Frequently asked questions and answers

What is church membership?

Why should I become a member of local church?

Am I qualified to become a member?

What are the blessings of being a member?

How much do I need to pay to be a member?

What opportunities do I have if I become a member?

Will I ever be removed from the membership?

If I am a child of parents who are members will I be a member automatically?

Is there any ceremony for membership?

Am I not allowed to take part in the Holy Communion if I am not a member?

 

What is church membership?
All who are truly born again (John 3:3; 5 and John 1:12; Rom 10:9-10) are brought into the family of God. While the believers travel from place to place or migrated from one place to another, there is a need for identification with the local church. Upon agreement with the doctrines and statement of faith, having convicted that the living Word is preached without dilution and compromise a step is taken to become a member of the local church.

Why should I become a member of local church?
As social beings we are part of the Society and as spiritual beings we are part of spiritual body (Eph 3:14 and 1 Cor.12: 12-13). Becoming a member of the local church gives identity, fellowship and a sense of belonging. The local church helps in spiritual growth of the whole family. Men have programs to enrich, ladies have opportunities with other ladies to develop and children have opportunities to be brought up in the way of the Lord and the youth have activities to be shaped their lives according to His design.

Am I qualified to become a member?
To be a member, one has to be born again, baptized by immersion and love God. This qualification speaks of member's personal testimony to the grace and love of God and experience oneness with Him (Gal 2:20). Membership is irrespective of color, creed, education, race and nationality.

What are the blessings of being a member?
It gives sense of belonging which helps in loving and being loved, praying and prayed for, caring and cared for and an accountability.

How much do I need to pay to be a member?
Nothing. Only free-willing offerings are accepted. Bible encourages in bringing tithes to His storehouse

What opportunities do I have if I become a member?
Having known the spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians. 12, 14, Romans 12, Ephesians 4:11 and I Peter 4), talents and the leading of the Lord, there would be great opportunities to serve God in the local church.

Will I ever be removed from the membership?
Yes, subject to rebellion in repenting from the sins of immorality and financial embezzlement.

If I am a child of parents who are members will I be a member automatically?
No, if you are 18 and above you need to take the membership separately.

Is there any ceremony for membership?
No, but it will be a solemn occasion when in the presence of the Lord and the congregation the member will read out the covenant and solemnly declare the solidarity with the church

Am I not allowed to take part in the Holy Communion if I am not a member?
If you are truly born again and have the assurance salvation and you are in right relationship with God and man you are always welcome to take part in the Lord's Table.