? Never! 16 Do you not know that he
who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body? For it is said, “The two will
become one flesh.” 17 But whoever is united with the Lord is one with him in spirit. 18
Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but
whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body.” (1 Corinthians 6:15-18)

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Eliminate bad habits!

“3 Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness,
not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy.”
(Romans 13:13)
“16 Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit
dwells in your midst? 17 If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that
person; for God’s temple is sacred, and you together are that temple.”
(1 Corinthians 3:16-17)

Every apostolic must abstain from these vices and everything that contaminates:
smoking, liquor, drugs, fights, pornography, fornication, adultery, astrology, etc.

“Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all
filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” (2 Cor 7:1)

There are many things that contaminate us and can lead us to sin against the
Holiness of God.
God is Holy and He wants His children to be sanctified every day.
It is our responsibility to care for:

What we see: “I will not look with approval on anything that is vile.” (Psalm 101:3)
What we hear: “Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the
words of knowledge.” (Proverbs 19:27)
What we talked: “If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very
words of God.” (1 Peter 4:11)

According to Titus 2:2

The man should be
Sober, serious, prudent, healthy in faith, in love, in patience.

According to 1 Timothy 2:8, The man

● Pray everywhere
● Raising holy hands
● Without anger or strife

“Your appearance: In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest
apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or
costly array; 10 But (which becometh women professing Godliness) with good works.”
(1 Timothy 2:9-10)

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Shamefacedness: Ashamed to display the

naked body. Modesty is often linked to modesty
regarding sexuality. It is, therefore, an element of
personality that seeks to protect privacy. That
which gives shamefacedness is something that
you do not want to show or do in public.

Modesty: it is defined as that attitude that

moderates behavior, which implies being
contained so as not to exceed certain limits
according to what social conventions dictate.
In another of its meanings modesty is often linked to humility, being a characteristic of
people who reject vanity, arrogance or deification.

Attention is not to us, rather it is to God...Glorify God!

According to Titus 2:2,

The man should be:
Sober, serious, prudent, healthy in faith, in love, in patience.

Woman
“Similarly, teach the older women to live in a way that honors God. They must not
slander others or be heavy drinkers. Instead, they should teach others what is
good. 4 These older women must train the younger women to love their
husbands and their children, 5 to live wisely and be pure, to work in their homes,
to do good, and to be submissive to their husbands. Then they will not bring
shame on the word of God.”

According to 1 Peter 3:3,

3 “Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive
jewelry, or beautiful clothes. 4 You should clothe yourselves instead with the
beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit,
which is so precious to God.”

Inappropriate Clothing: Deuteronomy 22:5,

“A woman must not put on men’s clothing, and a man must not wear women’s
clothing. Anyone who does this is detestable in the sight of the Lord your God.”

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● Hem above the knee

● Sleeveless dresses or blouses
● Fitted clothing
● Slits
● Low-cut dresses
● Clothing the reveals the back
● Translucent clothing

The apostolic woman to preserve modesty and shamefacedness, within our disciplines
does not allow the use of pants, or clothing that provocatively exposes her body.
The use of rings, earrings, chains, and other garments, makeup, among others is not
permitted, as part of our discipline of holiness. Please read the document
“DISCIPLINARY RULES FOR MEMBERS”

Take care of you head

“ Does not the very nature of things teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a
disgrace to him, 15 but that if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For long hair
is given to her as a covering.” (1 Corinthians 11:14-15)

Men: Regular cut

Women: Keep your hair long
Both genders, maintain the natural color of your hair.

