Why Have Church Membership?

Every Christ-follower is part of God’s Big Family, the “Universal Church” made up of Christ’s people of all times, places, and cultures. We are also privileged and called to be part of the local expression of the church. We need shepherds and shepherds need to know their flocks. Active membership helps to move us from the vagueness of good intentions to committed participation. It’s part of being “devoted.” Membership is a way of saying, “I’m on the team! I share the vision! I’m here to serve with you!”

As Active Members, we take “ownership” of the healthiness of the church. We live out mutual responsibility and accountability toward one another. The New Testament gives accounts of the church making decisions, affirming gifts and leadership offices, and exercising good discipline toward those needing correction, reproof, encouragement and restoration. We need one another and membership says, “We are at each other’s disposal. We’re committed to one another!”

What are the Expectations of Membership?

Five G’s can summarize the expectations we have for one another as Active Members:

1. Grace - we are clear about our personal relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ, confessing Jesus as Lord and Savior and the Bible as our only authority for faith, doctrine, and conduct. Baptism is a requirement for active membership as the sacrament of initiation into Christ. One of the purposes of meeting with Elders is to affirm our personal faith. If there is a clear need for further instruction in biblical faith, opportunities will be made available.

2. Growth - we are committed to spiritual growth through the disciplines of worship, prayer, Scripture study and meditation, serving, etc. We can’t grow as disciples in a vacuum. We need the Community of fellow believers who actively love and care for us.

3. Groups - as discussed earlier, small groups are often where we experience authentic community most powerfully. Many kinds of groups are offered depending on our current needs and situations.

4. Gifts - we seek to understand, identify, develop, and use our spiritual gifts for serving God together.

5. Good Stewardship - Whole-Life Stewardship is a life-long process of recognizing that God is the master of everything and we are the stewards. He has chosen to manage His resources. It’s coming to view ourselves and all we have as being at the disposal of the Owner. Our Time, our Talents and Gifts, our money and possessions are means to love God and others in His name.

The process of becoming an active member of Christ Church?

• Discovery – This course offered Sunday mornings and at other times on a regular basis.

• Affirmation – A scheduled session with the Elders to share your personal journey and to speak personally about your questions.

• Celebration – New members are welcomed during a Sunday worship service.

If you would like more information about church membership, you can get in touch with us using our site contact form. We would love to hear from you!