WHY is Church Membership Important?
We believe that Christ is the cornerstone of the Church, and that the Bible is God’s Word to us. And from the Bible’s teachings, we recognize that membership (i.e. a serious commitment to love God and one another together in Holy Spirit empowered way) is the cement that holds us all together. Both Christ and Paul pointed us toward membership for our encouragement, our protection, and our instruction. We seek to carry out this vision through our four-step process by which to become a member at Redeemer Bible Church (RBC).
Membership Class.
All prospective members must attend our Membership Matters class. The curriculum is composed of eight one-hour classes entitled:
- Class 1: Why join a church?
- Class 2: What do members do?
- Class 3: What unites us as body?
- Class 4: Where do we come from?
- Class 5: How do we operate as a church?
- Class 6: Who leads and why?
- Class 7: How do we worship in spirit and truth?
- Class 8: How do we do life together?
Membership Interview.
In a 45 minute meeting, the prospective member meets with a pastor to provide basic biographical information and recount God’s converting work in his or her life. The prospective member would then sign the statement of faith and church covenant, and the application would go to the pastors.
Pastor Recommendation.
At a regularly scheduled pastors’ meeting, a pastor will review the applicant’s testimony with the other pastors. Upon receiving their collective approval, the candidate’s application proceeds to the next step: congregational affirmation. The congregation will be informed of upcoming membership votes at least two weeks prior to voting.
Congregational Affirmation.
During members meetings, each pastor who conducted an interview briefly describes how the applicants, who are desiring to be admitted to membership, have come to know the Lord. Questions are fielded, a vote is taken.
WHO is eligible for Membership Classes?
RBC regular attendees, and those interested and serious about covenanting with other believers to be on mission for Christ.
WHEN are the Membership Classes?
Classes are usually offered in a Sunday morning format periodically throughout the year. Upon completion, those who attended all eight classes are able, but not obligated, to sign up for a membership interview, the second step of the membership process.