Men:
Do not cover your head
1 Corinthians 11, V. 4,7: “4 Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered
dishonors his head. - 7 because the man should not cover his head”

Women
Veil-Cover: 1 Corinthians 11: 5,6,10,13
“But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her
head; because the same thing is that if she had shaved”
● Dishonors her head
● The same thing is that if she had shaved
● If she doesn't cover it, shaved
● Must have a sign of authority over her head

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Take care of your Relationships

It is important that we maintain respect and ethics with our friends and family. Let us be
an influence to them. It is also very important that we always keep our testimony as
children of God.
“Therefore this is what the Lord says: “If you repent, I will restore you that you
may serve me; if you utter worthy, not worthless, words, you will be my
spokesman. Let this people turn to you, but you must not turn to them.”
(Jeremiah 15:19)

We also admonish you that relationships for courtship should be with a partner in
our same faith.
“ Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has
righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?”
(2 Corinthians 6:14)

CIVIC AFFAIRS
“Submit yourself to the higher authorities; because there is no authority but from
God, and those that are, by God have been established.” (Romans 13:1)

Every Apostolic must obey the earthly authorities and laws

● Resolve traffic tickets

● Pending issues with the law
● Child support
● Domestic Violence
● Probation (Parole)

PEACE WITH OTHERS

The Bible teaches us to have peace with everyone:

“Follow peace with all, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.”
(Hebrews 13:14)

“Solicitous to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”

(Ephesians 4:3)

“...and that you hold them in great esteem and love for the sake of their work.
Have peace among you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:13)

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STEWARDSHIP OF OUR MONEY

Give a good use of your money!

“Why do you spend money for what is not bread? Why spend your pay for what
you do not enjoy? Listen well to Me, and eat what is good. Find joy in the best
food.” (Isaiah 55:2)

Money is a TOOL!:

To Enjoy
“As for every man to whom God has given riches and many good things, He has
also given him the power to eat from them, receive his reward and be happy in
his work. This is the gift of God.” (Ecclesiastes 5:19)

To Help
“What if a person has enough money to live on and sees his brother in need of
food and clothing? If he does not help him, how can the love of God be in him?”
(1 John 3:17)

To Invest in winning Souls

“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, And he who wins souls is wise..”
(Proverbs 11:30)

Money is a REWARD
“The Lord will send good upon you in your store-houses and in all your work.
He will bring good to you in the land the Lord your God gives you.” (Deut. 28:8)

What is the talent that God has given me to generate wealth?

“But remember the Lord your God. For it is He Who is giving you power to
become rich. By this He may keep His agreement which He promised to your
fathers, as it is this day..” (Deuteronomy. 8:18)

Money reveals YOUR HEART

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21)

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Money is a TEST
“He that is faithful with little things is faithful with big things also. He that is not
honest with little things is not honest with big things.“(Luke 16:10)

“His owner said to him, ‘You have done well. You are a good and faithful servant.
You have been faithful over a few things. I will put many things in your care.
Come and share my joy.” (Matthew 25:21)

Money is a SEED

Tithing/giving is intended to be a joy and a blessing.

Giving tithes is a principle, not the law.

“...And praise be to God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand.”
Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything...“ (Genesis 14:20)

“... and this stone that I have set up as a pillar will be God’s house, and of all that
you give me I will give you a tenth.” (Genesis 28:22)

The tithe is the Lord’s, not ours!

“A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the
trees, belongs to the Lord; it is holy to the Lord.” (Leviticus 27:30)

“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house.
Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the
floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room
enough to store it.” (Malachi 3:10)

The early church gave more than the Tithe

“...and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need.
Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means
“son of encouragement”)” (Acts 4:34-35)

Giving the tithe and offerings is a privilege

“9 Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; 10 then
your barns will be filled to overflowing,and your vats will brim over with new
wine.” (Proverbs 3:9-10)

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We do not give so that God will bless us,

We give because He already blessed us!

“But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as
generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only
what comes from your hand.” (1 Chronicles 29.14)

Differences between TITHES and OFFERINGS

TITHES
● Tenth of what God gives us.
● The proof of stewardship.
● It's not what you feel.
● They should be placed in the
storehouse for the house of God.
OFFERINGS
● Amount that leaves our 9 parts.
● It is proof of love for God.
● Is what one feels to give.
● They can have several uses.

HOW TO GIVE YOUR TITHES, OFFERINGS AND DONATIONS

If you are going to write a check, please do so in the name of:
Arlington Apostolic Church.

