Why Membership?

What Difference Does it Make?

Since one can attend our church and serve in various ways without becoming a member, why bother with actually becoming a formal member? By being a member of a church, you are making a public, formal commitment to this congregation. Although attendees can have a sense of responsibility and commitment, membership makes the commitment public and concrete. Even when our intentions are good, we all know that public commitments impact us more deeply than private feelings. Church membership also intensifies our commitment. Members are committed to one another. Again, attendees can have a sense of commitment. However, when you become a member you are publicly saying "I am committing myself to this church and the people who are part of it." In addition, you are inviting the other members and the leaders of this church to commit themselves to you.

Membership Requirements

The Bible teaches the following requirements for church membership:

Trust Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior (John 3:15, Acts 16:30, Romans 3:28, Romans 10:9, Galatians 3:7, Ephesians 2:8-10).
Confess Jesus as Lord publicly (Matthew 10:32, Romans 10:9-10).
Repent (Luke 13:3, Acts 3:3-8, Acts 3:19, 2 Corinthians 7:10).
Be baptized by immersion (Matthew 28:19, Acts 2:38, Acts 22:16, Romans 6:3-5, Galatians 3:27, 1 Peter 3:21).

Expectations

All that is expected is what the Bible requires of any follower of Jesus:

Progress in obedience to Christ (John 14:15).
Worship regularly with the church family (Psalm 150:1, Ephesians 5:19-20).
Participate regularly in a fellowship group (Hebrews 10:24-25, Acts 2:42-47).
Serve faithfully in ministry (1 Peter 4:10).
Support financially the church's ministry by generous proportional giving (2 Corinthians 9:6-15).
Be responsive to the church's leadership (Hebrews 13:17).
Influence your network of friends, relatives, and associates to become Christ's disciples (Matthew 28:19-20).

Of course, no one achieves these perfectly. We all need to strive toward them. Please see Brother Jim or any of our deacons or elders if you have any questions or need guidance.