"Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen."
1 Peter 4:8-11
When you partner with Sunrise you’re not signing up to be a member of a church to get special benefits or privileges. Rather you’re joining us in our mission: To Transform the World with Grace and Love. Partnership is an active commitment to join us in our call to change the world around us with the message of Christ. The country club has members, we have partners. We think this is an important distinction. Partners join us and use their time, money and whatever talents God has given them to join with others in sharing God’s grace and love to everyone they meet. It takes patience and dedication and a whole lot of grace.
But you’re not doing it alone. Sunrise is a community of people who have committed to taking this journey together. And when you partner with us, you formally join us in the work that we do for God’s kingdom: In-the-trenches, dirt-under-your-fingernails, makes-you-sweat kind of work. It’s not easy, but it’s good.
But you’re not doing it alone. Sunrise is a community of people who have committed to taking this journey together. And when you partner with us, you formally join us in the work that we do for God’s kingdom: In-the-trenches, dirt-under-your-fingernails, makes-you-sweat kind of work. It’s not easy, but it’s good.
Why "Partner" and Not "Member"?
At Sunrise Ministries, we value membership. We think of it as a partnership, like how the apostle Paul described it in Romans 12:4-5: “Just as each of you has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ, we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” (NIV)
Why Should I Become A Partner?
Although it is possible to experience spiritual growth just by attending Sunrise, we believe it is a richer and fuller experience when one is fully committed as a partner. It’s better for you—and it’s better for Sunrise! A biblical reason: God expects a high commitment from His followers. A cultural reason: We were created to live in community. A spiritual reason: Being a partner enables you to maximize your spiritual growth and participation.
What Are the Criteria for Becoming a Partner?
Share your story about how you follow Jesus, living as though He is your Rescuer and Leader. Agree with Sunrise’s basic faith statement, maintaining unity where Sunrise has undefined theological positions. Experience Christian baptism. Declare willingness to support Sunrise’s mission and values. Commit to using your time, skills, and resources to serve the church. Choose to be intentional about your spiritual growth. Commit to being in biblical community.
What Changes When I Become a Partner?
Partners get to vote on major initiatives. Sunrise depends on active, thoughtful, and engaged partners to help shape the future of our church. Partners participate in periodic meetings where matters affecting the church are discussed and feedback is invited. Partners receive priority in the allocation of finite church resources (Galatians 6:10).
How Do I Become a Partner?
If you’re interested in partnering with us, the first step is to attend the Partnership class. These classes are held 3-4 times per year.
In this class you will learn about Sunrise’s history, beliefs, values, and its distinct mission that God has called us to. If you are interested in pursuing partnership after the class you will then be asked to complete a short assignment to learn more about what it means to transform the world with grace and love. Finally, you will be welcomed publicly into the community on a Sunday morning.
In this class you will learn about Sunrise’s history, beliefs, values, and its distinct mission that God has called us to. If you are interested in pursuing partnership after the class you will then be asked to complete a short assignment to learn more about what it means to transform the world with grace and love. Finally, you will be welcomed publicly into the community on a Sunday morning.