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WELCOME
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e are so glad you are here.
The Church of The Apostles is a non-denominational, multi-generational body devoted to true, biblical worship. •
Are you new to Apostles, or have you been here for years?
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What age and stage of life are you in?
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Are you new to the Christian faith, growing in your faith, or a more mature believer?
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Are you facing brokenness in an area of your life, or are you currently thriving in this season?
Regardless of your answers to these questions, there is a place for you here at Apostles! By worshipping and joining together to study and apply God’s Word, receiving hope and healing, and serving at church and in our local community – you engage in being a vibrant part of this church family. As you read through the pages of this guide, we hope you see that you can belong, grow, and serve here at Apostles.
OUR MISSION
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o reach the lost and equip the saints for the work of ministry.
The Church of The Apostles is committed to making disciples inside our church, and around the world through our media presence. We believe this happens by the persevering proclamation of the Word of God, by the people of God, in prayerful dependence on the Spirit of God. Active discipleship takes place through biblical teaching and community, encouraging us to live each day as faithful servants of the Lord. That equipping enables us to serve and disciple others in our homes, schools, workplaces, and communities. The church is a lighthouse for those seeking the truth of the Gospel, and we strategically reach out to our local and global community to share the message of salvation through Jesus Christ. Each year, The Church of The Apostles sets aside 20% of the offerings received to support missions and ministries both locally and globally that align with our mission. 2 | apostles.org
OUR FOUNDING RECTOR
TABLE OF CONTENTS 4
Core Values
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Membership
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Sundays
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Wednesdays
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Children’s Ministry
Dr. Youssef immigrated to Australia as a young man where he studied at Moore Theological College in Sydney, was ordained as a minister, and married his wife, Elizabeth. He then earned a master’s degree in theology from Fuller Theological Seminary in California and a doctorate in social anthropology from Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. He became an American citizen in 1984.
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Student to Student (STS)
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College and Twenties
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Thirties
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Small Groups
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Women’s Ministry
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Men’s Ministry
Dr. Youssef teaches with a fresh perspective as a result of his background and innate comprehension of biblical culture. He has a rich understanding of the Bible, its original languages, and biblical lands. Because of this, his messages are sprinkled with descriptive explanations of many of Scripture’s subtleties and nuances.
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Young Families Ministry
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Adult Bible Communities
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Congregational Care
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Oasis Senior Ministry
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Serve
ichael A. Youssef was born in Egypt in 1948. Dr. Youssef surrendered his life to the Lordship of Jesus Christ at the age of 16. He was one of eight children with a family heritage rooted in the ancient New Testament church founded by the Apostle Mark.
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CORE VALUES God’s Word 2 Timothy 3:16
Our mission and ministry flow from God’s authoritative Word.
Spirit-filled 1 Corinthians 2
We are led, empowered, and changed by the person and work of the Holy Spirit.
Community
1 Thessalonians 2:8 God uses authentic communities of grace and truth to transform our lives.
Stewardship Romans 12:1-2
The call to follow Christ includes stewardship of our time, talent, and treasure.
Spiritual Gifts Romans 12: 4-8
The body of Christ is most edified and effective when God’s people utilize their spiritual gifts.
Outreach
Matthew 28:19-20 The love of Christ compels us to share the gospel locally and globally.
Servant Leadership Mark 10: 42-45
Sacrifice and servanthood are foundational to spiritual leadership. 4 | apostles.org
MEMBERSHIP WHY JOIN A CHURCH?
Many people wonder why they should officially join a church … why not just attend? We gladly welcome visitors and regular attendees, but we also believe church membership is biblical. This commitment blesses the member and the church body. When you join The Church of The Apostles you commit to being part of our spiritual family. Through this covenant relationship, the church provides you with personalized pastoral care, in addition to worship services and discipleship opportunities. You commit to growing as a believer, protecting the peace and purity of the church, and supporting the church body with your time and talent.
THE BLESSINGS OF MEMBERSHIP
The blessings of church membership are numerous: Growing closer to God.
Matthew 22:37-39; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4. Being known and loved.
