Membership
We teach that born again believers should work with their local church for the cause of the gospel. Therefore, church members are to be leaders and servants who carry out the two greatest commandments: loving their God and loving their neighbor. The church exists to glorify God and worship Jesus while training believers and equipping them to use their spiritual gifts.
How to become a member of Grace:
1. Attend and Ask.
- Attend Sunday services.
- Participate in a growth or community group.
- Ask questions and take notes.
2. Accept and Affirm.
- Members must confess their personal faith in Jesus Christ.
- Members must get baptized if they have not previously done so. (baptism class)
- Members should read the church covenant, know the church beliefs and understand the expectations of members:
- Conversation. Engage and participate with other members by remaining an active part of the church through our growth and community groups.
- Transformation. When Christ changes a person, one can use their gifts, talents, skills, and time to serve the church and participate in the gospel mission.
- Mission.Members must give and go. They know who they are and what they are called to do. Their identity is found in Jesus and they are passionate about living out the mission. Knowing the mission helps one see the need and enables the church to plan and budget more effectively.
3. Appointment and Announcement.
- Schedule a meeting with the Pastor for a membership meeting and prayer.
- Stand with the Pastor at a public worship service to announce your testimony and membership at Grace to be welcomed.
MEMBERSHIP FAQ:
Why should I become a member?
The church is a family of called out believers. (Gal. 4:6-7; Eph. 1:5). At Grace, we care for each other, pray for each other, and serve together. If you’re already born again, participating and giving your finances and your time, then you’re already fulfilling some functions of a member. Without making an official commitment, however, we cannot provide the same level of pastoral care and community support, in part because we may not know who you are, and in part because the Bible requires that we take care of our family first (Eph. 2:19 cf. Gal. 6:10).
If you’re not a Christian, don’t worry about membership until you’ve been reconciled to God though Jesus. This is found in the free gift of salvation. If you are a Christian who has spent a lot of time at Grace, however, search your heart and identify your hesitation. There may be valid reasons to abstain from membership. We are sinners by nature; if you bristle at the very idea of becoming a member, ask yourself why– and please don’t hesitate to speak with a leader at the church.
Do members have to be baptized?
Yes. Since Jesus commands that all of his disciples be baptized, baptism is a requirement for all members at Grace (Matt. 28:19; Acts 2:38; 10:48; 1 Peter 3:21). If you’ve already been baptized since you became a Christian, you don’t need to get re-baptized. We perform believer baptisms by immersion only. If you have more questions about baptism specifically, please speak with the pastor or other leader at Grace.