Church is not like family, it is family
Family Membership
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE FAMILY?
When we use the term family, we are referring to a group of people who have made a covenant to one another and committed to living life together as they grow in the gospel, in the context of family, while living on mission.
- We are family because of the gospel (Ephesians 2:14-16)
- We are family in community (Hebrews 10:24-25)
- We are family on mission (Matthew 16:18b)
WHAT IS A COVENANT?
A covenant is generally defined as “a written agreement or promise usually under seal between two or more parties especially for the performance of some action.” Within the Scriptures, we find a number of examples of covenants; some between God and man (Genesis 6, Genesis 9, Genesis 15, Ezekiel 20, Hosea 2, Jeremiah 31, and Matthew 26), while others are solely between men (1 Samuel 18, 2 Samuel 5).
WHY PARTNER IN THE LOCAL CHURCH?
- The Church is God’s ‘Plan A’ for mission (Ephesians 3:8-11)
- Christians are meant to live in the church, the household of God (1 Timothy 3:15)
Ultimately, we do not partner for any of the perks or benefits to us. There certainly are benefits: we enjoy rich community and we share our lives with one another. Ultimately though, we partner together to accomplish the great mission that was entrusted to the church by Jesus: to go into the world, making disciples and pushing back darkness, all for the sake of the gospel.
The most important question isn’t “What do I get out of it?” The most important question is “What can I do to be a part of the mission that Jesus left His church?” It is an act of obedience and of worship to our king Jesus.
Membership Pathway
1. Party with the Pastors
New to the Movement? Want to get to know our pastors and leaders? Come Party with the Pastors, eat good food, and learn about what it means to be family at the Movement.
2. Family Membership Class
In every family, each member has responsibilities. At Family Membership Class, you'll learn what it means to be a responsible sibling in the family of God.
3. Interview with a Pastor
Meet with a pastor to express any questions, sign the Membership Covenant, and talk about baptism.
4. Be Baptized
Believer's baptism is a sign of our covenant to God and His church. It does not save people, but celebrates the new life we have because of Jesus.
5. Get introduced in Sunday Gathering
All new members are introduced to the church in Sunday Gathering, where we affirm our covenant to God and each other.