Genesis 1:27 Receiving support when you need it.
Galatians 6:2 Discovering your spiritual gifts.
1 Corinthians 12:4-7 Building lasting friendships.
Philippians 2:1-2; Hebrews 10:24-25 Being equipped.
Ephesians 4:11-16 Being a blessing to others.
Philippians 2:3-8 MEMBERSHIP PROCESS
There is a simple but intentional process for membership at The Church of The Apostles. This process ensures you have a chance to get fully acquainted with the church, including our core values and doctrinal beliefs. This also gives the church leaders an opportunity to get to know you better and help you assess the best path for you to integrate and grow as a part of this community. TAKE THE FIRST STEP
The first step in the new member process is attending one of our quarterly First Look Luncheons. Join us as Dr. Youssef and our ministry team walk you through our mission and vision and provide you with specific resources to help you as you prayerfully consider membership.
Take the first step at apostles.org/firstlook
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SUNDAYS O
ur worship services, classes, and student and children’s programs all center around the Word of God. We desire to lift up the resurrected Jesus in all of His saving power and glory each Sunday.
9:00 – 10:15 a.m.
10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Our early worship service, led by Jonathan Youssef, is held at 9:00 a.m. in the Chapel.
Dr. Michael Youssef leads our worship service in the main Sanctuary.
During this hour, the following ministries also take place:
Music is led by Jeremy Ezell and our Apostles team, including our Artist-in-Residence, Mac Powell.
Adult Bible Classes (see page 16). Student Ministry (see page 9). 5th – 12th grade welcome. Children’s Ministry (see page 8). Infants through 4th grade welcome.
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If you are traveling or unable to attend in person, you can watch the service online at apostles.org. Children’s Ministry offers childcare for infants through kindergarteners during the 10:30 a.m. service.
WEDNESDAY NIGHTS Wednesday Night Dinner 5:00 - 6:00 p.m.
$5 Adults • $3 Children We offer a family dinner at 5:00 p.m. RSVP or pay online at apostles.org/midweek.
Midweek Gathering 6:15 p.m.
Beginning at 6:15 p.m., we gather for a time of worship and an extended time of prayer. We also have opportunities for children, students, and adults. Check-in for children (infant through 4th grade) begins at 6:00 p.m.
Visit apostles.org/midweek to find out more.
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CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
ur mission in Children’s Ministry is to intentionally reach out to children with the whole counsel of God – that they might know Him and love Him. Although children do not have the vocabulary to express it, they have hungry souls who yearn after God. So, we desire that every experience a child has in our church includes God-centered programs and activities. We want to nurture faith in each child and believe that spiritual foundations can be laid even in the youngest child in our nursery.
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Childcare is available for infants through kindergarten during the 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. services. First-grade through fourth-grade children will have programs during the 9:00 a.m. hour and attend the 10:30 a.m. worship service with their families. Further, each summer, we are blessed to offer our Vacation Bible School program during the month of June. Each VBS is developed in-house at Apostles, and is a week filled with music, fun, and biblical teaching!
Our ministry is driven by the hope and vision that our children will have one pure and holy passion to know and follow hard after God.
Learn more about our Children’s Ministry, and save the date for VBS at apostles.org/children. 404-842-0200 • Facebook: The Church of The Apostles Children’s Ministry • Instagram: @apostleschildrens
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STUDENT TO STUDENT MINISTRY he STS (Student-To-Student) ministry exists to see 5th-12th grade students grow in a knowledge of God and His Word (KNOW), establish godly friendships with staff, volunteers, and other students in community (BE KNOWN), and challenge students to proclaim and live out the gospel in their homes, schools, and communities (MAKE KNOWN). Through partnering with parents and families, creating intentional and meaningful small groups, and teaching God’s Word faithfully, the STS team seeks to encourage and help students grow in Christ.
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Sunday Mornings 9:00–10:15 a.m. Our vision for STS Sunday mornings is to be a place where students develop and mature in their faith. We desire to see students know Jesus and make Him known and to be equipped to live for Him at home, on campus, and in everyday life. On Sunday mornings, this is typically accomplished through small group discussions.
