Membership
Why Membership?
“Be devoted to one another in brotherly love.”
Romans 12:10
When you buy a house, get married, or even rent a car, you’re expected to show your commitment. There’s a requirement that you’ll sign a contract, showing your willingness to stick with the process, whether that’s paying off the mortgage, remaining faithful to your spouse, or returning the rental car. In each case, there’s a commitment.
Church membership is also a commitment, but it’s not asking anything more of you than what the Bible has already commanded. According to the Bible every Christian is expected to:
- Regularly meet with a local group of believers (Heb. 10:23-25)
- Help other believers grow to maturity in Christ (Eph. 4:15-16)
- Protect other believers from sin’s deception (Heb. 3:12-13)
- Submit to the leaders of a local church (Heb. 13:17)
While it doesn’t directly teach local church membership, the Bible does expect that we’ll make a clear distinction between who’s in and who’s out. Those believers who live in unrepentant sin are to be excluded from the fellowship (1 Corinthians 5:9-13; 2 Thessalonians 3:14-15). Likewise, Jesus tells us that if a brother sins and refuses to listen to those who confront him, the matter is to be brought before their church (Matt 18:15-17). In each case, it’s the local church that handles the matter and in each case the Elders of the church need to know who is entrusted to their care (1 Peter 5:2-4).
Each of these commands of Scripture implies a clear commitment to a local group of believers.
Who can be a Member?
Membership at Grace Church is for adults who:
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- Have been baptized as a profession of their faith in Christ
- Agree to conduct themselves in accordance with the Grace Church Membership Covenant
- Agree to abide by the Grace Church Statement of Faith, and not promote doctrines contrary to this statement
- Agree to the statements on church discipline and mediation
Believer's Baptism
Grace Church practices what is known as believer’s baptism.
This means we believe baptism is only intended for those who have embraced the gospel, placing their faith in the saving work of Jesus Christ. In obedience to Christ’s command, every believer should be immersed in water in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Water baptism serves as a visual and symbolic demonstration of a person’s union with Christ in the likeness of His death and resurrection. Believer’s baptism is a prerequisite for membership at Grace Church.
What is the Member Commitment?
Grace Church Tri-Cities Membership Covenant
We, the members of Grace Church Tri-Cities, having placed our faith in Christ, and having expressed that faith through baptism in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, make the following commitments in dependence upon God:
We will submit to God’s Word as the final authority on all issues to which it speaks. (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21).
We will continually labor and pray for the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace in our midst. (Ephesians 4:3; Colossians 3:12-16).
We will live in community together in Christ-like love – showing kindness, taking responsibility for each other, bearing one another’s burdens, and confronting sin as occasion may require. (John 13:34-35; Galatians 6:1-2).
We will handle any concern or grievance with one another by speaking directly with that person, seeking resolution without unhealthy delay or gossip. (Matthew 18:15-17; Ephesians 4:31; Proverbs 25:9).
We will not forsake the assembling of ourselves together, nor neglect to pray for each other (Hebrews 3:13, 10:23-25; James 5:16).
We will submit to the elders and other appointed leaders of the church as they seek to faithfully lead us, knowing that they will give account to Christ as Judge (Hebrews 13:17; 1 Peter 5:5).
We will work together for long-term, faithful, gospel-centered ministry in this church by energetically upholding our practices of worship, community discipline, and doctrine. (Jude 1:3; Philippians 1:27; 2 Timothy 1:13)
We will joyfully raise children in our care in the nurture and instruction of the Lord, and by a pure and loving example seek the salvation of our family and friends (Ephesians 6:4; 1 Peter 2:11-12).
We will seek to live carefully in the world, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, leading a new and holy life in Christ (Ephesians 4:22; Titus 2:12; 2 Corinthians 6:14-18).
We will seek the good of the society in which we live, namely, the righteous rule of God realized in every corner of our community (Jeremiah 29:7; 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12; Jeremiah 9:24).
We will contribute cheerfully and regularly to the support of ministry, the expenses of the church, the relief of the poor, and the spread of the gospel through all nations (2 Corinthians 4:11; 1 Timothy 5:17-18; 2 Corinthians 9:6-15).
We will, if any of us move away from this place, as soon as possible unite with some other church where we can continue to carry out the spirit of this covenant with a new community.
May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all. Amen. (2 Corinthians 13:14)
What is the Biblical basis for this Covenant?
