Rule Of Life — cornerstone

RULE OF LIFE

[Note: We’ll explore the idea of a Rule of Life and how that will figure into church membership on Sunday, January 28 in both services]

The following Cornerstone Rule of Life is meant to draw us into a fuller life with Jesus through practices we adopt together. Membership in a local body is not merely a matter of one’s membership status; but is characterized by what behaviors one regularly practices and avoids practicing. These help us live into our community’s Deep Hopes. We will live out our shared faith and are formed together by the following rhythms:

We do all in our power to worship weekly and earnestly with the church.

Examples of what this may look like:

Being present at worship gatherings most Sundays of the year
Engaging in singing
Authentically joining in the liturgy
Listening to the scriptures and sermon with a teachable spirit
Receiving at the communion table in a worthy manner
Being sent to “do the work God has called us to do”

We do our part to cultivate a rich network of spiritual friendships.

Examples of what this may look like:

Lingering after Sunday services to visit with others
Befriending others by taking small social risks (eg. asking someone to sit with you in worship, inviting others into your home to share a meal, etc.)
Participating in an Apprentice Group or being deliberate about instigating reflective conversations about following Jesus with others
Showing up at times of crisis or celebration in the lives of other believers
Rooting oneself in the community for the long-haul

We faithfully and joyfully serve the church in some way at least once a month.

Examples of what this may look like:

Serving as a Cornerstone Kids or Cornerstone Students volunteer
Helping administer Communion
Being an usher, part of the Hospitality Team, part of the Prayer Team, part of the PreMarital Mentoring Team, or other opportunities that become available

We give to the Lord through the church in a way that is generous, voluntary & in keeping with our income.

Examples of what this may look like:

Prayerfully asking the Lord how we can best honor him with the stewardship of our resources
Determining how much one will give on a weekly, monthly or annual basis to the Lord through the church, taking into consideration the tithe as a guide for faithful giving.
Considering recurring giving, or planning in advance when one will give throughout the year, and being open to giving toward other opportunities that arise.
Reflecting annually on one’s giving and adjusting as needed.

We seize opportunities to enact the renewal of all things locally and globally.

Examples of what this may look like:

Participating in community service efforts like the Warming Shelter, assembling Care Bags for houseless Tulsans, or other opportunities the church makes available.
Praying for global missionaries, participating in Formation or Renewal trips, giving toward special Renewal opportunities.
Regularly being present as a Christian in the lives of those who don’t yet know Jesus (eg. in one’s neighborhood, at work, in places where one spend free time).

Members are also encouraged to develop a personal Rule of Life, which should include at the least a plan for regular Bible reading and prayer (like the Daily Office). A personal Rule may also include behaviors particular to a person’s life they want to abstain from, and others they want to practice. These may also change according to the seasons of the church calendar (eg. fasting from social media during Advent, or deliberately spending time w/people of other ethnicities during Epiphany).