Give with envelopes:

● The envelopes will be handed at the entrance of the church and if you need
more help you can contact an usher. During celebration there will be a time to
deliver our offerings and tithes into the basket.
● Please do not give envelopes with money to anyone who is not authorized to
receive donations, try to deposit them in the basket at the time of the offerings.
Please help us by following the instructions and filling all the spaces in the
envelopes.
● Please do not use envelopes for personal notes, or notes. They are specifically
for tithes / donations.
● We encourage you to take some envelopes with you to your home, and bring
ready next time with your tithe and contribution to the work of God, so you will not
have problems when collecting the offering.

Give by mail:
You can send them to: Arlington Apostolic Church
5662 Crest Ave. Riverside Ca. 92503
With attention to the general treasury.

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Giving through the Bank: Use the information of the church.

Give through our application and / or website. www.aoachurch.com

Let's be excellent stewards, Serving God!

Manage well your:
● Time ● Body
● Gifts and Talents ● Money

After the baptism it is necessary to continue growing, Be part of the discipleship

“FOLLOW ME” so that you can develop the purpose of God in you. Sign up!

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Jesus Strategy
Our church is focused on fulfilling Jesus' strategy. The early church used it and
persevered in difficult times. We ask that you join us and united we can do the work that
our Lord has entrusted to us.

Acts 2:42, 46-47

42 And they continued steadfast in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in
breaking of bread, and in prayers. 46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the
temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and
singleness of heart, 47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the
Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

Elementary Steps of the Strategy of Jesus

1. Evangelistic Cycle
● It is 5 weeks of spiritual warfare. Where we all unite in prayer specifically for
our friends and the friend's day activity. And we commit to fast one day a
week for the same purpose.
● Connecting with friends. In prayer and with the direction of God we identify 3+
friends, acquaintances or relatives for whom we intercede and during these
weeks we connect with them through calls, visits, strengthening the
relationship. In the penultimate week we give them the invitation for the
friend's day.
● Friend's Day. We have already been working with them, now we bring them to
friend's day. We pick them up, we serve them during this activity and we
encourage them to continue receiving from God and we connect them to our
Friendship Group

2. Friendship Groups
We will elaborate on this topic later.

3. Discipleship
God sends us to make disciples, and we have a teaching curriculum to aid us in our
spiritual growth. These are the four phases:
● Flowing his Steps
● Grow,
● Mature

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● Multiply
The goal is that both you and your friends who want to be useful and serve God are
trained to the best of their ability.

Friendship groups are an essential element of JESUS ​'STRATEGY.

You and your family must be part of a FG. We meet every week in the homes of
members of the congregation.
Christians in the early church proposed working in homes. They used the strategy of
evangelism at home, as we can see in the Scriptures
FGs are very important as they offer people the opportunity to come together to
discover and develop God's plan for them through prayerful support, study of God's
Word, and the development of close personal relationships.

The groups have a triple objective:

1. Grow in our relationship with God - Get closer to his presence.
2. Grow in our relationship with each other - Foster friendships
3. Numerically grow and multiply - Reach out to souls

By being part of a FG you will be blessed and at the same time you will be a blessing.
Don't stop supporting and growing each week.

Principles to Follow:
1. Pray
● Prayer is the strength of Christian, and it is a duty and part of our discipline. It
should be a daily practice for every believer. Pray for your brothers and
sisters as well as friends so that God works in them. Pray for Pastor John
Almaraz for God to use him at this time.

2. Commitment
● It is Glue, it is what keeps us active and giving our best in God's work.
● The FG is a priority and our assistance and support will make us stronger.
● Commitment is part of the vision of our church, "To be a Healthy Committed
church ..."

3. A Lifestyle
● Of every day, praying, inviting, people to your FG.
● In the temple and around the houses.

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4. Follow our Goals

● Purposes during and outside the meeting

5. The Group Should Stay Small

● The average number of members of a healthy FG is 10 to 12 members, after
that number it should be multiplied.
● We are smaller to be bigger.
● Our priority is that everyone is taken care of and has the opportunity to Grow.

