MEMBERSHIP
MEMBERSHIP
When someone becomes a Christian, they are baptized by the Holy Spirit into the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:13). This is the universal church, the body of believers from throughout history. However, our first priority then is to go and unite with the family, and the church. What we need to do is identify with the local manifestation of this spiritual body. We are called to live in a community with mutual accountability and love (Hebrews 3:13; Ephesians 4:11-16; etc.). Furthermore, elders (pastors) are called to lead, feed, and protect the flock spiritually (1 Peter 5:1-3). Pastors are going to give an account for their people (Hebrews. 13:17). As a covenant community, we believe that church membership is an essential component of clearly establishing, communicating, and sustaining a true gospel community. Those who choose not to become members will be ineligible for certain leadership positions within the church and be unable to participate in certain of the church’s apostolic and missional activities.
REQUIREMENTS FOR MEMBERSHIP
- Be born again, accepting Jesus Christ as Lord (John 3:3)
- Be water baptized by immersion. (Romans 6)
- Believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God. (2 Timothy 3:16)
- Agree with the direction and vision of the Pastor and Elders (Amos 3:3)
- Attend the City of Refuge for at least 4 weeks prior to application.
- Attend the New Members seminar.
- Agree to submit the lives of yourself and your family to the spiritual oversight, guidance, and wisdom of the Church leadership. (Hebrews 13:17)
- Speak with the Lead Pastor Elder or a Pastor Elder.
- Not be currently under Church discipline by another Church body.
RESPONSIBILITY OF MEMBERS
- Attend and support church activities, including weekly services, home groups, prayer meetings, etc.
- Commit your time and talents to the support of the church and its members; encouraging and uplifting one another.
- Learn what your calling and giftings are; grow in them and function as part of the body of Christ.
- Actively look to be a doer of the Word; evangelize, lay hands on the sick, help the needy, comfort the dispossessed and marginalized, etc.
- Increase personal growth through personal Bible study and regular prayer.
- Support and pray for the church leaders.
- Focus on things that are above; are honorable, and uplifting; abstain from strife, divisive talk, gossip, and grumbling.
- Give financially to support the church