Why become a member?
Each follower of Jesus is called out of sin and darkness, where death reigns, and into a new community of forgiveness and light, where Jesus reigns (Colossians 1:13). This new community is called the Church, which literally means "the called out ones." Every believer in Christ is part of the Church, the Body of Christ, but becomes a part of a local expression of that universal group of believers, called a local church (since every believer around the world consistently gathering in one place is a bit of a logistical nightmare!). The principle is this: a believer in Christ is not a lone ranger; they are called into community.
Becoming a member of the local church is sort of like a marriage vow; you're making a commitment to a family! Signing the form is sort of like a wedding ring - an outward symbol of an inward covenant. Membership says I will faithfully worship, serve and grow with this group of believers (Acts 2:42-47). I will submit to the authority (elders) of this local church (Hebrews 13:17). I will receive discipline when necessary (Matthew 18:15-17), use my gifts for others (1 Corinthians 12:4-7) and encourage the family regularly (Hebrews 10:24-25). Additionally, a member is able to vote at our business meetings for things like budget, staff members, elders and deacons. While there is no explicit command in the Bible to formally sign a piece of paper, the heart of belonging to a local expression of the Bride of Christ colors all the New Testament pages.
Becoming a member of the local church is sort of like a marriage vow; you're making a commitment to a family! Signing the form is sort of like a wedding ring - an outward symbol of an inward covenant. Membership says I will faithfully worship, serve and grow with this group of believers (Acts 2:42-47). I will submit to the authority (elders) of this local church (Hebrews 13:17). I will receive discipline when necessary (Matthew 18:15-17), use my gifts for others (1 Corinthians 12:4-7) and encourage the family regularly (Hebrews 10:24-25). Additionally, a member is able to vote at our business meetings for things like budget, staff members, elders and deacons. While there is no explicit command in the Bible to formally sign a piece of paper, the heart of belonging to a local expression of the Bride of Christ colors all the New Testament pages.
Our Membership Process
We believe in church membership, and we take church membership seriously. Because of that, there are a few steps involved. The steps below don’t have to happen in this order, but they are all required to become a member.
READ AND AGREE TO LIVE IN HARMONY WITH OUR STATEMENT OF FAITH as found in the Charis Commitment to Common Identity as well as our expectations for membership as found in Section 5 of our By-Laws.
BE BAPTIZED. We have regular baptisms in our Sunday morning gatherings, so if you need to do this, please sign up here!
SUBMIT A MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION to let us know you’d like to proceed with membership (see below). This helps us get to know you before the elder interview. If you are married, we ask that each spouse fill out their own application separately. Once you complete the application, one of our pastors will reach out to discuss your next steps.
ATTEND OUR MEMBERSHIP CLASS OR WELCOME HOME GROUP. We offer our three-week membership classes twice per year during the second service on Sunday mornings. Watch for a signup available soon or contact the church office. Welcome Home Group is a 6-week small group experience offered each fall and designed to help you learn more about the church and step into one of our community groups. Fill out the community group interest form to sign up for the next one.
FINAL STEP: Meet with two elders for a membership interview. This is more of a conversation than an interview, we will hear your story and how you were saved. The elders will go over the membership expectations and hear your understanding of the gospel and ask if you have any questions. Once you've completed the above steps an elder will reach out to you to schedule this.
Once the above items are complete, the elders will review all membership applicants and either approve or ask for more info from an applicant before approving. Once approved, we will announce new members during an upcoming Sunday morning gathering.