Introduction to the concept of Membership

One of the most frequently asked question in the church today is: “why join?”

We clearly live in an age of non-joiners. Many are baby-boomers who are not only less than neutral about joining, but have an inherent distrust of the “system” which prevents them from joining.

This last decade has given them many reasons not to trust and “organized religion”, so it is our responsibility to reshape their thinking by offering a positive and productive model of membership in the local church. This can be done by a creative and well-designed membership class.

The question still remain: “why join?” The answer is commitment. The Christian church is desperately lacking in commitment, both to Christ and His Church (His Kingdom), by her people. This is reflected in lack of tithes, church hopping and lack in ministry involvement.

It's true; when someone becomes a Christian they become an automatic “member” in the kingdom of God . So joining the church has nothing to do with salvation or eternal life. But the church does represent the place of spiritual growth for the believer. The church is the God-ordained place of spiritually gifted ministry by those who are part of the team. All teams require commitment. Professional athletes do not collect paychecks without playing ball! (Well, most of them!).

This certainly is not works-righteousness. We are saved by faith alone, but this is “team-ball”. That is the central commitment that is being made. The new member is signing up to “play ball” on the ministry team of the local church.

The membership class, though broad in its scope, converges on the central theme of commitment to Christ and His ministry through the local body of believers.

The Membership Process

1. Make a request to be part of a membership by signing up on the sheet in the foyer.
2. Attend the membership seminar. Complete the spiritual gifts discovery and write out your personal testimony.
3. Make application for membership by completing the application card. Enjoy a personal interview with one of the pastoral staff to be scheduled following the membership seminar.
4. Participate in a New Members Reception and receive the “Right Hand of Fellowship” at a Sunday service.

The membership class is offered two to three times a year. For more information call Pastor Al Micieli at 239-774-1165.