NEXT STEPS
MEMBERSHIP
The Mission Church
Today, many people associate the term “membership” with paying dues, meaningless rituals, silly rules, and secret handshakes. In fact, some believers even have an aversion toward church membership and prefer to “float” from one church to another without making any formal commitment. The Apostle Paul teaches this concept of membership in the Bible. To him, being a “member” of a church did not mean simply having your name written down on a roster tucked away in a filing cabinet. Paul saw membership as a point of connection to the body of Christ. In fact, he likened it to functioning as a vital organ of a living body (1 Corinthians. 12:12-27). This is how we see membership in The Mission Church!
MAKES ME A PART OF A FAMILY
There are many analogies for a Christian disconnected from a church: A football player without a team; a soldier without a platoon; a tuba player without an orchestra; and a sheep without a flock. But the most understandable (and biblical) picture is that of a child without a family.
GIVES ME THE ACCOUNTABILITY I NEED TO GROW
While it is true that we are accountable to God, God has also given us people in the local church who can serve as encouragers and examples to help us stay on the right track. No matter how spiritual a person may be, we all need mentors and motivators who can speak into our lives, provide positive feedback and even offer a little constructive criticism. That is why Ephesians 5:21 tells us to “submit to one another in the fear of God.”
PLACES ME UNDER THE SPIRITUAL PROTECTION OF GODLY LEADERS
Ephesians 4:11 describes the various leadership offices that God has established in the church. The function of these leaders is not to control or dominate church members, but to train, equip and even guard them from spiritual dangers. Hebrews 13:17 plainly says these spiritual authorities “watch out for your souls.” Through sound teaching, biblical preaching and providing healthy ministries, you will mature into a healthy believer who can resist false doctrine and the snares of this world.
GIVES ME A PLACE TO DISCOVER & USE MY GIFTS IN MINISTRY
In Romans 5:4-8, Paul states that all the members of one body do not have the same function and that each member serves a specific purpose. He then goes on to list various gifts that different people may have and encourages them to use those gifts to serve the body. God has created you with very specific interests, gifts and abilities. The person you are is exactly what we need in The Mission Church. As a member, you will have a multitude of opportunities to discover and use your gifts for the glory of God.
TO SUPPORT & ENCOURAGE ME IN MY WALK WITH CHRIST
Hebrews 10:25 warns us to “not forsake the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” In other words, we need encouragement in our daily walk with Christ. The way God intends for us to receive this encouragement is through the love, support and admonition of other believers.
IDENTIFIES ME AS A GENUINE BELIEVER
Ephesians 2:19 tells us: “…you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.” This means that one very important expression of our “being in Christ” is that we have identified with and are in relationship to others in the household of God. We can tell who is a citizen of heaven by their participation in the local church.
Take the next step and fill out the Membership Application today!
MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS
Be a ``Born-Again`` Christian
Having received the biblical experience of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ's atoning death and repentance from the works of the flesh.
Attend for 6 Months
Must have attended The Mission Church consistently for a period of 6 months.
Be a Minimum Age of 18 Years
Junior membership is available for youth between ages 16-18 years.
ATTEND WELCOME PARTY AND FOUNDATIONS OF FAITH CLASS
Contact the church office to attend the Welcome Party offered quarterly to meet our church leadership, in addition to completing the Foundations of Faith class (offered online year round).
Subscribe to Tenets of Faith
Full subscription to the tenets of faith as set forth in the Constitution of The Mission Church.
Contribute Tithes & Offerings
Agreement to contribute regularly to the support of The Mission Church according to the scriptural pattern of tithes and offerings.
Be Water Baptized
Baptism in water by immersion. The Mission Church only recognizes water baptism that has been performed according to the scriptural standard of complete immersion upon one's expression of faith in Christ and repentance from sin. If one has not bee baptized and intends to do so, he or she may complete the Membership Class and be received into membership, if they promise to be baptized at the next opportunity provided by the church.
Evidence of Consistent Christian Life
Demonstrate evidence of a consistent Christian life with the Fruit of the Spirit and genuine love for God. §In no case shall persons be accepted into membership who are known to be living in a common law state of matrimony (i.e. man and woman living together without the benefit of legal marriage). §Persons who are practicing a life-style of homosexuality (even though monogamous) will forfeit membership. This does not necessarily apply to persons struggling with a homosexual orientation who have renounced that lifestyle and are actively seeking deliverance.