Although it is possible for a person to believe in Jesus without ever joining a local church, we believe that membership in a local church is an important part of becoming a passionate and devoted follower of Jesus. Here are just a few of the reasons you might consider joining as members.
YOU BUILD RELATIONSHIPS WITH PEOPLE WHO HELP YOU GROW.
Members make commitments to share life together and to build supportive relationships in the church family. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 states, "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the one who falls and has no one to help him up!"
YOU BELONG TO SOMETHING BIGGER THAN YOURSELF.
Members help a church like ours to grow along with this growing community. As we mature as a church we hope to build a mature base of members. When people become members, the church is in a much better position to reach its full potential, to gather input on the ministry, to consider future needs (ministry, mission, building, etc), and to prepare for all that God’s wants to do. "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you."
Matthew 28:19-20
YOU FIND ADDITIONAL WAYS TO USE YOUR GIFTS.
The future of a growing church relies to a large extent upon a growing leadership team at all levels (ministry teams, small groups, finance, elders, etc). Those who demonstrated a commitment to membership are the ones who are invited to grow, develop, and serve in leadership roles. In 1 Timothy 4:14 we are encouraged to “not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you…”
Membership is open to those who confess a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and who show a desire to live out their commitment to Christ, to His church, and to this community. To help people consider this important next step we invite them to attend GRACE 101. At this event a person will have the chance to learn more about the benefits of belonging, the basic expectations of members, as well as the background, beliefs, bylaws which we hope will fulfill God’s plans for us.
Those who have already attended Grace 101 and who want to join will be asked to fill out a membership questionnaire. Although we can receive questionnaires at any time, we vote on new members at a business meeting. If you have specific questions or concerns to discuss, please contact the church office or speak to one of our leaders.