Community Membership
As a small house church, we prioritize deep discipleship and intentional community, guided by biblical values that shape our faith and practice. To steward our limited capacity well, we affirm these commitments as essential for membership, helping us cultivate a devoted fellowship of believers who wholeheartedly follow Jesus together.
If you are interested in joining The Garden, please first review our Community Membership requirements below. For more information on membership, email us at info@thegardentn.com.
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Repentance.
It all starts here. Repentance is the heart’s response to God’s call, turning away from sin and toward Christ (Acts 3:19). Rooted in humility, it is a lifelong process of renewal through grace, aligning with God’s holiness (2 Corinthians 7:10). We affirm repentance as the foundation of authentic faith and apprenticeship to Jesus.
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Loyal Love.
Known as khesed in the Hebrew Bible, loyal love reflects steadfast commitment to God and neighbor, embodying the Great Commandment (Matthew 22:37-39). It requires ongoing covenantal faithfulness, as seen in Yahweh’s love for Israel and Christ’s love for the Church (Hosea 6:6, Ephesians 5:25). Loyal love manifests through obedience, self-sacrifice, and enduring relationships within the Body of Christ.
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Catechesis.
Catechesis equips believers with a sound understanding of Scripture and doctrine, fostering spiritual maturity (Hebrews 5:12-14). Rooted in the Church’s historic teaching tradition, it prepares Christians to “give a reason for the hope” within them (1 Peter 3:15). We emphasize catechesis for resilient, transformed, and mission-minded apprenticeship to Jesus.
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Baptism.
Baptism symbolizes the believer’s union with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection (Romans 6:4). It is an outward sign of inward grace, marking entry into Christ’s covenant community (Matthew 28:19). We view baptism as both a public confession of faith and an initiation into the life of the Spirit.
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Generosity.
Generosity reflects God’s abundant grace (2 Corinthians 8:9). Christians are called to freely share time, resources, and spiritual gifts, echoing the early Church’s commitment to communal care (Acts 2:44-45). We affirm that generosity exemplifies gratitude and trust in God’s provision, demonstrating love in action.
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Fellowship.
Fellowship unites believers as members of Christ’s Body, sharing life together in worship, prayer, and mutual care (Acts 2:42). It is the tangible expression of God’s kingdom, fostering unity and accountability (Hebrews 10:24-25). We emphasize fellowship as essential for our spiritual growth and a witness to the world.