We recognize the need for formal membership. We ask our members to commit themselves to God’s local body of believers by signing the Church Covenant that defines what is expected for all members. Members are not asked to do any more than what is clearly taught in the Bible. Some major responsibilities are spelled out in the Membership Covenant. However, the Bible is our guide and we seek to obey all its commands as given by God.
During any of the church’s services a person may present himself or herself as a candidate for church membership. Candidates for membership may request to join the church in one of the following ways:
- By profession of faith in Jesus Christ and following Him in obedience to His commandment to be baptized (immersed) in water. Baptism is not a requirement for salvation but is an act of obedience.
- By promise of a letter of recommendation from another church with similar doctrinal beliefs; or
- By statement of faith in Jesus Christ and having been Scripturally baptized.
The pastor will then meet with the prospective candidate as soon as possible to teach them what it means to become a member and to go over the Membership Covenant. If candidates for membership have areas in their lives that don’t agree with the covenant statements they will not be allowed to be a member. The pastoral staff and other members will work with the candidate to assist them in meeting its requirements. Once the candidate signs the covenant and the membership has been given a minimum of one week to present concerns to the pastor, then the pastor will present the candidate for a verbal vote of the church. The pastor may call this brief conference before, during, or after any of the church’s worship services. The pastor, at that time, will sign the covenant and the candidate becomes a member.