Loving God, Loving Others, Serving Together
What is Church Membership?
When a person becomes a Christian, he or she instantly becomes a “member” of the Church, the universal Church; the worshipping community.
Scripture, however, reveals that each local congregation in the early church maintained its own identity and ministry.
In the New Testament, there are examples of individual congregations taking up funds to help other Christians (Romans 15:25-27); examples where a particular congregation prayed for a church leader (the apostle Paul in II Corinthians 1:10-11; Philippians 1:19); and where a particular congregation encouraged a church leader (Acts 18:2; II Corinthians 7:12-13).
Scripture also shows, particularly in the writings of Paul, that each congregation is made up of individuals who each have a role and place in the life and ministry of the local church body (Acts 2:27-30; I Corinthians 12:7-27; Ephesians 4:7-16; Philemon 1:4-6).
The leaders of Central Holston believe that membership in a localized church body is vital to one’s life and ministry as a Christian.
Church Membership:
- is biblical, with New Testament precedent.
- Provides the member with a greater sense of connectedness and belonging with other believers.
- Often prompts a stronger, healthier commitment by the members to use their gifts and talents in various areas of church-life and service.
- Gives a person a greater sense of “church home” and “church family.”
- Encourages other members in the church who rejoice when one publicly confesses their faith in Jesus Christ and their desire to serve with the church body to advance God’s work in the world.
Who May Join Central Holston Christian Church?
Central Holston Christian Church will receive anyone into church membership who:
- confesses faith in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior
- has, or will, submit to Christian baptism by immersion
- has repented of their sins and expressed a desire to turn from sin
Joining Central Holston
Anyone wishing to place their membership with Central Holston is encouraged to speak with the senior minister who will arrange a time to discuss membership.
Expectations for Members of Central Holston
The leaders of Central Holston believe that by striving to fulfill the “Membership at Central Holston” outline below that—
- Individual members of Central Holston will flourish in their life with God, with others, and in their areas of service and ministry.
- That Central Holston will succeed in her ministry as a church to honor God and to be the presence of Christ in the community, displaying a faithful Christian witness to others.
As a member of CHCC I choose to commit to the following:
- Protect the Unity of my Church by
- Acting lovingly toward others
- Refusing to initiate or participate in dissentious behaviors
- Following the leaders
- Advancing the Mission of my Church by
- Praying for spiritual maturity
- Inviting the unchurched to attend
- Warmly welcoming guests
- Serving in the Ministry of my Church by
- Discovering my gifts and talents
- Being equipped to serve by my ministers and teachers
- Developing a servants heart
- Supporting the Testimony of my Church by
- Attending faithfully
- Living a godly life
- Giving regularly