Membership

Why can't I just attend, receive the good that God has for me, and not become formally involved as a member? What value is there in church membership? These are honest questions which need to be answered. In fact, you may be considering these questions right now. If you are, there is valuable information in a brochure we can give to you, entitled, "How to Join Berean Community Church". Please continue reading to learn more about membership at Berean Community Church.

Spiritual Birth

Jesus said that unless a person is born again spiritually, they cannot enter God's kingdom. To be born again or receive new life in Jesus Christ, we must admit our sinfulness before God and agree with Him that there is nothing we can do to earn or merit His acceptance of us. Instead, we must turn away from trusting ourselves to trusting Jesus Christ alone that He died on the Cross for our sins and was raised again to offer forgiveness and new life to anyone who receives Him by faith into their life. If you have made this faith decision so that you are relying on Jesus Christ and His gift of His righteousness to you received by faith, then you are a spiritually alive in Christ. 

Believer's Baptism

Every person who has trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior should be baptized. Acts 2:41 says "Those who believed and accepted His message were baptized..." 

The one requirement that the Bible sets forth for baptism is belief in Jesus Christ. For this reason, we wait until our children are old enough to believe and understand the meaning of baptism before we baptize them. If you are interested in further information about baptism, ask for a brochure entitled, "Believer's Baptism - What the Bible Says." At Berean we hold baptismal services several times each year. 

How to Become a Member

To become a member at Berean, you will need to do the following three things:

First, be certain you have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ by your having trusted in Him alone to save you, knowing that because of His death and resurrection, God has declared you to be forgiven and accepted. It is also our desire that you publicly profess this decision to trust Jesus Christ as your Savior by participating in believer's baptism. Then, let us know of your desire to make this church your place of fellowship and service. You can do this by communicating your interest on the welcome home registration booklet that everyone signs each Sunday or by talking with a member of our church staff.

Second, attend This Is Berean held twice a year (Fall and Spring) so you will know more about our church. The Berean Membership Covenant (see below) describes the commitment we have to the local church family. Following the membership classes, we ask that you meet with one of our Elders to discuss your desire to join Berean Community Church.

Third, be warmly welcomed into the membership of our church family.

Berean Membership Covenant

"Having trusted Jesus Christ as my Savior and Lord, having been water baptized and being in agreement with Berean's statements, strategies and structures, I am being led by the Holy Spirit to unite with this local Berean church family. In doing so, I am committing myself to God and to the other members of this body by agreeing to do the following:

  1. I Will Protect the Unity of My Church

    1. By acting in love toward other members. (Romans 15:5, Rom. 15:19; 1 Peter 1:22)

    2. By refusing to gossip. (Ephesians 4:29)

    3. By following the leaders. (Hebrews 13:7, Hebrews 13:17)

  2. I Will Share the Responsibility of My Church

    1. By praying for its growth. (1 Thessalonians 1:2; Acts 1:8)

    2. By inviting the un-churched to attend. (Luke 14:23; Matthew 28:18-20)

    3. By warmly welcoming those who visit. (Romans 15:7)

  3. I Will Serve in the Ministry of My Church

    1. By discovering and using my gifts and talents. (1 Peter 4:10)

    2. By being further equipped to serve more effectively. (Ephesians 4:11-12)

    3. By developing a servant's heart. (Philippians 2:3-7)

  4. I Will Support the Testimony of My Church

    1. By attending faithfully. (Hebrews 10:24-25)

    2. By living a godly life. (Philippians 1:27)

    3. By giving joyfully and regularly. (1 Corinthians 16:2)