Membership 101
Where are you in your spiritual journey? Where are you in your life journey? Where are you in connection to a church family? As you contemplate your life do you ever find yourself asking:
Why am I not satisfied with my life?
Isn't there more to life than this?
I'm in transition, where do I go from here?
What is God's purpose for my life?
What is my life mission?
How can I make a difference?
Do I have something to contribute to others?
Why should I become a member?
First of all, membership is not required to be welcomed and loved by our church family. We are not a social club and membership in our church does not count towards status or prestige.
The purpose of membership at Redemption Christian Church is to provide an opportunity to identify with a family of believers who serve God through:
1.Praying for one another
2.Fellowshipping with one another
3.Supporting and helping one another
4.Loving one another as family
5.Giving to one another
6.Supporting the ministries of the church both through volunteering and financial giving.
Being a member affords you opportunities to serve God that you could not have if you were just a perpetual Sunday visitor. It is a true blessing to be a member of this Church, not because we're great, but because God is great and blesses all of us continually.
Why Membership?
Why do the Yankees all wear the same uniform? To identify that they are on the same team. Why do married people wear wedding rings? To symbolize their commitment to a partner. Why do we Christians get baptized? To go public with our faith in Jesus Christ.
In the same way, church membership identifies your willingness to formally and publicly align with the mission, values, and beliefs of your church.
There are many reasons for having formal membership, but here are just a few.
Membership is a way to formally and publicly align with the mission, values and beliefs of Redemption Christian Church.
One.
Formal membership is valuable to the leaders of the church as they guide the church body. Our mission here at Redemption Christian Church is “to lead people into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ.” We have been put here to reach the uncommitted, the unbelievers, the unchurched.
Two.
Accountability. While it is true that everyone can participate in just about anything around here, there are certain leadership responsibilities that are reserved for those who have made themselves accountable to the church through membership. Even if you are not yet ready to become a leader yourself, you may be relieved to know that those members in leadership positions have agreed through membership to support this ministry and to be held accountable.
Three.
Even though you will not find the term “church member” in Scripture, it seems that the concept of belonging is found throughout the New Testament. Believers clearly identified themselves with a specific local body and were challenged to become devoted participants.
Four.
Experience shows that membership benefits the individual. In a culture where commitment is no longer highly valued, recognizable membership is an important step that moves each of us off the sidelines and into the game.
It presents a challenge to publicly affirm a commitment to Christ and to a specific local body. It is letting church leadership know, “You can count on me.”
Maybe you hesitate because you have questions about baptism. We’d love to talk to you about it. And we would enjoy getting to know you while we walk with you through your questions and concerns.
So, while you won’t receive an engraved plaque or a reserved parking spot when you become a member, you will draw great satisfaction from knowing that you are instrumental in leading others into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. We need your partnership.
Why is the Class Required for Membership?
There is a difference between church participation and church membership. With membership comes expectations and increased commitment. The New Membership Class offers our best opportunity to clearly communicate what is expected of anyone who wishes to be a member at Redemption Christian Church.
Membership Classes
Our membership classes are designed to do far more than simply inform you about how you can become a member at Redemption Christian Church. You will identify where you are in your spiritual journey and come to understand how you need to grow in relationship to God and His Son Jesus. You will hear about Redemption Christian Church, what we believe and what our church is committed to. You will learn how to be a spiritual influence in the lives of the people closest to you. You will learn how to find a place to serve others where you will be fruitful and fulfilled because you are serving according to spiritual gift, passion and temperament. You will have the opportunity to get to know our Senior Pastor Todd Langdon and others who are new at Redemption Christian Church. We will not put any pressure on you to become a member of the Redemption Christian Church family, but if you would like to join, we will give you the opportunity to do so at this class.
