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   The word membership has interesting connotations in our culture. We are members at gyms, golf courses, websites, alumni associations, and all sorts of other organizations. These memberships are painless to obtain and even easier to discard. Membership implies a sense of belonging, which is healthy; being a member of a group, however, can also mean exclusivity to outsiders. Membership gives people access to an organization that has restrictions — authorized personnel only! Given our culture's understanding of the word, 1.21 Church believes that membership is not the best word to describe us in Christ's body. Being a part of a church is better conveyed by the word Partnership. Partnership at 1.21 Church is a filter to help solidify people who might come with different agendas, theological convictions, and levels of commitment around the vision and mission of 1.21 church. Becoming a Partner of 1.21 Church is a declaration that you are moving from being a consumer to being an investor — that you are joining not simply the community of Christ, but the cause of Christ as well. The motivation behind becoming a Partner is not what can be received, but what can be given. And on a deeper level, Partnership is an invitation to genuine intimacy with God and his followers. When people become Partners, they are saying that they submit their lives to the spiritual authority of Christ and this community, and welcome genuine accountability in their spiritual walk. We offer a six week partnership class two times a year for those individuals who have attended 1.21 Church for at least six months, and are interested in considering Partnership. Check the calendar for the next available class.  The 'body of Christ' has two meanings in the New Testament. Jesus explained the most important understanding of 'His body' to us at the Last Supper: "This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me." (see Luke 22:19) The sacrifice of Jesus' body paid the price for our sins and restored our relationship with God. If we accept this sacrifice, we are brought into 'His body.' The second understanding of 'His body' is the universal group of people that follow Him - "You are the body of Christ." Everyone who follows Jesus forms a community that is called the Church. The main role of the Church is to make known Jesus' love for the world. Throughout the New Testament, followers of Christ are called heirs or co-heirs to God's kingdom (see Titus 3:7, Romans 8:17, and 1 Peter 3:7). The Greek definition of heir is to possess or to own. Therefore, each follower of Christ co-owns the church with Jesus Christ. A member of an organization uses the facilities, gains from its services, takes a shower, and leaves, going about their own business. A partner makes the organization run. Jesus wants His followers to make the church run — to go out and love people, nurture each other, and serve with their whole lives. Partnership is a higher calling than membership. If you are a follower of Christ, then you are a co-owner of His church — a Partner.
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