"What is the process of church membership?"  is a question we are frequently asked.  Contrary to the practice of churches to receive someone into membership the first time they visit (and perhaps never return), we believe the commitment to the local church is of great importance, and an enduring commitment.  Below is the basic process we practice, with the key documents one needs to be familiar with in order to begin the process.

Reception into Membership

1. Observation - Because this church’s view of membership is such a contrast to modern church practice we encourage those interested in church membership to spend a time of “courtship” with the church for the purpose of getting to know the beliefs and practices better. There is not a set or determined time for such observation and will vary according to miscellaneous circumstances. In balance to this, it is acknowledged that, because membership in a local church is biblical, refusal or delaying church membership can, in certain cases, be sinful and a display of disobedience to God. Therefore an earnest desire for a member to apply for membership, as well as an eager readiness by the church to receive members is emphasized.

2. Written petition - Any person desiring to become a member of the church is to fill out a “Petition for Membership.”

3. Pastoral interview - Upon the reception of a petition for membership, the elders will meet with the applicant. If the applicant is, or has been, a member of another church, special effort will be made to determine his standing in that church and his reasons for leaving. At the discretion of the elders, a letter of inquiry concerning the person’s standing may be sent to that church before his acceptance as a member in this church is determined. This is our attempt to respect the order of one’s previous church.

4. Congregational consideration - Upon elder approval, the name of the applicant shall be announced for at least three consecutive Lord’s Days at stated meetings of the church. This time period is for the purpose of enabling the members to read his understanding of the Gospel and personal testimony (which is extracted from the petition for membership) and raise any questions or objections concerning the applicant’s qualifications. Members are expected to consider this a personal duty of the most serious character. Members are to voice any unresolved concerns to the elders.

5. Congregational reception – Barring any unresolved issues, or particular disqualification, the person will be publicly received at a stated meeting of the church (Matthew 3:6-12; Acts 9:26, 27; 1 John 4:1; Revelation 2:2). This is to include a congregation reading of the church covenant (summary of our Covenant responsibilities).

Confession of Faith - The doctrinal statement of our church.

Church Constitution - The "nuts and bolts" of the order of our church.

Petition for Membership - To be filled out by any potential member.