Biblical Perspectives on Membership
Why membership? Is membership within a local church something that the Bible teaches? We think so.
The Bible teaches about the “church” as the “Body of Christ” composed of people from around the world who have received God’s grace by faith. We see many examples where the Bible refers to local assemblies of believers who are both committed to Christ and one another. To be a follower of Christ without a connection to a local church is like a part of our body that is disconnected from the rest—not healthy; so, we challenge all of those who attend our services regularly to pursue membership. The Bible teaches that we need one another in order to be healthy, growing believers (Hebrews 10:24-25), but also as we engage in the mission to which we are called (Acts 1:8). We need to know who is on our team, as we strive to fulfill our mission: “To Know Christ and make Christ known.”
Because we are committed to Christ as the “Head of the Church,” we are committed to the “Body of Christ”—the Church (I Corinthians 12:12-26). One of the primary ways that we can evidence our commitment to Christ’s Body is through our participation in our church family (Romans 12:3-13).
Acts 2:42-47 – Here we have a great example of the church of Jerusalem in the weeks after Jesus returned to the Father, leaving them to take the Good News to their neighbors. Their commitment to one another was a powerful witness.
Romans 12:3-8 – Paul makes clear the obligation that every believer has to one another as we work together to be the “body.”
I Corinthians 12:12-26 – Paul further develops this concept of believers making up the “Body.” He explains that when one neglects his participation in the Body not only does he contribute to the unhealthiness of his church, but also to his own lack of spiritual health. All of us need one another, both for practical reasons and for our spiritual growth.
Ephesians 2:19-21 – Our membership in any particular local church is based on our membership in the family of God.
Colossians 1:18 – We are the Body of Christ and Jesus is the Head. To reject the Body is to reject Christ.
Hebrews 10:19-25 – Because of what Jesus did as the Son of God to pay for our sin and secure our righteousness in Him, we can continue together in the mission that He has given us. Faith in Him includes walking by faith together with our brothers/sisters.
The Bible teaches about the “church” as the “Body of Christ” composed of people from around the world who have received God’s grace by faith. We see many examples where the Bible refers to local assemblies of believers who are both committed to Christ and one another. To be a follower of Christ without a connection to a local church is like a part of our body that is disconnected from the rest—not healthy; so, we challenge all of those who attend our services regularly to pursue membership. The Bible teaches that we need one another in order to be healthy, growing believers (Hebrews 10:24-25), but also as we engage in the mission to which we are called (Acts 1:8). We need to know who is on our team, as we strive to fulfill our mission: “To Know Christ and make Christ known.”
Because we are committed to Christ as the “Head of the Church,” we are committed to the “Body of Christ”—the Church (I Corinthians 12:12-26). One of the primary ways that we can evidence our commitment to Christ’s Body is through our participation in our church family (Romans 12:3-13).
Acts 2:42-47 – Here we have a great example of the church of Jerusalem in the weeks after Jesus returned to the Father, leaving them to take the Good News to their neighbors. Their commitment to one another was a powerful witness.
Romans 12:3-8 – Paul makes clear the obligation that every believer has to one another as we work together to be the “body.”
I Corinthians 12:12-26 – Paul further develops this concept of believers making up the “Body.” He explains that when one neglects his participation in the Body not only does he contribute to the unhealthiness of his church, but also to his own lack of spiritual health. All of us need one another, both for practical reasons and for our spiritual growth.
Ephesians 2:19-21 – Our membership in any particular local church is based on our membership in the family of God.
Colossians 1:18 – We are the Body of Christ and Jesus is the Head. To reject the Body is to reject Christ.
Hebrews 10:19-25 – Because of what Jesus did as the Son of God to pay for our sin and secure our righteousness in Him, we can continue together in the mission that He has given us. Faith in Him includes walking by faith together with our brothers/sisters.
Our Commitment
By becoming a church member you are taking a step of commitment to this local church:
- You commit yourself to use your spiritual gifts to help in the ministries of Grace, as we continue to share God’s love with our world..
- You commit yourself to pray for this ministry and encourage its leaders and people.
- You commit yourself to live your life in such a way as to bring honor to God and enhance the reputation of the church.
- You commit yourself to give sacrificially to the ministry of this church through your tithes and offerings, as the Lord guides you.
- You commit yourself to the central vision of this church which is ‘To know Christ and make Christ known.'
Becoming a Member
- Submit a Membership Application - A membership packet with the application is available in the church office.
- Attend GRACE 101 - a 2.5 hour class held throughout the year for all those who are new to our church or considering membership. It is an opportunity to learn about the history of Grace, how we do ministry, and how you can be apart of what He is doing. See our Welcome Events page for the next Grace 101 or let the office know of your interest in taking this class.
- Share your testimony of faith with our Elders - We will schedule a time for you to meet with our Elders; so that we can talk with you about the importance of membership and share with you what we should expect from one another as members. We will also ask you to tell us about your faith commitment to the Lord, including how He brought you to where you are.
- Welcome you at a morning Worship Service - We want to call you forward to give you a membership certificate, to pray for you, and then to celebrate with you for taking this step of commitment. It also gives our people opportunity meet you and welcome you into our church family.
