Thank you for your interest in knowing more about church membership at CCEFC.
Commitment is a rare commodity these days. It is no surprise that church membership is a low priority to many Christians. Sadly, it is common for believers to move from church to church, never committing themselves to a group of fellow believers. Becoming a member of a church is an important, and often neglected, part of the Christian life. To neglect to join a church as a formal member reflects a misunderstanding of the local church and the Christian’s responsibility to the body of Christ.
Considering joining CCEFC? This pamphlet has been designed to help you better understand membership in a local church. It will help answer the questions you may have so you can make a better-informed choice.
Here are a few questions you may have:
What is a local church?
1. The Church is a family (Ephesians 2:19).
2. The Church is a body (Romans 12:4-8).
3. The Church is a fellowship (Acts 2:42).
4. The Church is a flock (John 10:14-16).
5. The Church is the Bride of Christ (Eph. 5:25-27).
The local church is NOT:
• A human club to join or not.
• A voluntary organization where membership is optional.
• A friendly group of people with similar religious interests.
• A place where I go to get my “needs” met.
• Just for attending, but for belonging.
• A place to be served but to serve God/others.
What is church membership?
When an individual becomes a Christian, he/she is united to Christ as a member of the body of Christ and is qualified to become a member of a local expression of that body (1 Cor. 12:13). But what does it mean to be a member of a local church? As a Christian, it means you have made a formal commitment to that local body of believers who have joined together for specific, divinely ordained purposes of instruction from God’s Word (1
Tim.4:13; 2 Tim. 4:2), serving and edifying one another through spiritual gifting (Rom. 12:3-8), participating in Christ’s ordinances of the Lord’s Supper and believer’s baptism (Acts 2:38-42), and the proclamation of the gospel (Matt. 28:19-20).
What is a church member?
A baptized Christian who is devoted to Jesus Christ and His church.
What does the Bible say about membership?
While the Bible does not explicitly state the church is to have an official roster of members, it is clear in the first that there were recognized and organized assemblies of Christians. Although Scripture does not contain an explicit command to formally join a local church, the biblical foundation for church membership permeates the New Testament. This biblical basis can be seen most clearly in the example of the early church, the existence of church government, the exercise of church discipline, and the exhortation to mutual edification (Acts 2:41-47).
Why is church membership important?
Is becoming a member of a church a big deal or not?
Is membership optional or necessary? It is a bigger deal than we realize. What is the big deal?
Who may become a member at CCEFC?
CCEFC membership is open to anyone who has received Christ as their Saviour, has been baptized after becoming a Christian, and who is seeking to live in obedience to the principles of God’s Word.
What are the rights and responsibilities of being a church member?
While the primary reason to become a CCEFC
member is not to gain personal advantage but to please God by identifying ourselves with the mission of the church and the marks of spiritual maturity.
CCEFC membership has the following rights:
• A vote at duly called business meetings.
• The right as a member to influence key decisions of the church (financial, building, direction/vision, selection of future spiritual and pastoral leadership, etc.).
• Serve in leadership and teaching positions.
CCEFC Membership involves the following procedure/responsibilities (CCEFC Constitution):
• The applicant shall be in attendance for six months prior to application for membership.
• The applicant shall be instructed in the CCEFC Constitution, By-Laws, and the EFCC doctrines and distinctives.
• The Church Board shall ascertain for no less than twenty-five (25) days the faith and life of the applicant, interview the candidate’s Christian experience, doctrinal beliefs, and examine evidence of Christian character and public testimony.
• The Church Board shall recommend the application by two-thirds (2/3) majority vote and written notice for members acceptance.
• Active members shall have no less than twenty-five (25) days after the written notice to provide the Pastors) with any information.
• The applicant will be recommended at a General Meeting and voted upon by closed ballot. Membership requires two-thirds (2/3) majority of the votes cast.
• Commitment to faithful attendance.
• Worship and service in this local body.
• Giving of my time, talents, and treasure to build up this local body of believers.
• Strive by the enablement of the Holy Spirit to live a holy life pleasing to the Lord, spiritual maturity, and building in unity this church.
• Develop a servant’s heart.
How can I become a member of CCEFC?
1. Attend a scheduled membership class.
2. Complete a membership application form (see a member of the Church Board or pastoral staff).
3. Accepted new members will be introduced to the congregation in an upcoming Sunday service so church members and the body of believers can bring a warm welcome.
NOTE: One can apply for church membership by application, transfer letter, or testimony.