Pastor Kevin Throness

Membership

 

Biblical Concepts of Church Membership

 

Church membership, while not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, is certainly well-supported by strands of evidence. It is a step that involves leaving behind the comforts of individuality and voluntarily binding yourself to others, just as Jesus left heaven to bind Himself to us.

 

The New Testament clearly recognizes definable groups of people in local areas who come together for fellowship and worship. 

 

​Hebrews 11:24-26 (NASBA95)

24 By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, 25 choosing rather to endure ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the temporary pleasures of sin, 26 considering the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt: for he was looking to the reward.

 

Benefits of belonging to a local church

 

1. Acceptance – (Roman’s 15:7) provides an over-arching principle which becomes the foundation of all relationships within the body of Christians, “therefore, accept one another, just as Christ also accepted us to the glory of God.” The Church is made up of fallen people who have been forgive. Joining together as a local body of Christians is very beneficial to all involved.

2. 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.

3. 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. It affirms the two way street of ministry and being ministered to.

 

Becoming a Member of Bethel Church

 

For those who wish to take the next step from being a church attendee to becoming a church member there are some things to consider. After a person has been attending for one year, he/she will have the opportunity to become a member. The individual will be given an opportunity to publicly declare their faith in Christ and to sign the membership form indicating their agreement to the Statement of Faith and willingness to embrace the principles outlined in it. Only members in good-standing will be permitted to vote during church meetings or to assume leadership roles for church-sanctioned activities and bible studies.

 

Requirements of Membership

 

1. Members must be able to give a personal testimony of their faith in Christ (1 Peter 3:15, 2 Corinthians 5:17-20)

2. Members are encouraged to be baptized as an expression of their faith (Acts 2:38-42)

3. Members must agree with the Church’s Statement of Faith (click here)

4. Members must have attended Bethel Church for at least on year

5. Members must be at least 18 years of age

 

Responsibility of Members to the Church

 

1. Members will lovingly use their spiritual gifts to minister to the church body (1 Corinthians 12:4-11, 13:13, 14:22-26: Ephesians 4:11-12)

2. Members will demonstrate their faith by Christ-like behaviour to maintain loving relationships within the church body

3. Members will embrace and promote doctrines and values embodied in the Church’s Statement of Faith (insert link here)

4. Members will 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; Thessalonians 5:12-13: Hebrews 13:17)

5. Members will share their resources for the ministry of the Church

6. Members will attend congregational meetings when possible

 

Termination of Membership

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

 

1. Relocation to another geographical area

2. Voluntary absence for an extended period of time

3. Church discipline

 

Church Discipline

 

Church discipline is the responsibility of the Leadership Team and is only considered when a member persists in pursuing a sinful path and refuses to work on restoration and fellowship. The object of church discipline is to help bring about restoration, fellowship with God, and a renewal of a loving and joyful fellowship within the local body of Christians. Any disciplinary action would be taken only after due pastoral care, inquiry and prayer. The process would include the following:

 

• Investigation to collect the facts

• Interaction to seek acknowledgement and repentance

• Reconciliation and celebration

 

Issues that may require some kind of disciplinary action, when all attempts at restoration have failed are as follows:

 

• A violation of Christian love (Mathew 18:15-17)

• A violation of Christian unity (Romans 16:17, Titus 3:10-11)We

• A violation of Christian morality ( 1Corinthians 5:1-13)

• A violation of Christian doctrine (2 John 7-11)

 

In matters of serious violations the Leadership Team may ask the individual to step aside from ministerial activities or even to stop attending services of the church for a period of time.

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