Midweek Gathering Wednesdays, 6:00–7:15 p.m. Through our Midweek Bible studies, we hope students will be equipped to love God more. Every week, during our Midweek Gathering, large group and small group Bible studies are offered for every grade level.
Special Events and Trips For information on upcoming gatherings (movie nights, grill-outs, etc.) and trips (retreats, conferences, missions, and service opportunities, etc.), check out stsatlanta.org/events.
Stay up to date on what’s going on in the Student Ministry by visiting stsatlanta.org. stsatlanta.org • 404-591-2470. Instagram: STSAtlanta • Youtube: STSAtlanta Text message updates: Text “STS” to 678-701-6264.
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ur desire in meeting together is to intentionally connect with one another, grow as disciples of Jesus Christ, and be equipped to live our lives for the glory of God. We believe that the deepest possible joy and satisfaction in life can be found exclusively in knowing, loving, and trusting Jesus Christ. We desire to be a place for young men and women to find encouragement, joy, rest, and strength in Jesus and in one another. Therefore, we want to find creative ways to embrace the full counsel of Scripture, as well as to be a community that
provides an opportunity for discipleship.
Join us on Thursday nights at 7:00 p.m. for Bible Study and dinner in the STS Den.
For more information and scheduling changes, please visit apostles.org/college-twenties, or contact Mark Johnston at mjohnston@apostles.org.
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ow you choose to live your life will shape the direction of your life moving forward. Jesus said, I have come that you might have life … and live it more abundantly. A personal relationship with Jesus Christ frees us to become all that we were created to be by giving us forgiveness, hope, restoration, truth, love, and the power to overcome.
Thursday Nights | The Commons 6:45 p.m. - Dinner ($5) • 7:30 p.m. - Worship and Teaching Join us on Thursday nights for a fun and relaxing gathering with live music, great food, and uncompromising age-relevant biblical teaching. Join us as we explore God’s word, allowing it to reshape our lives so that we focus more on the things in life that really matter.
Gather in community with young adults in and around Atlanta for a festive atmosphere, exceptional food, live music, and a special speaker that confronts relevant life issues with truth and grace. Visit our website to view our upcoming events.
For more information on Thirties at Apostles, please visit apostles.org/thirties
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SMALL GROUPS ur Small Groups are a great environment to develop authentic relationships while discussing how God’s truth intersects life. They help us in our journey of becoming more like Christ…together.
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Groups feature lively, interactive discussions about God’s Word and practical ways to live it out. In a Small Group, you’ll share life’s challenges and joys. You’ll pray for one another and receive encouragement. Your Small Group will help you live out your faith while impacting others…together.
COME FIND A PLACE WHERE YOU CAN CONNECT WITH GOD AND OTHERS IN DEEPER WAYS.
For more information, please visit apostles.org/smallgroups or contact T.J. Diamond at tjdiamond@apostles.org.
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WOMEN’S MINISTRY O
ur goal is to see every heart touched and changed by the gospel of Jesus Christ. We desire to connect the women of God around the Word of God so that they can share in the work of God. We do this by seeking to strengthen bonds of community across generations, cultures, and life stages. Here are some of our ministry offerings:
Ministry
Description
Weekly Bible Studies
Join in community with other women and study the Word of God through times of teaching, worship, and prayer. Bible studies are offered at various times and days of the week.
Pop-Up Studies
These one-day topical seminars allow you to dig into a specific topic or area of scripture. Some past pop-up topics have included the book of Revelation, the doctrine of repentance, and how to endure suffering and pain faithfully.
Community Gatherings and Interest Groups
We offer community groups like Single Hearts for Christ and the Widows Network to allow you to connect with others who are in a similar life stage. We also offer interest groups like our Operation Christmas Child Crafters, who gather to knit, crochet, and sew together.
Prayer Groups
Whether you feel called to pray for our nation, for the next generation, or for the work of the Women’s Ministry, we have various prayer groups that meet regularly to come before the throne of God.
