How to Become a Member

Basic Requirements to be a Member.

Anyone may be a member at Grace Fellowship Church, who:

• professes allegiance to and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ
• has been baptized by immersion in water upon profession of his or her faith,
• is not under the biblically warranted (Matt. 18:17,18; 1 Cor. 5:11-13; 2 Thess. 3:6,14,15; 3 John 9,10; 2 Cor. 2:6-8) corrective discipline of a genuine church, and
• expresses substantial agreement with the teachings, aims and organization of this church shall be eligible for membership.[1]

 

Method of Becoming a Member

1. Notice is given to an elder by the individual that they would like to become a member of Grace Fellowship.
1. By verbal request. Any person who meets the above mentioned requirements may make their desire for membership known to one of the elders.
2. By letter of transfer. Any person from another evangelical church desiring to unite with this church may present a letter of recommendation from the other church to the elders.
2. The applicant is interviewed by the elders and congregation.
1. A minimum of two elders will meet with the applicant, who will be questioned as to his or her basic Christian experience, doctrinal beliefs and seriousness of intention to wholeheartedly support the total ministry of this church. At this meeting, the elders will invite the applicant to provide a written testimony for distribution to the members explaining his understanding and experience of the Gospel of Christ. (This written testimony is intended to promote a proper evaluation of the potential member and to encourage knowledgeable fellowship with him. The elders may request further clarification and/or expansion of this written testimony before proceeding with the application process. ) The purpose of this process will be to determine whether or not that person meets the qualifications as stated in Article IV, Section A, of this Constitution.
2. If the applicant has been a member of another church, the elders will investigate his standing in that church before he is accepted as a member in this church. Where it is possible and appropriate, a letter of transfer will be requested. Reception by transfer does not negate any of the requirements for becoming a member in this assembly.
3. Upon the reception of an acceptable written testimony, the elders may at their discretion ask for another meeting with the applicant; otherwise, the name of the applicant shall be announced for at least two consecutive Lord's Days at stated meetings of the church. This time period is for the purpose of enabling the members to read his testimony and to raise any questions or objections concerning the applicant's qualifications. (Members are expected to consider this a personal duty of the most serious character. They are expected to voice privately to the elders all questions or objections that have not yet been resolved, after personal contact has been made with the applicant (Matt. 18:15ff; Lev. 19:16, 17).)
3. The applicant is publicly received into the church membership. If the elders are satisfied that the applicant meets the qualifications for membership, and any objections raised by the membership are effectually resolved, the person will be received at a stated meeting of the church (Matt. 3:6-12; Acts 9:26, 27; 1 John 4:1; Rev. 2:2).

 

Reaffirmation of Membership