Church Membership Explained
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Church Membership Explained |
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| Members of New
Community Church are on a shared journey of faith and mission in relationship
with each other through our common belonging to Jesus Christ. This shared
journey as parts of the Body of Christ at NCC takes a variety of forms.
Each form of church membership at NCC shares five basic commitments: 1) Affirmation of Belief as expressed in NCC's faith statement 2) Support of NCC's stated call and vision 3) Growth in our relationship with God and each other 4) Claiming and offering our God-given gifts in service to Jesus through NCC and in consultation with the covenant members. 5) Financial giving The categories of membership described below are intended to provide support and structure for growth as Jesus' disciples in the world and members of His Body at New Community Church. They are also an expression of our commitment to the integrity of church membership in the tradition of the Church of the Saviour, our parent church. Integrity of membership means that each member takes his/her membership seriously, makes promises he/she intends to keep and is intentional about discerning and following God's call in relation to the commitments he/she makes. Everyone who makes a commitment to one of the membership categories is a Congregational Member at NCC and makes his/her commitment with integrity. Each category has integrity. We value gifts and input of all members while also recognizing that the covenant members have the final responsibility and authority for decision making in the life of the church. All forms of membership at New Community are commitments that are prayerfully reviewed and renewed (or not) on a annual basis at Pentecost. |
Steps to Church Membership at New Community
Visiting:
| The first step is visiting with NCC for Sunday school class, worship or some special event such as a birthday party, gospel sing, community meeting, holiday celebration, fellowship meal, etc. You may want to visit several of NCC's weekday ministries and arrange for individual meetings with the pastor or other members to become better acquainted with the church. |
Participating:
| The second step is making a short-term commitment by enrolling in a class, bible study, retreat or small group activity. Several short-term groups are usually in operation at any given time. You may also want to investigate volunteer opportunities in the Church and/or in one of the community ministries operating out of the church throughout the week. |
Joining:
| The third step is to explore with NCC's pastor and covenant members how to become a member of the church. NCC has four membership categories with increasing commitments in each one. Your discussions with the pastor and covenant members will help you determine which category is right for you at this stage in your faith journey and involvement with the church. The discussions will also help you better understand the requirements/commitments of each membership category and the philosophy behind it. The categories are as follows: | |
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Yearly Membership Recommitment:
| Membership in New Community is for a one year period of time. During the week before our recommitment Sunday service, the member spends time in prayer and discussion with others as to what category of membership he/she wants to commit to (or not) for another year in joy, freedom and faith. Our yearly recommitment service is conducted on Pentecost Sunday. New members may join at other times of the year as well. |