Life-on-Life Mentoring
Woman to Woman, our mentoring program teaches women of all ages to be faithful and be fruitful. Being mentored by an older woman who has walked in obedience to Christ through many seasons of life can provide encouragement, guidance, and support to younger women who desire to grow spiritually.
Special Events and Retreats
Throughout the year, we host special events like our Christmas Candlelight Dinner and annual Winter Retreat. We also offer special women’s events for women inside and outside of the Apostles’ family. In the past few years, we have been blessed to host teachers like Anne Graham Lotz and Nancy Guthrie.
“I am so very grateful for the Women’s Ministry at Apostles. There are so many opportunities to study God’s Word but also wonderful times of fellowship with other women. I have felt welcomed, valued, and loved and am so grateful to be here.” JO FULLER
For more information please visit apostles.org/women.
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MEN’S MINISTRY We have several opportunities for men in Atlanta to grow spiritually, become accountable, and build friendships. In our weekly gathering called, The Hub, and in our small groups, you can grow in God’s Word, share life with other men, and minister to others by using your spiritual gifts. Come find your place to belong at Apostles.
“Every man needs a brotherhood. It is dangerous to be a lone ranger in today’s world. Join with other men and fortify your faith to make a difference in your life, your family, and your community.”
Class
Info
Description
The HUB
Tuesday Mornings
Men’s Gathering
7:00 – 8:00 a.m. (6:45 a.m. Breakfast)
Men, join us at The Hub to be equipped by God’s Truth, encouraged by God’s People, and empowered by God’s Spirit.
The Commons
Join us for a complimentary light breakfast, challenging teaching, and interactive discussion around the tables. For more information, contact Jeff Falkowski at jfalkowski@apostles.org.
Men’s Small Groups
Weekday Mornings
Marriage, children, work, home, faith — the challenges abound. In today’s world, it’s tough to be who God has called us to be. How do we follow Him and lead others? How do we balance the demands at work with the responsibilities at home? How do we love our wives like Christ loved the Church? God did not intend for you to discover these answers by yourself. You were created to live in community with other men who are wrestling with the same issues. Come join other men at the church to study Scripture, apply it to real life, and sharpen your focus on Christ. To find out more about Men’s Small Groups, contact Rhonda Saduddin at rsaduddin@apostles.org or 404-564-3152.
For more information, please visit apostles.org/men.
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YOUNG FAMILIES MINISTRY
FAMILY CONNECTION CLASS SUNDAYS | 9:00 A.M.
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he Young Families ministry at Apostles includes those who are recently married to those whose children are starting their middle school years. Whether you are married, married with children, or a single parent, these years go by fast.
Life can become hectic due to the amount of activities during this stage of life. It is important to intentionally undergird yourself, your marriage, and your children with the Scriptures during these crucial years. Creating a strong biblical culture and community for your family is essential if you want faith to thrive in your home. We have two primary landing spots for young families at Apostles. One is the Family Connection class, which meets at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday mornings in rooms 620-623 for a time of teaching and sharing. This is a great time to meet because there are also children’s classes planned at this time. Another important option is to connect with one of our small groups that meets during the week. Here you can join others in a solid, biblical community.
For more information, please visit apostles.org/youngfamilies or contact Rhonda Saduddin at rsaduddin@apostles.org.
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ADULT BIBLE COMMUNITIES A
dult Bible Classes at The Church of The Apostles are designed to equip you with tools to study the Bible, dig deep into scripture, and grow in your walk with Christ. With seasoned Bible teachers, we offer many classes with varying topics on different books of the Bible.
Join us in studying the Word of God, growing in your relationship with God, and meeting other believers on the same journey as you. Adult Bible Classes meet each week unless indicated online for a Holiday.
You can register for a class anytime, even if it has already started, or feel free to join a class on Sunday morning once you arrive at the church.
For more information, please visit apostles.org/abc.
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CONGREGATIONAL CARE C
ongregational Care offers areas of support for the person searching for hope and healing. Together, we invest in the Sowing and harvesting of good seeds through biblical teachings and works of compassion. We hope you will find your place to humbly co-labor with us in service to Jesus Christ, His church, and our community.