Biblical Perspectives on Membership
Why membership? Is membership within a local church something that the Bible teaches? We think so.
The Bible teaches about the “church” as the “Body of Christ” composed of people from around the world who have received God’s grace by faith. We see many examples where the Bible refers to local assemblies of believers who are both committed to Christ and one another. To be a follower of Christ without a connection to a local church is like a part of our body that is disconnected from the rest—not healthy; so, we challenge all of those who attend our services regularly to pursue membership. The Bible teaches that we need one another in order to be healthy, growing believers (Hebrews 10:24-25), but also as we engage in the mission to which we are called (Acts 1:8). We need to know who is on our team, as we strive to fulfill our mission: “To Know Christ and make Christ known.”
Because we are committed to Christ as the “Head of the Church,” we are committed to the “Body of Christ”—the Church (I Corinthians 12:12-26). One of the primary ways that we can evidence our commitment to Christ’s Body is through our participation in our church family (Romans 12:3-13).
Acts 2:42-47 Here we have a great example of the church of Jerusalem in the weeks after Jesus returned to the Father, leaving them to take the Good News to their neighbors. Their commitment to one another was a powerful witness.
Romans 12:3-8 Paul makes clear the obligation that every believer has to one another as we work together to be the “body.”
I Corinthians 12:12-26 Paul further develops this concept of believers making up the “Body.” He explains that when one neglects his participation in the Body not only does he contribute to the unhealthiness of his church, but also to his own lack of spiritual health. All of us need one another, both for practical reasons and for our spiritual growth.
Ephesians 2:19-21 Our membership in any particular local church is based on our membership in the family of God.
Colossians 1:18 We are the Body of Christ and Jesus is the Head. To reject the Body is to reject Christ.
Hebrews 10:19-25 Because of what Jesus did as the Son of God to pay for our sin and secure our righteousness in Him, we can continue together in the mission that He has given us. Faith in Him includes walking by faith together with our brothers/sisters.
The Bible teaches about the “church” as the “Body of Christ” composed of people from around the world who have received God’s grace by faith. We see many examples where the Bible refers to local assemblies of believers who are both committed to Christ and one another. To be a follower of Christ without a connection to a local church is like a part of our body that is disconnected from the rest—not healthy; so, we challenge all of those who attend our services regularly to pursue membership. The Bible teaches that we need one another in order to be healthy, growing believers (Hebrews 10:24-25), but also as we engage in the mission to which we are called (Acts 1:8). We need to know who is on our team, as we strive to fulfill our mission: “To Know Christ and make Christ known.”
Because we are committed to Christ as the “Head of the Church,” we are committed to the “Body of Christ”—the Church (I Corinthians 12:12-26). One of the primary ways that we can evidence our commitment to Christ’s Body is through our participation in our church family (Romans 12:3-13).
Acts 2:42-47 Here we have a great example of the church of Jerusalem in the weeks after Jesus returned to the Father, leaving them to take the Good News to their neighbors. Their commitment to one another was a powerful witness.
Romans 12:3-8 Paul makes clear the obligation that every believer has to one another as we work together to be the “body.”
I Corinthians 12:12-26 Paul further develops this concept of believers making up the “Body.” He explains that when one neglects his participation in the Body not only does he contribute to the unhealthiness of his church, but also to his own lack of spiritual health. All of us need one another, both for practical reasons and for our spiritual growth.
Ephesians 2:19-21 Our membership in any particular local church is based on our membership in the family of God.
Colossians 1:18 We are the Body of Christ and Jesus is the Head. To reject the Body is to reject Christ.
Hebrews 10:19-25 Because of what Jesus did as the Son of God to pay for our sin and secure our righteousness in Him, we can continue together in the mission that He has given us. Faith in Him includes walking by faith together with our brothers/sisters.
Our Commitment
By becoming a church member you are taking a step of commitment to this local church:
- You commit yourself to use your spiritual gifts to help in the ministries of Grace, as we continue to share God’s love with our world.
- You commit yourself to pray for this ministry and encourage its leaders and people.
- You commit yourself to live your life in such a way as to bring honor to God and enhance the reputation of the church.
- You commit yourself to give sacrificially to the ministry of this church through your tithes and offerings, as the Lord guides you.
- You commit yourself to the central vision of this church which is ‘To know Christ and make Christ known.'
Becoming a Member
- Attend GRACE 101 This class is a 2.5 hour class held throughout the year for all those who are new to our church or considering membership. It is an opportunity to learn about the history of Grace, how we do ministry, and how you can be apart of what He is doing. See our Welcome Events page for the next Grace 101 or let the office know of your interest in taking this class.
- Submit a Membership Application An application is available in the church office.
- Share your testimony of faith with our Elders We will schedule a time for you to meet with our Elders; so that we can talk with you about the importance of membership and share with you what we should expect from one another as members. We will also ask you to tell us about your faith commitment to the Lord, including how He brought you to where you are.
- Welcome you at a morning Worship Service We want to call you forward to give you a membership certificate, to pray for you, and then to celebrate with you for taking this step of commitment. It also gives our people opportunity meet you and welcome you into our church family.