Evangelical Free Church

Many have found the Free Church to be their church home and are involved in its ministry and fellowship. Membership is a step of crystallizing that commitment and sense of belonging. Most of the privileges of belonging to the church family are open to any who have accepted Christ and attend services on a regular basis. There are, however, a few things limited to members. Here are a few thoughts on the privileges of membership:

THE PRIVILEGE OF COMMITMENT - Consider any avenue of life (family, work, recreation, etc.) and you'll see this principle illustrated: the long-range benefits match your level of commitment. It may seem "safer" on the fringe, but keeping your distance eventually chokes off enjoyment.

This same principle holds true for life in the Church. Acts 2:42 tells us that the early Christians "continually devoted themselves" to the shared life. As a result, great things happened in and through them.

There comes a point where each of us must decide where our commitment lies: are we in or out? The step of church membership offers the chance to crystallize that inner commitment in that it entails a conscious decision. The result of such a deliberate commitment is a new sense of ownership and belonging. In addition, all that was enjoyed from a distance takes on a new dimension as one can say, "This is my Church".

THE PRIVILEGE OF PARTICIPATION IN DECISIONS AND LEADERSHIP -Broad participation is available to non members in our Church. However, the opportunity to vote and hold certain offices is limited to those who have committed themselves to the Body through membership.

THE PRIVILEGE OF REDEMPTIVE DISCIPLINE - Discipline? A privilege? You bet, and a strong one at that. In times of spiritual strength, we commit ourselves to each other so that in times of spiritual weakness others can help us get back on our feet. A part of our purpose as a Church is "to help each other follow Jesus".

In more positive times, this "help" takes the form of encouragement, stimulation in the Word, prayer, rejoicing/weeping together, etc. But when one of us begins to stray from that life of following Jesus, we have a responsibility to "help" in this time as well. We have the Biblical mandate to "speak the truth in love" (Ephesians 4:15) in order to bring that one back into a healthy relationship to our Lord. Thus we take scriptures such as Matthew 18:15-20 and Galatians 6:1-2 very seriously. We care enough to be there for each other whenever it is uncomfortable.

With privilege comes responsibility. Many who attend regularly have taken on these responsibilities, but expectations of membership are:

1.	CONSISTENT ATTENDANCE at regularly scheduled worship services.
2.	CONSISTENT GIVING of financial resources, with the tithe as the Scriptural directive.
3.	CONSISTENT PARTICIPATION IN SMALL GROUP ministries to nurture accountability.
4.	CONSISTENT PRAYER for the Church, staff, members and community.
5.	CONSISTENT SERVICE in some capacity for the purpose of personal and corporate growth.

There are four requirements for joining our Church, as stated in our Constitution. This Church will receive into membership those:

1.	Who through personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, can verbally attest to their assurance of salvation through Him. Membership in our Church is based fundamentally on a relationship with Christ. This is what makes one a part of the Church Universal. It is thus the basis of membership in the local church.
2.	Whose conduct gives evidence of spiritual growth. Knowing Christ makes a difference in one's life. This requirement is not calling for perfection; simply urging a reality about belonging to "Christ as Lord".
3.	Who desire to participate in its fellowship and ministry. This speaks of a commitment to significant involvement in the life of the Church that goes beyond a mere token attachment to the Congreagation.
4.	Who subscribe to its Statement of Faith and who will abide by its Constitution. This gives us a common ground in terms of basic beliefs and procedures for Church life.

The Inquirer's Class is a six-week class designed to explore more about the Church and specifically what membership involves. If you're interested in joining our Church, we'd welcome you to attend. It is typically offered three or four times each year. Call the church office at 275-6867 for more information.

If you are ready to make a commitment, print an Application for Church Membership, fill it out and turn it in to the office. Your application will be reviewed by the Elders and a time will be scheduled for you to meet with them to give testimony of your salvation.

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