6. Confidentiality is Essential
● We cannot disclose the things that are discussed at the FG meeting, we want
there to be confidence to speak and receive the necessary help.
● Everything that is talked about stays in the FG.

7. Promote
● The Vision and Purposes, of the church and the FG.

Other considerations

All of us are committed to the unity and health of our Friendship Group.
● In the care of children
● In refreshments (bring and cooperate for each meeting)
● In punctuality
● In the participation of the meeting (in dialogue, visitations, worship, helping to
clean the host ...)
● In prayers for each member and friends.
● Advise your leader of any situation or need.
● In inviting a friend weekly. (Evangelism)

You can be of help and blessing by participating and helping hard.

Get involved be a:
1. Host , arranging your home, living room, patio or garage to hold Friendship
Group meetings.
2. Assistant (Timothy) , working together with his leader, willing to serve
others and learning from every opportunity.
3. Leader , being able to serve another and help them grow in their
relationship with God is one of the most beautiful privileges we can have.

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You can grow through service to God and your brothers and sisters and
lead a friendship group.

6 Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an
inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them.
7 Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according
to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right
hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.
8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein
day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for
then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither
be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.
Joshua 1: 6-9

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MY CHURCH
“...You are a member of God’s very own family...and you belong in God’s household
with every other Christian.” Ephesians 2:19 (LB)

KEY TRUTHS:
1. The church is a family.
2. God expects you to be committed to a church family.
3. A christian without a church family is an orphan.

OUR CHURCH “ALPHA AND OMEGA” IS A FAMILY!

OUR VISION
To become a sound and committed church, where everyone is a reflection of Christ

OUR MISSION:
Para esto existimos We exist for this and unites us:
● Exalt God: In our worship, celebrations, and lifestyle.
● Discipling: In our friendship groups.
● Serving: Our church, community, and the world.
● Reach out: Sharing Christ - Evangelizing - Friendship Groups

THE GOAL FOR TODAY:

I, _____________________________________ will commit myself to: The Lord Jesus

Christ and His church.

Date of Baptism: _____________________

Membership Date: ____________________ (Deliver the Membership Package)

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NORMS AND DISCIPLINE FOR CHURCH

MEMBERS
TWENTY FIRST CHAPTER, ARTICLE 74 OF THE CONSTITUTION
OF THE APOSTOLIC ASSEMBLY

I. All members of the Apostolic Assembly accepted into any of the local churches
affiliated with this religious corporation shall comply with the doctrine established by our
Lord Jesus Christ, in accordance with the Holy Scripture, and obey this Constitution.

II. All people who believe and accept the doctrine of our Lord Jesus Christ and are
members of the Apostolic Assembly, have the right to the privileges and prerogatives of
the Church. These privileges and prerogatives cannot be withheld unless a member
becomes unworthy and acts contrary to our principles of doctrine, discipline,
organizational and economic.

III. A person who violates the doctrine of our Lord Jesus Christ becomes unworthy
of belonging to the Apostolic Assembly. However, this person may not be expelled from
the Church without a previous legal trial, with all due formalities, during which proof
must be presented in the light of the Word of God that such violation makes the member
unworthy of fellowship in the Apostolic Assembly.

IV. All people belonging to the Apostolic Assembly must live a life of holiness and
honesty. We therefore warn that the following activities are considered a sin: Immorality,
the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages, the use of tobacco, unwholesome
entertainment, lack of consecration and church attendance, and anything that tends to
destroy the humility and spirituality of the individual.

