In a world where many approach church on their own terms—volunteering, giving, and serving when convenient—God’s Word cuts through the noise:
“In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.” – Judges 21:25
But Jesus is King—and where Christ is King, there is no room for casual or consumer Christianity. At BICC, we reject the pattern of the world and cultural norm of floating on the periphery. We embrace biblical membership—a life wholly submitted to Christ and lived out in covenant community with His people. This devotion is lived through Four Pillars, each rooted in Scripture and reflecting the calling of every disciple of Jesus.
1. JOYFULLY GATHERING
“Whoever does not gather with Me scatters.” – Matthew 12:30
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship...” – Acts 2:42
Church isn’t a social club or optional weekend activity. Gathering is war-time allegiance—a visible declaration that we belong to Christ and are committed to His Bride. Members at BICC don’t attend when it’s convenient. We prioritize joyfully gathering because our King gathers His people, and we refuse to scatter. We are devoted to weekly worship, not as spectators, but as surrendered saints offering our lives as living sacrifices.
2. WILLFULLY GROWING
“Having been brought, disciple all nations… teaching them to obey all I’ve commanded.” – Matthew 28:19
“Speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into Him who is the Head, into Christ.” – Ephesians 4:15
Disciples of Jesus aren’t stagnant or dead—they grow and thrive becase we abide in Christ. We willfully grow by devoting ourselves to the Word of God and to one another in community. At BICC, this happens in weekly sermon-based small groups where iron sharpens iron, truth is spoken in love, and spiritual maturity is the goal—not just knowledge, but transformation into Christlikeness.
3. LAVISHLY GIVING
“God loves a cheerful giver.” – 2 Corinthians 9:7
“Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce.” – Proverbs 3:9
Giving isn’t about money—it’s about devotion. True members of Christ’s Body don’t give leftovers. We lavishly give the firstfruits of our time, talents, and treasures to fuel the advancement of the gospel to the ends of the earth! We give because He is worthy. Our generosity proves that our hearts belong to Christ and that His Kingdom is our highest priority.
4. COURAGEOUSLY GOING
“He gave… shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry...” – Ephesians 4:11-12
“You will be My witnesses… to the ends of the earth.” – Acts 1:8
The Church isn’t a cruise ship—it’s a battleship. Membership means mission. We courageously go into our homes, schools, workplaces, and to all the nations as ambassadors of Christ. Every member is called to be equipped for ministry, called to be salt (effective) and light (obvious), and deployed (active) into the darkness to glorify our God of eternal Holy Trinity.
The Final Word: Devoted, Not Detached
“Christ… will appear a second time… to save those who are eagerly waiting for Him.” – Hebrews 9:28
Jesus is coming back—not for churchgoers or the entertainment crowd, but for His devoted Bride.
Church membership at BICC isn’t casual, cultural, or optional. It is covenantal. It is biblical. It is costly. And it is worth it—because Christ, the Lamb of God, alone is worthy.
To be a member at BICC means to live fully submitted to Christ and visibly committed to His Body through:
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Joyfully Gathering
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Willfully Growing
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Lavishly Giving
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Courageously Going
This is what it means to belong. This is what it means to follow Jesus.
Blessings & love,
Kevin M. Kelley
Pastor
Big Island Christian Church
