MEMBERSHIP
BIBLICAL CONCEPTS OF MEMBERSHIP

We recognize that all persons who know Jesus as Saviour are added to the universal church which is the bride of the church. There is, however, evidence that the New Testament recognized definable groups of people in local areas that came together for fellowship. This local body of believers was a microcosm of the universal church. In Acts 2:41-42, the pattern for the early church that met at Jerusalem seemed to involve an “adding” to the church. The “adding’ was based on their knowledge of their faith in Christ.


BENEFITS OF BELONGING TO A LOCAL CHURCH

  1. ACCEPTANCE: In Romans 15:7, an over arching principles becomes the foundation of all relationships within the body of Christians, “therefore, accept one another just as Christ has accepted you”. The membership process is never to be seen as a kind of admittance to an “exclusive club” available only to the perfect & matured saint. We understand that the church is made up of fallen people who have been forgiven. Joining together as a local body of Christians is very beneficial to all involved.
  2. True Community: One of the gifts given to those who embrace the message of the Gospel, in addition to salvation is that they are brought into a true community of fellowship. This introduction is best accomplished by becoming associated with a local church.
  3. Sense of belonging: Belonging or association provides a means by which people can say, “I belong to these people and they belong to me”. A person becomes part of a greater group of people whose need are the same and who are committed to each other in their walk with God.
  4. A step of commitment: Belonging or associating affirms the commitment of the individual to the well being of the local fellowship and also the commitment of other Christians to him/her.

    RESPONSIBILITY OF THE CHURCH TO ITS MEMBER
  • To provide opportunities to serve within the sphere of their spiritual giftedness.
  • To provide relevant, life-related teaching under the power of God’s spirit.
  • To provide opportunities for life changing encounters with God through worship.
  • To provide opportunities and vehicles of training so that members are equipped for ministry.
  • To provide an environment for pastoral care and spiritual growth to encourage and support each member in their walk with God.


RESPONSIBILITY OF MEMBERS TO THE CHURCH

  • That they lovingly use their spiritual gifts to minister to the church body. (1 Corinthians 12:4-11; 13:13,14:22,26; Ephesians 4:11-12)
  • That they demonstrate their faith by Christ-like behavior to maintain loving relationships within the church body.
  • That they embrace and promote doctrines and values embodied in the church’s statements of faith and values.
  • That they respect and cooperate with the leadership of the church and work with them for the unity and well being of the church. (1 Corinthians 16:15-16; 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13; Hebrews 13:17)
  • That they share their resources for the ministry of the church.
  • That they attend congregational meetings when possible and members 18 years of age and older may vote on issues.

    REQUIREMENTS FOR MEMBERSHIP

    a. That they be able to give a personal testimony of their faith in Christ. (1 Peter 3:15; 2 Corinthians 5:17-20)
    b. We encourage Christians to be baptized as an expression of their faith. (Acts 2:38-42)
    c. That they agree with the Church’s statement of faith and can generally embrace the core values of the church.
    d. That, whenever possible, they attend regular functions of the church, especially Sunday morning services.
    e. All members are encouraged to be involved in one of the Life Groups which are designed for nurture, learning and pastoral care.

    TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP

    Membership in the Church can be terminated in the following way:
    a. Voluntary absence for an extended period of time.
    b. Church discipline.

    CHURCH DISCIPLINE

    Church discipline is the responsibility of the Leadership Team and is only considered when a member persists in pursuing a sinful path and refuses to work on restoration and fellowship. The objective of church discipline is to help bring restoration, fellowship with God and a renewal of a loving and joyful fellowship within the local body of Christians. Any disciplinary action would be taken only after due pastoral care, enquiry, and prayer. The process would include the following:
  • Investigation to collect the facts.
  • Interaction to seek acknowledgement and repentance.
  • Reconciliation and celebration.

    The Church should protect itself by clearly communicating the membership process to members and potential members and ensuring that the process that has been documented is followed in every situation.

    INVOLVEMENT OF MEMBERS AND NON-MEMBERS IN THE MINISTRY OF THE CHURCH

    a. All teaching functions of the church must be carried out by members who are committed followers of Christ. (i.e Sunday School and youth teachers, pulpit ministry, etc.)
    b. The Leadership team and ministry leaders must be members of the church.
    c. Persons, other than members, are invited and encouraged to serve the church in other ministry areas.
Contact us Now