Church Membership

“Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matt. 28:19-10

• Believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.
• Be baptized as a public declaration of your faith.
• Commit to ongoing spiritual growth (discipleship).
• Look for opportunities to disciple others.

”Do not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Heb. 10:25

• Participate in the life of the church.
• Attend service at least half the time.
• Develop friendships at church.

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” Phil. 2:3

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10

• Volunteer in a ministry at least once a month.
• Participate in opportunities to serve those outside the church.
• Consider others more important than yourself.

“Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” 2 Cor. 9:6-8

• Financially give regularly, generously, and according to ability.
  Regular = consistent, intentional, planned.
  Generous = an amount that matters to you, costs you something, and engages your heart.
  According to ability = in proportion to what God has given you.
• Look for opportunities to give time, skills, expertise, donations, etc.
• Don’t come to God empty-handed.

“Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.” 1 Peter 5:2-3

“Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God,[a] which he bought with his own blood.” Acts 20:28

• Care for your spiritual, emotional, and physical needs.
• Provide spiritual guidance and training.
• Lead out of a desire to please God and not for personal gain.

“These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you.” Titus 2:15

“Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.” Hebrews 13:17

• Recognize that Jesus is the head of this church and that our authority comes from him.
• Speak against sin and call people to repentance.
• Help you resolve conflict with biblical reconciliation.
• Exercise spiritual discipline when necessary.
• Encourage and empower you to use your spiritual authority in Christ.

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2

“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day, they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” Acts 2:42-47

Participate in life’s celebrations—baby dedications, parties, house blessings, graduations, weddings, funerals, and more.

Preside over weddings and funerals.

Provide financial and practical assistance for funerals.

“In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.” Acts 6:1-4

• Provide you with opportunities to vote in church elections and business meetings.
• Listen to your needs, opinions, and concerns about church initiatives, strategic plans, and leadership.