The Church Manual: Member

To be part of a church community is one of the beautiful experiences in a Christian's journey. When we talk about becoming a member of the church, we're talking about more than just showing up on Sabbaths or attending a Bible study. We're talking about becoming an integral part of a spiritual family.

Being a member of the church isn't just about having your name add to a list. It's about commitment — to God, to fellow believers, and to the teachings and mission of the church. As baptism is an outward sign between the believer and God, membership is an outward sign between the believer and the church. It signifies a believer's intention to be accountable, to grow spiritually, and to contribute to the body of Christ.

NOTE: If you've been baptized in another church that holds to the same understanding of baptism as we do, there's no requirement to be re-baptized. ¹⁾

In line with the words of Jesus, “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved…” (Mark 16:16) ²⁾, baptism is seen as an outward declaration of an inward change. This act of immersion, representing the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ, is an essential step in the Christian journey.

If you feel compelled to be re-baptized, whether due to the unbiblical nature of your previous baptism or your own deep desire to recommit to God after having fallen away, then we will consider re-baptizing you. The decision to do so rests with the church pastor and elders. As a church, however, we will only do this one time.

Your desire to be a member means you're willing to be held accountable by the community — that is, the local congregation and the larger church body. It's not about exclusivity, but about mutual responsibility. Thus, the petition to become a member is presented to the local congregation for a vot. This is more than a formality; it allows the congregation to recognize and welcome you officially into the church family.

The initial petition to join should be submitted to the membership committee. It is the committee's responsibility to ensure the petitioner is prepared for membership. They determine when to submit the candidate to the congregation to be voted into membership. The committee should not submit candidates unless they are confident the congregation will accept them.

The church operates as a body, each member playing its part. Just as the “body is not made up of one part, but many” (1 Corinthians 12:14), the decision to bring someone into membership is made collectively. After presenting the petition, the local congregation will vote, with a 2/3 majority required to pass. It's a way for the church to affirm God's work in an individual's life and for that individual to accept the mutual responsibilities of church membership.

In the unlikely case that a vote fails — unlikely because the membership committee should have done this work before bringing the candidate up for a vote — the membership committee will request to meet privately with the objectors to discuss their concerns. The candidate is permitted to be present for such discussions and the committee is encouraged to not exclude them.

After the dissenting voices have been heard, then the candidate and committee can, no sooner than four Sabbaths after the initial vote, resubmit the candidate to the congregation. In the interim, it is expected the committee will work with the candidate, the objectors, and the congregation at large to overcome objections and otherwise rectify the situation.

If the second vote should also fail, then the candidate will be recognized as an attendee — should they choose to continue to participate in the congregation. They can then request to be reconsidered for membership one year after the previous request.

Once you become a member, it's not just about what you can get, but what you can give. However, membership does come with certain privileges:

As a member, you're eligible for various leadership roles within the church such as elder, officer, or various chairs. These roles are essential as they guide the congregation in various aspects of church life, ensuring everything runs in order and according to God's word.

Beyond leadership, there are numerous service opportunities. These roles might be behind the scenes, but they're crucial. Whether it's helping with kids' programs, joining the worship team, aiding in community outreach, or coordinating fellowship meals, members are encouraged to find their place and serve.

As a member, you have the option to have your donations recorded and to receive quarterly statements for tax purposes. This work is handled discretely, with only the pastor, elders, and treasurer knowing individual donation details.

To become a member of the church is to answer the call of being part of something bigger than oneself. It's a commitment to love, serve, and grow alongside fellow believers. While the journey with Christ is deeply personal, the walk of faith was never meant to be a solo endeavor. By seeking membership, you're joining a family, ready to support and be supported in the wondrous journey of faith.

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