Membership
TAKE YOUR NEXT STEPS
WHY MEMBERSHIP?
In Acts 2, the Scriptures speak of the importance of belonging to a local body of believers and the biblical responsibility each believer has to commit themselves to the mission of the church. There were a devotion and commitment to Christ and to one another that was both encouraging and compelling, inviting and influential, life-giving and life-changing. It is that same dynamic of belonging and mission that we long for everyone at Fellowship to experience. We want everyone to know what it means to be devoted and committed to this local church family.
UPCOMING CLASSES
Membership Classes take place in the Atrium Sunday Mornings 9:00AM-10:15AM.
We seek to provide a clear opportunity for everyone (whether you have been attending Fellowship for years, months or even weeks) to say, “I want you to consider me someone who is part of this family, helping pursue the mission God has called us to together.”
Tap “Membership Events” to sign up for the next class.
FAQ about membership
Can my children become members also?
How long is someone considered a member?
There is no time limit on membership.
What are the benefits of being a member?
Membership is about members and their shepherds acknowledging to each other that they are a part of the same spiritual family called Fellowship Bible Church. As with any family, there are expectations that we have of one another as family members. Healthy families talk about those expectations regularly, and we want to be a healthy family.
What is expected of members?
During the class, we will unpack in detail what it means to be a member at Fellowship. Essentially, a member is someone who:
- Personally trusts in the saving work of Jesus Christ
- Has been baptized
- Consistently attends our public worship service
- Belongs to a D Group
- Serves the body of Fellowship
- Is faithful to supporting the financial needs of Fellowship
- Is committed to following the leadership and shepherding of Fellowship’s elders.
What if I am not ready yet to be a member?
We will still do our best to care for and lead all who attend Fellowship — members and non-members alike. At the same time, our elders and pastors can shepherd best those who have told us that they desire our shepherding.
If I want to become a member but my spouse does not, can I still pursue membership?
Yes, though it would be ideal if you and your spouse were united in this area. However, if one spouse does not want to pursue membership, the other spouse may still pursue it.
Do I have to be baptized to be a member?
We believe Scripture commands that baptism is a necessary step of obedience for every Christ-follower. It is also necessary for membership at Fellowship. If you have already been baptized after making a profession of faith in Jesus Christ then you don’t need to be baptized again. But those who have never been baptized should be baptized in keeping with Scripture and the example of Jesus. Our elders and pastors would love to visit with you to discuss any questions or concerns you might have about baptism.
If I decide not to become a member, can I still belong to my D-Group?
Yes! There is no requirement to be a member of Fellowship to be a part of a D Group. We want our D Groups to be an open front door for people to connect with Fellowship.
Can I be a member if I attend another church?
Membership is about declaring who is your spiritual family and who your shepherds are. If you are attending another church and believe that is your home, we praise God for that and would encourage you to put down spiritual roots there.
Does the membership covenant I signed twenty years ago still count?
So that we can ensure our membership records are up to date, we are asking everyone who desires to be a member to complete a new membership commitment.
I see that serving is one of the requirements for membership. What opportunities are there to serve?
While our greatest serving needs are on Sunday, there are serving opportunities with Fellowship throughout the week. The main point is to remember that we are a family and as with every family we each are responsible for ensuring our household is healthy and functioning well. Stop by the Connection Center any Sunday or check out our app. We would be happy to help you find serving opportunities.
Do I have to give a certain amount in order to be a member? Will the church check my giving?
Your financial support is important to Fellowship, and we have seen God do amazing work through the generosity of our body, but there is no expectation about how much our members give. We simply desire that everyone give cheerfully (2 Cor. 9:7) as an act of worship. Page 24 of the Together study has some Scriptural guidelines for you to consider as you plan your giving. We take the confidentiality of your giving very seriously, with access strictly limited to necessary staff for accounting and tax reporting purposes.
Can non-Christians be members?
Our desire is to be generous and hospitable all. Though we would love to see unbelievers become members of Fellowship, we have an even greater desire that they become brothers and sisters in Christ. That is their next spiritual step to take with us. Membership is for Christians because no one can live out the biblical responsibilities of membership without God’s grace and the filling of the Holy Spirit.
Want to talk to someone about membership?
