All Are Welcome
City Tabernacle emphasizes a model of unity over individual memberships, grounded in New Testament teachings. By focusing on a shared Christian identity and mission, this approach fosters collaboration and fellowship beyond specific congregational lines, reflecting the early Church’s example and a commitment to genuine, biblical unity in the Body of Christ.
Unity Beyond Membership: Embracing a Church Without Walls
The Christian Church, as depicted in the New Testament, embodies a shared identity rooted in faith in Jesus Christ, transcending local affiliations and cultural divides. However, the modern practice of pledging oneself as a “member” of a specific church can create unnecessary divisions within the larger Body of Christ. Rather than strengthening community, such practices can lead to fragmentation by subtly fostering an “us versus them” mindset, detracting from the Church’s ultimate mission to serve as a unified witness of Christ’s love.
In the book of Acts, the early Church met regularly, shared resources, and engaged in teaching and prayer, but membership in one local gathering didn’t supersede the broader community of believers. The early Christians identified primarily as followers of Christ, and their loyalty was to the Kingdom of God rather than a particular assembly. They saw themselves as participants in a global mission to advance the gospel. This perspective underscores a powerful truth: the Church is not an institution defined by borders but a movement united by the Spirit of God.
True unity in the Church is rooted not in local membership, but in a shared identity and mission that transcend walls, reflecting the universal fellowship Christ intended.
Similarly, Paul’s writings in Ephesians, Corinthians, and Romans emphasize the oneness of believers in Christ, regardless of local affiliation. For example, in , Paul reminds believers that “there is one body and one Spirit… one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all.” Such passages emphasize that the Church’s identity is not bound by a specific congregation but by unity in Christ, highlighting the call to mutual support and service. Furthermore, in the writer encourages believers to continue meeting together, not as a command for local exclusivity but as a call to strengthen the community of faith and promote love and good deeds.
Following the spirit of unity and shared mission, inspired by these teachings, City Tabernacle encourages a model that prioritizes a commitment to Christ and His Kingdom above all else. This approach allows believers to engage in fellowship and service without the divisive aspects of formal membership. By fostering relationships with other congregations and joining in collaborative ministry efforts, we hope to advance a vision of the Church that reflects the early disciples’ global mission—a Church that is not only inclusive but inherently unified.
City Tabernacle’s values the commitment and accountability that come from regular attendance and service, we believe that formal membership can be a stumbling block to broader Christian unity.
We encourage all believers to devote themselves to the mission of the Church universal, engaging with one another as members of one body, as Christ intended. This approach aligns with biblical principles embodying a truly inclusive, Kingdom-minded vision of Christian community.
Connect With A Questioning Christianity Small Group
If you are exploring Christianity and want to engage in meaningful discussions, consider joining a 7-week small group for seekers and skeptics. These peer-led groups, hosted in various locations, will explore key topics from The Reason for God by Tim Keller, such as the problem of evil, science and faith, and the credibility of the Bible. If you know someone interested in learning more, bring them along to process the claims of Jesus together. For details, contact QC@CityTabernacleChurch.org.
Worship Schedule
Sundays - Resuming Feburay 2025
700 AM | 930 AM | 600 PM
Wednesday
Prayer Services
730-800 PM
1ST & 3RD Wednesday of each month.
Thursday
Midweek Worship
720-745 PM
Schedule & Events
Please refer to our calendar for information on teaching series, classes, and other special events.