We seek to fulfill this ministry by showing compassion to those in need and providing classes to help those dealing with difficult situations such as grief, divorce, life transitions, or brokenness. Here are some of our ministry offerings:
Ministry
Description
Cross Current
No matter what your issue is, Cross Current provides a confidential proven path to healing, freedom, and peace. No matter how broken or hopeless we may perceive ourselves, God upholds us in hope!
Living Waters
A twenty-session discipleship and prayer ministry addresses the roots of relational or sexual issues. Living Waters is about finding a way to admit brokenness, understand why we are broken, and accept the fact that the only way to wholeness is through a relationship with Jesus Christ.
GriefShare
A 13-week support group for those experiencing grief. You’ll learn helpful ways of coping with grief, in all its unpredictability, and gain solid support for each step of the way.
DivorceCare
A 13-week support group that guides people toward recovery after separation or divorce.
Stephen Ministry
Stephen Ministry is a unique, one-to-one, Christ-centered caring ministry. Trained lay ministers in our congregation are available to meet with, pray with, and walk alongside those who are experiencing struggles, hurts, or overwhelming circumstances within a supportive, caring relationship.
The Bridge
At The Bridge, we meet with individuals, adolescents, couples, and families to provide strategies and resources to help them on their journey toward wholeness. Our expertise includes crisis consultations and support, addiction interventions, referrals and placement advice, pastoral counseling, and strategies for long-term recovery success.
Grace Touch
Grace Touch ministry is available for those in need of a meal when unexpected circumstances arise.
Biblical Counseling
Personal, biblically-informed guidance is available by contacting us to schedule an appointment.
For more information, please visit apostles.org/care.
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OASIS is a ministry for our seniors, developed and facilitated by our seniors. It is a platform where faith and love grow together as we build community and cultivate hearts for Christ. With an emphasis on Dr. Youssef’s Ten-Year Vision “to reach the next generation with the whole gospel of Jesus Christ,” we desire to create spaces for fellowship, local service work, missions, discipleship, worship, and resources to foster intergenerational worship and life together.
Volunteer Opportunities GraceTouch Meals
Share the grace and love of our Lord by providing a meal and a personal contact to those in our midst in need of refreshment, care, and encouragement. As a volunteer, you have the opportunity to help cook meals to be taken to families who have a need or help deliver meals to families.
Shut-In Care
Look to the interests of others by fellowshipping with those who can no longer attend church regularly due to illness or infirmity. Connecting with homebound members can be done over the phone or through in-person visitations.
Prayers Opportunities
Grandparents @ Prayer
There is no greater gift we can give to our grandchildren and no stronger weapon we can wield on their behalf than our prayers. Please join us as we regularly and intentionally pray bold, biblical prayers for our grandchildren. Contact Robyn Smith at robynsbird@gmail.com.
For more information, please visit apostles.org/oasis.
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SERVE E
ach of us was created uniquely by God with talents and abilities that can help others.
We believe that the way we serve and love our neighbor should overflow from God’s gracious gift of faith to us in Christ Jesus. The Church of The Apostles offers opportunities to serve inside the church and in our local community. You can use your gifts, build friendships, and make an impact for Christ as you serve others.
Each year, The Church of The Apostles sets aside 20% of the offerings received to use for missions and ministries both locally and globally.
We hope you will engage in service with us today! Visit apostles.org/serve to find out more.
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HOW TO CONTACT US The Church of The Apostles 3585 Northside Parkway Atlanta, GA 30327 P: 404.842.0200 E: apostles@apostles.org W: apostles.org
WORSHIP SUNDAY The Gathering of the Body: 9:00 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. WEDNESDAY Midweek Dinner: 5:00 p.m. Midweek Prayer: 6:15 p.m.
LEADING THE WAY with Dr. Michael Youssef PO Box 20100 | Atlanta, GA 30325 P: 404.841.0100 Order: 1.800.337.5323 W: LTW.org
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