- What is Church Membership?
- Why become a member?
- How do I become a candidate for membership?
- What are the rewards of being a member of MCC?
- What are the expectations of members?
- Why is it important to be a member in order to be in a leadership role?
- I want to join the church, but I do not want to be in a LIFE group or serve on a service team. Why is it so important?
Uniting with and committing to a family of people who share a common faith and belief in who Jesus is and what He did.
Acts 2:42 – And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
At Maranatha Community Church we believe formal membership in a local church is important for four reasons.
- Biblical reason: Christ is committed to the church. (Ephesians 5:25) Membership in a local church is an important step in demonstrating our commitment to Christ. Those people wanting to join the church seem to understand the paradigm shift of “What do I get?” to “What can I give?”
- Cultural reason: We live in an age where very few want to be committed to anything – a job, a marriage, or family. This attitude has produced a generation of church hoppers and shoppers. Membership swims against the current of America’s consumer mentality. Membership sets apart from the culture allowing us to preserve our distinctive Christian beliefs and values.
- Practical reason: Membership identifies our community and family. It defines who can be entrusted with positions of leadership within the church.
- Personal reason: Membership produces spiritual growth. The New Testament places a major emphasis on the need for Christians to be accountable to each other for spiritual growth. A person cannot be accountable when they are not committed to any specific church family.
As you visit our church, we pray that you will consider all the benefits and privileges of membership to a local community of believers. Our prayer is that you will join us in our commitment to sharing the good news of Jesus Christ.
Q. How do I become a candidate for membership?
There’s no right or wrong way, just different opportunities.
Most people come forward at the end of a worship service and talk to a pastor or a member of our prayer team. If you have any questions you may call George Lawson at (909) 825-2933 or email George at George@ColtonChurch.com.
You may also let us know on a Communication Card in your program of your desire to consider membership.
Q. What are the rewards of being a member of MCC?
- Being a part of a loving family of believers who are committed to becoming a New Testament community of faith.
- Discovering, developing and using your gifts to build God’s Kingdom.
- Being used by God to change lives and communities through the power of the gospel.
- Living a meaningful, purposeful and abundant life promised by Christ.
- Having opportunities for personal growth.
- Being recognized for service in the ministry.
Q. What are the expectations of members?
We expect our members to:
- Commit to a life-long process of growing in the likeness of Christ andspiritual maturity through prayer, Bible study, service and worship.
- Be involved with other members in worship.
- Encourage and disciple others to maturity in Christ.
- Identify and consistently exercise spiritual gifts in the church and communitythrough ministry.
- Be willing to tell others about your relationship with Jesus Christ.
- Live your life so that God is glorified and honored.
- Support our mission, vision and long-term goals through prayer, attendance and stewardship of time, talents and resources.
Q. Why is it important to be a member in order to be in a leadership role?
- Because of what membership represents, members are the most qualified people to be in a leadership position.
- Often, if people are not willing to be held accountable, to go public with their faith through baptism, or to commit to leading people into a relationship with Jesus Christ, it can be an indication that they are also not ready to lead others within the church.
Q. I want to join the church, but I do not want to be in a LIFE group or serve on a service team. Why is it so important?
- Membership here is not just having a name on a list. Being a member indicates a willingness to partner and potentially lead with us in our mission to lead people into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ.
- We believe that life change happens best through community. A LIFE group is the best environment to open God’s Word together, pray together, grow together, be held accountable, be cared for, and experience being part of a “family”.
- Because authentic community and service are core values, we want our members to partner with us in achieving these.