Church Membership
The New Testament Model
Why Membership?
When Jesus founded the church, he meant it to be more than a spectator event. He told Peter, "On this rock, I will build my church, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it." After Jesus rose again, he sent his disciples out into all the world to make more disciples, to baptize them, and to teach them all the Lord commanded. A part of this process was and is planting churches.
The first church plant happened in Jerusalem at Pentecost when three thousand people were "added" to the membership role in one day (Acts 2:41-47). From there, the church has grown in town after town, city after city, throughout the world. Churches have gathered together throughout the ages, covenanting to walk together and carry out Christ's mission.
When a person comes to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, they are joined spiritually to the body of Christ. After this, they are called to join a local body of Christ, the church.
How to Become a Member
Step One
A New Heart
The first step to membership is the most important of all the steps. One must first have a saving relationship with Jesus Christ. In the Bible, the church is called the body of Christ. Once a person is spiritually joined to the body of Christ by salvation, they must join the physical body of Christ on earth, the local church.
An overview of the Gospel can be found HERE.
Step Two
New Membership Class (Covenant)
When local churches formed, they covenanted to do church together. If a new believer wants to join that group of believers, they must agree to the church's covenant, promising to be an active member of that church and to put themselves under its authority for their spiritual growth and perseverance.
A copy of the Membership Covenant can be viewed HERE.
Sign up for the next membership class.
Step Three
Testimony
Before a person is joined to the church, they must share their testimony with the Elder Board, explaining how they came to a saving relationship with Jesus. This step in the membership process allows our church leadership to determine, as best they can, whether or not someone is a born-again believer.
Sign up to give your testimony.
Step Four
Baptism
Baptism is a symbolic act that publicly declares that one is a believer in Jesus Christ. It is considered the Christian rite of passage. When a person steps into the baptismal waters, they are leaving the world behind. When they are immersed under the water, they are dying to the world and dying with Christ. When they are raised up, they are raised to new life with Christ, leaving their old life behind and entering into the realm of the church.
To learn more about baptism, please click HERE.
Sign up to be baptized.
Step Five
Church Family Night
Every few months, our church gathers to witness the baptism of new members, to dedicate our children unto the Lord, for the church members to vote those new members into the church, and to fellowship over a meal together.
Please note that, as dictated in Article 4, Section 2 of the Cross Pointe Constitution, all membership applicants must be presented to the congregation thirty days prior to a congregational vote.
Sign up to participate in our next Church Family Night.