ARTICLE IV: Church Membership
Section 1
Membership in our church is open to individuals who publicly profess faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and demonstrate a commitment to live according to Christian principles. The process for integrating new members is as follows:
Profession of Faith and Initial Baptism: Individuals who profess their faith in Jesus are eligible for immediate baptism as an outward expression of their inward faith, aligning with the scriptural precedent of "what doth hinder me to be baptized?" (Acts 8:36). Baptism serves as the first step in the journey of faith but does not automatically confer full church membership.
Watch Care Period: Following their profession of faith and baptism, individuals will be placed under watch care for a period of sixty (60) days. This period is designed for the examination of the fruits of repentance (Matt. 3:8) and includes a training phase for discipling in Scripture. During this time, members are guided towards a deeper understanding of what it means to be a child of God and how to grow in their relationship with Jesus.
Orientation and Discipleship Training: Concurrent with the watch care period, new believers and Christians from other churches seeking membership will participate in an orientation class. This class covers the spiritual doctrines and practices upheld by our church body, emphasizing the importance of discipleship and personal growth in faith.
Membership Candidacy: After the completion of the watch care period, orientation, and demonstrated growth in faith, individuals will be presented to the church body as candidates for full membership. Acceptance into full membership will be determined by a vote of the church, ensuring that all members are committed to the church's values and mission as mandated by scripture.
By Proxy Membership: In exceptional circumstances, individuals unable to physically attend the church due to health, distance, or other significant barriers may request membership by proxy. Examples include missionaries abroad or members with long-term illness. These requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis and require approval by the pastor. By proxy members are encouraged to participate in church life to the extent possible and will be supported through prayer, communication, and available digital resources.
This comprehensive approach to membership ensures that all individuals are nurtured in their faith journey, fully understand their commitment to Christ and the church, and are equipped to live out their faith in the community and the world.
Section 2: Denial of Membership
Anyone who refuses to adhere to Section 1 will be denied membership.
Section 3: Inactive Members
Any member who does not communicate with the church by attendance, letter, messenger, or phone beyond one (1) months is considered an inactive member, thus having no voting rights unless and until said inactive member returns faithfully for the duration of two (2) months, assuming said member is in good standing and fellowship with the body.
Section 4: Discipline of Membership
In keeping with the scriptural mandate for the restoration of a member who has erred, this church follows the guidelines set forth in Matthew 18:15-17, emphasizing the goal of restoration rather than excommunication. The process for addressing members who conduct themselves in a disorderly manner or bring discredit to the name of Christ or the church is as follows:
Private Admonition: The pastor, or a designated church leader, shall first approach the erring member privately, seeking to correct the behavior through gentle reproof and counsel, in hopes of repentance and restoration.
Admonition Before Witnesses: If the member remains unrepentant following private admonition, the matter shall be addressed before one or two witnesses, further seeking the member's repentance and restoration to the fellowship.
Admonition Before the Church: Should the member persist in their unrepentant state, the issue shall be brought before the church body, with the congregation being informed of the situation and joining in prayer and effort for the member's restoration.
Non-Active Membership Status: If, after these steps, the member still does not repent, they will be placed in a non-active membership status. In this status, the member loses voting rights and is considered under church discipline. This status remains for an indefinite period, during which the church and pastor will continue to pray for the member's restoration.
Pastoral Discretion for Removal: At the sole discretion of the pastor, after heartfelt prayer and discernment of the Holy Spirit, and only after a letter of notice has been served to the member detailing their placement into church discipline as a non-active member, the pastor may remove the member from the church roll. This letter shall plead with the member for a public apology for their insubordination and a heartfelt admission of their reconciliation with God, seeking restoration with the church body.
Final Steps for Restoration or Removal: The letter will also inform the member that the church will cease communication with them, and that, unless there is a change in their heart and actions leading to restoration, they will be permanently removed from membership after six months or at a time deemed appropriate by the pastor, as led by the Holy Spirit.
This process underscores our commitment to biblical discipline, aimed at the restoration of the erring member while maintaining the unity and purity of the church body.
Section 5: Attendance and Participation
Section 5.1: Expectation of Faithful Attendance
In consonance with the Holy Writ, members of this church are enjoined to prioritize faithful attendance at worship services, prayer meetings, and other ecclesiastical engagements. Hebrews 10:25 instructs, "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching." Such steadfast attendance is a manifestation of our allegiance to Christ, the fellowship of believers, and our spiritual nurture.
Section 5.2: Recognized Excused Absences
Understanding that legitimate circumstances may inhibit members from attending, the church acknowledges the following as excused absences, which include, but are not limited to:
A. Illness or Health Complications
B. Occupational Commitments
C. Travel
D. Bereavement
E. Severe Weather Conditions
F. Participation in Missionary Endeavors or Religious Gatherings
G. Educational Responsibilities
H. The Birth of a Child
I. Hospitalization
These reasons are recognized within the context of biblical stewardship over our time and abilities, acknowledging that service unto our Lord is manifested through care for our families, diligence in our work, and maintenance of personal health.
Section 5.3: Communication and Approval Process
Members who anticipate being absent for any of the reasons stated above, or for other significant reasons, are encouraged to inform the pastor as early as possible. This step is crucial for pastoral oversight and the maintenance of church unity. The pastor, guided by Scripture and the Holy Spirit, shall consider and may approve such absences, thereby ensuring the continuation of active membership status.
Section 5.4: Maintenance of Active Membership
To maintain an active membership status, members are required to:
A. Show commitment to the scriptural mandate for faithful assembly to the extent possible.
B. Communicate with the pastor promptly about any anticipated absences.
C. Obtain pastoral approval for absences, recognizing that life's demands sometimes necessitate temporary separation from church activities.
