CHURCH MEMBERSHIP
Jesus and the writers of the NT point Christians toward the primacy of the Church and the importance of Christians submitting and committing to one another in local churches. We believe formalized "Church Membership" as the best way to fulfill what we see in Scripture. If you are considering membership, we encourage you to read or listen to “Is Church Membership Biblical?”.
Becoming a member of our church involves four steps:
STEP 1: Membership Class – Typically three times per year, a class is held to walk those interested in membership through our (1) Confession of Faith: what we believe, (2) Church Covenant: what it means to be a member, and (3) Constitution and Bylaws: how we function as a church. NOTE: Participation in this class is required for membership, but does not obligate nor guarantee anyone to membership. We welcome those who are interested at various levels. For example, a person is welcome to attend the class simply to understand more about membership and not move forward in the process.
STEP 2: Membership Interview – Those interested in becoming a member should (1) make their interest known to one of our elders, (2) fill out a short membership application online, and then (3) set up a time for a membership interview. This meeting is an opportunity for the elders to hear the candidates’s understanding of the gospel and conversion to Christ and also for the candidate to ask any questions of the elders about the church.
STEP 3: Elder Recommendation – After meeting with the candidate, the elders who conducted the interview review the candidate’s application with the other elders and give their recommendation. If recommended for membership, the candidate’s request for membership is forwarded to the members along with the elders' recommendation for their consideration and final affirmation.
STEP 4: Church Affirmation - As part of the next members meeting, approved candidates are recommend by the elders and received by the church into membership. The new member signs the church covenant and all members renew their covenant with one another.
Each new member (and family) is placed under the shepherding care of an elder.