Father God, I’m grateful to you for the membership you have kindly assembled here at Summit Woods. I’m grateful for all the members from those who have been here more than two decades to the folks who have joined our membership two weeks ago. We know Christ is the foundation and the head of the church, yet you call the saints to do the work of the ministry. Christ is the head of the body, but members are the hands and feet of the ministry. I pray for the members, the saints at Summit Woods, that we are obedient and faithful in fulfilling this calling by caring for your church well. 

I pray we are growing a culture here where the members feel the weight and the joy to care for each other. That we feel responsible for each other’s spiritual growth. I pray the notion of elders, deacons or staff doing all the work of the church is a foreign idea among the members of this body. I pray that we would each value the labor and contributions of members as the whole church cares for and disciples the whole church.   

I pray that members would diligently work at building a culture of discipleship, hospitality, outreach, and encouragement. I pray that work would start with serving each other but would naturally extend to caring for those in our neighborhoods, in our workplaces and in our schools. I pray that members would not only be concerned with their personal spiritual well-being but also be invested in the spiritual condition of fellow members. I pray there would be an eagerness to invest in each other and a humility to receive that discipleship. I pray moms and dads would welcome the input of other members as they seek to raise their children up in the fear and admonition of the Lord. I pray our older men and women would eagerly encourage younger members to imitate their faithful pursuit of Christ in everyday matters.   

I pray each member would do good, honor you God and commend the gospel in our lives at home and at work. I pray that every member will work to guard both our membership and our gospel doctrine. Help us Father to walk not as unwise, but as wise.  Might we make the most of our time knowing the days are evil. Help us not be foolish but understand the will of the Lord as we give care to our personal walk but also care for our fellow members.  Help us to grow in our mutual efforts to dignify the work of the membership at Summit Woods according to your word, for your purposes and for your glory.