Base 1 - Membership

Represents the first stage of spiritual development. Here the individual commits to a personal relationship with Christ and accountability to the local church. WBP identifies this stage as "commitment to membership." At this stage, the church implements strategies/ministries that include the unchurched/unconverted person. It does this by building bridges of relationships, enfolding individuals in its circle of care and love, and leading people into a personal and accountable relationship with Christ and the church (membership). Some practical ways a church accomplishes this is through (1) identifying needs and ministering to them, (2) building informal relationships with individuals, (3) including the unchurched person in church-related groups, and (4) sharing the gospel with the unconverted. Every person has a right to a presentation of the Gospel at his or her level of understanding. The timeless message of the Bible is the answer to human need (Psalm 19:8). The priority of Christ and His Church is the salvation of each individual (Luke 19:10; Matthew 28:19,20). We influence first by our character and caring, then by what we communicate (Mark 6:33, 34).

Base 2 - Maturity

Represents the second stage of spiritual development. The person at this stage becomes committed to life-long spiritual growth by developing the disciplines, values, characteristics, and life-style of a true disciple. WBP identifies this stage as "commitment to maturity." At this stage, the church implements strategies/ministries that instruct the believer. It does this by helping individuals develop the basic habits, disciplines, character, and life-style of a true disciple (maturity). The church can instruct the believer helping him or her move toward maturity by (1) enrolling the believer in a discipleship group, (2) teaching spiritual disciplines, (3) establishing a mentoring relationship, and (4) modeling a biblical life-style. Every person needs a biblical moral compass to guide and protect him or her throughout life. Personal growth is a life-long process (1 John 3:2). Parents are their children's first and primary teachers (Deuteronomy 6:6--9). Acceptance, caring, and learning occur best in small groups (Luke 6:13).

Base 3 - Ministry

Represents the third stage of spiritual development. People at this stage become committed to discover and develop their God-given gifts and calling. WBP identifies this stage as "commitment to ministry." At this stage, the church implements strategies/ministries that involve the believer in discovering and developing his unique God-given gifts and callings (ministry). These ministries involve the believer in ministry by (1) helping identify the person's ministry gifts, (2) establishing a ministry apprenticeship, (3) providing leadership training, and (4) modeling servant character. Every believer has unique gifts to be developed and used to strengthen the church. Obedience is the essence of discipleship and the highest form of worship (John 14:23). Responsibility for equipping the believer is vested in the Church (Ephesians 4:11--13). Biblical leadership requires servanthood and godly character, as well as, ministry skills (Mark 10:42--44).

Base 4- Mission

Represents the fourth stage of spiritual development. Here people invest themselves in the global mission of Christ and the church, fulfilling their life's purpose. WBP identifies this stage as "commitment to mission." At this stage, the church implements strategies/ministries that invest the believer in ministry and leadership, mobilizing the believer in the global mission of Christ and the local church. The local church can invest in believers by providing (1) cross-cultural experiences, (2) leadership experiences, (3) opportunities to disciple others, and (4) continued leadership training. Every believer has a purpose in advancing the global mission of the Church of Jesus Christ. Every believer is commissioned by God to make disciples (Mark 16:15,16). Spirit baptism is a priority for Great Commission service (Acts 1:4,5). Awareness of need is the primary motivation for Great Commission service (John 4:35--38). Christ Universal Church Roanoke, Alabama cuc@christuniversal.org