Becoming a Member
“God has given us four pictures of the church, not one. This is not just to emphasize and prove the point by repetition, but also to say four different things about what it means to be a member of a church. To be a stone in his temple means to belong to a worshipping community. To be part of a body means to belong to a living, functioning, serving, witnessing community. To be a sheep in the flock means belonging to a community dependent on him for food, protection, and direction. To be a member of a family is to belong to a community bound by a common fatherhood. Put together you have the main functions of an individual Christian. Evidently we are meant to fulfill these not on our own but together in the church. Now can you see the answer to the question why you should join a church?
— G. Eric Lane
Why should I join a church?
The New Testament presents a picture of definable groups of believers who identified themselves with a particular local body. Church membership enables us to implement the principles of accountability, encouragement, and commitment to the local body of Christ, as defined in the New Testament and practiced in the early church.
Romans 16:1; 1 Corinthians 1:2; 2 Corinthians 8:1; Acts 2:44, 46; 11:26
Joining a local church is an expression of:
Your commitment to Christ
Your commitment to His Church
Your commitment to the spread of the Gospel
The church’s commitment to you
“The acid test of what you believe about the church is expressed in the life of the local church.
— J.I. Packer
“When we take God for our God, we take His people for our people.
— Matthew Henry
How do I become a member?
We offer regularly scheduled Discover Redeemer Classes that provide an opportunity to learn more about who we are and what we believe and the membership process. You also get to know others who are new to Redeemer. Some great friendships have begun in this class.
In a Presbyterian Church, it is the responsibility of the Session (the elders) to examine and receive new members. After you complete a membership information form, which you can get from the church office, you will meet with two elders to share your faith story and your affirmation of the five membership vows (see below).
We welcome into our church family all who profess faith in Jesus Christ, are willing to be or have been baptized and, through the following declarations and promises enter into a solemn covenant with God and His Church:
Your Commitment to Christ:
1. Do you acknowledge yourself to be a sinner in the sight of God, justly deserving His displeasure, and without hope save in His sovereign mercy?
2. Do you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as the Son of God, and Savior of sinners, and do you receive and rest upon Him alone for salvation as He is offered in the Gospel?
3. Do you now resolve and promise, in humble reliance upon the grace of the Holy Spirit, that you will endeavor to live as becomes a follower of Christ?
Your Commitment to His Church:
4. Do you promise to support the Church in its worship and work to the best of your ability?
5. Do you submit yourself to the government and discipline of the Church, and promise to study its purity and peace?
[Book of Church Order 57-5]