V. Beliefs and Values

1. Human Sexuality - We believe that God has commanded that no intimate

sexual activity be engaged in outside of a marriage between a man and a
woman. We believe that any form of homosexuality, lesbianism, bisexuality,
bestiality, incest, fornication, adultery, and pornography are sinful perversions of
God’s gift of sex. We believe that God disapproves of and forbids any attempt to
alter one’s gender by surgery or appearance. (Gen. 2:24; Gen. 19:5; Gen.
26:8-9; Lev. 18:1-30; Rom. 1:26-29; I Cor. 5:1; 6:9; I Thess. 4:1-8; Heb. 13:4)
We believe that the only legitimate marriage is the joining of one man and one
woman. (Gen. 2:24; Rom. 7:2; I Cor. 7:10; Eph. 5:22-23)

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2. Family Relationships - We believe that men and women are spiritually equal in
position before God but that God has ordained distinct and separate spiritual
functions for men and women in the home and the church. The husband is to be
the leader of the home, and men are to be the leaders (pastors and deacons) of
the church. Accordingly, only men are eligible for licensure and ordination by the
church. (Gal. 3:28; Col. 3:18; I Tim. 2:8-15; 3:4-5, 12)

We believe that God has ordained the family as the foundational institution of
human society. The husband is to love his wife as Christ loves the church. The
wife is to submit herself to the Scriptural leadership of her husband as the church
submits to the headship of Christ. Children are a heritage from the Lord. Parents
are responsible for teaching their children spiritual and moral values and leading
them, through consistent lifestyle example and appropriate discipline, including
Scriptural corporal correction. (Gen. 1:26-28; Ex. 20:12; Deut. 6:4-9; Ps. 127:3-5;
Prov. 19:18; 22:15; 23:13-14; Mk. 10:6-12; I Cor. 7:1-16; Eph. 5:21-33; 6:1-4; Col.
3:18-21; Heb. 13:4; I Pet. 3:1-7)

3. Abortion - We believe that human life begins at conception and that the unborn
child is a living human being. Abortion constitutes the unjustified, unexcused
taking of unborn human life. Abortion is murder. We reject any teaching that
abortions of pregnancies due to rape, incest, birth defects, gender selection,
birth or population control, or the physical or mental well being of the mother are
acceptable. (Job 3:16; Ps. 51:5; 139:14-16; Isa. 44:24; 49:1, 5; Jer. 1:5; 20:15-
18: Luke 1:44)

VI. Members of the Apostolic Assembly must abstain from the use of rings, jewelry,
facial makeup, and costly or immodest apparel. They must also avoid all forms of
ostentation and vanity.

VII. Members of the Apostolic Assembly must consider that their bodies are holy and
that the Holy Ghost dwells in them. For this reason, they should abstain from
fornication, adultery and lasciviousness. Accordingly, it is recommended that courtships
be conducted with all honesty, respect, and fear of the Lord. Married Christians must
render due respect and mutual consideration as recommended by the Sacred
Scriptures.

VIII. Members of the Apostolic Assembly must be reverent and keep their composure
during church services. During worship services, men must uncover their heads and
women must cover their heads with an appropriate veil (I Corinthians 11:4-7; Psalms
100:4). Women must neither cut nor plait their hair.

IX. All members of the Apostolic Assembly must demonstrate their love for the work
of the Lord by tithing and giving offerings to meet the needs of the same, “not grudgingly
or of necessity, for God loveth a cheerful giver” (1 Timothy 6:7; 2 Corinthians 9:6-7).

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X. All members of the Apostolic Assembly must demonstrate their obedience to God
and be subject to the higher authorities of the Church, for these have been placed by
God to watch over the well-being of all members (Romans 13: 1; Hebrews 13:17;
Ephesians 4:11-12).

XI. When ever a member of the church changes residence, he or she can join a
congregation of the Apostolic Assembly in the new place of residence or in the nearest
location.

XII. All members of the Apostolic Assembly that change residence shall carry a
transfer letter signed by the Pastor and present it to the Pastor or minister in charge of
the new church that the member intends to join. The transfer letter shall indicate
whether the member has a temporary suspension of his or her rights. Pastors receiving
members under such conditions must adhere to the indications of transfer letter.

XIII. Members of the Apostolic Assembly who may be traveling for pleasure or
business shall carry a letter of recommendation signed by their Pastor, and present it to
the Pastor of the church where they may visit.

XIV. In cities with more than one congregation of the Apostolic Assembly, members
wishing to change membership from one church to another must first request a transfer
letter. This letter will be given only after there has been an agreement between the
Pastors of the respective churches.

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