“The Five Gs” represent five distinct areas of one’s life that will be touched—and formed—over the life-long journey of Christian spiritual formation leading to a life of increasing devoted to Jesus. They are the essential “marks” of someone who is committed to following Jesus Christ. The expression of these Five G’s has become our member's way of life - in keeping with the teaching of the scriptures.

 

“The Five Gs” are particularly indicative of one’s involvement in the life of the local church. They are the basis upon which we build our understanding of being a Participating Member.

 

“The Five Gs” form the five commitments of members at Oasis. It is the commitment to this lifelong process that is solidified in membership, not a standard of perfection.

 

Having received Christ as my savior and Lord and having been baptized, and being in agreement with Oasis Church’s Mission, Purpose and Statement of Faith, I desire to become a member of the Oasis church family. In doing so, I commit myself to God and to the other members to the following:

 

 

1. Grace

 

Christ-followers understand and have individually received Christ’s saving grace. They have abandoned all attempts to earn God’s favor through accomplishments of their own and find security only through Christ’s sacrificial death on their behalf (Ephesians 2:8-9). In obedience to Christ’s command they have undergone water baptism as believers, giving outward witness to the inner cleansing and renewal experienced in him. God’s grace also gives us the desire and ability to submit our lives to Christ’s Lordship (2 Peter 1:3-11)

 

This means: I accept Christ as my Savior and Lord and have participated in baptism as a believer.

 

 

2. Growth

 

Ongoing evidence of a changing life and pursuit of Christ-likeness (2 Peter 3:18)

 

This means: I will support the testimony of my church.

 

• By attending faithfully

 

• By living a growing and godly life

 

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“Let us not give up the habit of meeting together

... but let us encourage one another.”

Hebrews 10:25

 

“Whatever happens, make sure that your everyday

life is worthy of the gospel of Christ.”

Philippians 1:27 (Phil)

 

 

3. Groups

 

Participation in the body of Christ and connection with others in significant relationships. This is really about committing to having friendships here at the church where accountability and care can be given and received—the church becomes smaller as people build relationships within it (Acts 2:46).

 

This means: I will protect the unity of my church.

 

• By acting in Love towards members

 

• By refusing to gossip

 

• By resolving conflicts according to Matthew 18:15-17

 

• By following the guidance of the leaders

 

 

“Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep

watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them

so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that

would be no advantage to you.” 

Hebrews 13:17

 

“So let us concentrate on the things which make for harmony,

and on the growth of our fellowship together.”

Romans 15:19 (Ph)

 

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths,

but only what is helpful for building others

up according to their needs.”

Ephesians 4:29

 

This means: I will share the responsibility of my church.

 

• By praying for its growth

 

• By inviting pre-Christians to attend

 

• By warmly welcoming those who visit

 

 

“To the church... we always thank God for you

and pray for you constantly.”

1 Thessalonians 1:2

 

“Go out into the country ... and urge anyone you find

to come in, so that my house will be full”

Luke 14:23 (LB).

 

“So, warmly welcome each other into the church,

just as Christ has warmly welcomed you;

then God will be glorified.”

Romans 15:7 (LB).

 

 

4. Gifts

 

Serving Christ’s body according to spiritual giftedness and passion. God gave us each unique giftedness – we are accountable to God as individuals on how we steward this giftedness. Once a person begins to serve within his or her giftedness and area of passion, the sense of fulfillment and being part of advancing God’s kingdom enhances the person’s life (Romans 12:6-8).

 

This means: I will serve the ministry of my church.

 

• By discovering my gifts and talents, developing them fully, and deploying them courageously

 

• By being equipped to serve by my pastors

 

• By developing a servant’s heart

 

 

“Serve one another with the particular gifts

God has given each of you.” 

1 Peter 4:10

 

“God gave ... some to be pastors and teachers to

prepare God’s people for works of ministry,

so the body of Christ may be built up.”

Ephesians 4:11-12

 

“Each of you should look not only to your own interests,

but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should

be the same as that of Jesus Christ ...

who took on the very nature of a servant ...”

Philippians 2:2-3, 7

 

 

5. Good stewardship

 

Honoring God with one’s material resources and supporting the church. We use the biblical precedent of the tithe as a goal to reach (as a minimal standard) or exceed as God provides (Philippians 4:11-19).

 

This means: I will support the testimony of my church.

 

• By becoming a:

 

• Diligent Earner

  • Luke 16:9

  • Romans 12:6 - 8

  • Colossians 3:23-24

 

• Generous Giver

  • Deuteronomy 14:23

  • Psalm 37:21

  • Malachi 3:10

  • 2 Corinthians 8:7

 

• Wise Saver

  • 1 Timothy 5:8

 

• Cautious Debtor

  • Proverbs 22:7
     

• Prudent Consumer

  • Luke 12:15

  • 1 Timothy 6:3-16

 

 

“Each one of you, on the first day of each week,

should set aside a specific sum of money in

proportion to what you have earned

and use it for the offering.” 

1 Corinthians 16:2

 

“A tenth of all your produce is the Lord’s and it is holy.”

Leviticus 27:30