Membership

God’s provision for His people is His Church. There is an abundance of religious institutions and organizations in the world but the only one that was ordained by God is His Church.

There is one true God and there is only one true Church which is composed of those who profess faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and who are seeking to live a transformed life by the power of the Holy Spirit. Every true Christian who is a member of the “invisible” Church of Jesus Christ should also be a member of the “visible” Church.

The promise and power of Christian growth, usefulness and fruitfulness is set within the context of the Church – “From Him (Christ) the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work” Ephesians 4:16

The biblical pattern found in Acts 2:38-41 is simple and clear – i. faith; ii baptism; iii added to the Church and it is clear that in New Testament times there was a formal and committed membership.

  • Church in the New Testament was not a matter of attending but belonging – Acts2:44; 4:32
  • There was structure – order and organisation – Hebrews 13:17
  • There were clear principles and discipline – 1 Corinthians 5:1

Church membership

  • brings glory to God for the Church is comprised of people of all ages, abilities, colours and classes gathered together and united in love – John 17:23
  • is God’s provision for His people, a spiritual family, a caring community where members are able to grow, develop and mature.
  • is God’s instrument for extending His Kingdom. The spread of the gospel was not the work of a few but involved the whole Church – Acts13:3; 1 Thessalonians 1:8 and Church membership provides the environment and opportunity for Christians to learn, train and serve.

Applicants for membership are interviewed by two office-bearers appointed by the elders. If considered satisfactory their names are recommended by the elders for acceptance on the vote of the Church. Following the approval of the Church applicants are formally welcomed into membership at the next appropriate public service of worship.