True Prophecy Bible Church

Membership

  1. Home
  2. Membership

MEMBERSHIP :

Biblical concepts of membership.

We recognize that all persons who know Jesus as Saviour are added to the universal church which is the Bride of Christ. There is, however, evidence that the New Testament recognized definable groups of people in local areas that came together for fellowship. This local body of believers was a microcosm of the universal church. In Acts 2:41-42 the pattern for the early church that met at Jerusalem seemed to involve an “adding” to the church. The “adding” was based on their acknowledgement of their faith in Christ.

BENEFITS OF BELONGING TO A LOCAL CHURCH

We recognize that all persons who know Jesus as Saviour are added to the universal church which is the Bride of Christ. There is, however, evidence that the New Testament recognized definable groups of people in local areas that came together for fellowship. This local body of believers was a microcosm of the universal church. In Acts 2:41-42 the pattern for the early church that met at Jerusalem seemed to involve an “adding” to the church. The “adding” was based on their acknowledgement of their faith in Christ.

1. Acceptance.

In Romans 15:7 an over-arching principle becomes the foundation of all relationships within the body of Christians, "Therefore accept one another just as Christ has accepted you.” The membership process is never to be seen as a kind of admittance to an exclusive club, available only to the perfect and mature. We understand that the Church is made up of fallen people who have been forgiven. Joining together as a local body of Christians is very beneficial to all involved.

2. True Community.

One of the gifts given to those who embrace the message of the Gospel, in addition to salvation, is that they are brought into a true community of fellowship. This introduction is best accomplished by becoming associated with a local Church.

3. Sense of Belonging.

Belonging or association provides a means by which people can say, “I belong to these people and they belong to me.” A person becomes part of a greater group of people whose needs are the same and who are committed to each other in their walk with God.

4. A Step of Commitment

Belonging or associating affirms the commitment of the individual to the well being of the local fellowship and also the commitment of the other Christians to him or her.

Membership

RESPONSIBILITY OF THE CHURCH TO ITS MEMBERS:

  • To provide opportunities to serve within the sphere of their spiritual giftedness.
  • To provide relevant, life-related teaching under the power of God’s Spirit.
  • To provide opportunities for life-changing encounters with God through worship.
  • To provide opportunities and vehicles of training so that members are equipped for Church. e. To provide an environment for pastoral care and spiritual growth to encourage and support each member in their walk with God.

RESPONSIBILITY OF MEMBERS TO THE CHURCH

  • That they lovingly use their spiritual gifts to the church body. ((1 Corinthians 12:4-11; 13:13; 14:22, 26; Ephesians 4:11-12)
  • That they demonstrate their faith by Christ-like behavior to maintain loving relationships within the church body.
  • That they embrace and promote doctrines and values embodied in the Church’s Statements of Faith and Values.
  • That they respect and cooperate with the leadership of the church and work with them for the unity and well being of the church. (1 Corinthians 16:15-16; 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13; Hebrews 13:17)
  • That they share their resources for the Church of the church.

REQUIREMENTS FOR MEMBERSHIP

  • That they be able to give a personal testimony of their faith in Christ. (1 Peter 3:15; 2 Corinthians 5:17-20)
  • We encourage Christians to be baptized as an expression of their faith. (Acts 2:38-42)
  • That they agree with the Church’s Statement of Faith and can generally embrace the Core Values of the church
  • That, whenever possible, they attend Regular functions of the church, especially Worship services.
  • All members are encouraged to be involved in one of the Life Groups which are designed for nurture, learning and pastoral care.

PROCEDURE FOR MEMBERSHIP

  • After a person(s) has been attending services and daily activities for three months he or she will be visited by two members of the Leadership Team or their delegates.
  • If they are considering becoming members of the church they will be given a “New Members” packet with all the written materials designed for church members.
  • After they have read the material, if they can affirm their faith in Christ, they will be welcomed publicly on scheduled time
  • Attend Connection Classes to review the doctrines, core values and philosophy of Church of the church.
  • Sign “Acceptance of Membership” form.
  • When a person transfers from another church, confirm his or her good standing in the other assembly meeting.

TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP

Membership in the church can be terminated in the following ways:

  • Relocation to another geographical area.
  • Voluntary absence for an extended period of time.
  • church discipline violation

Submit Your Membership application :

Click Here to fill the Form