Membership For Fellow-believers
As the holy scriptures teaches in Acts 2:36-47, the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. Therefore, we exercise no preeminence above the holy scriptures. The process contained in these scriptures qualifies you unto God, not us, whether or not you become a member of his church. We accept all that he gives unto us and prepare ourselves to loose none.
Why The Website And The Request For Membership Registration?
Certain governmental regulations now require that churches display and hold specific forms of criteria to be considered a church or religious organization in the United States of America. These specifications apply to those that are 501(c)3’s, and those that are not.
In order for the church to provide care to the Saints of God, we need to be able to contact or locate you. We have chosen this manner, which is discreet and keeps your provided information private at the headquarters level. Those who register membership go into a separate database from those who subscribe to the newsletter.
Most of all, it will allow us to share new information among the family of Christ.
Four Important Reasons Why You Should Acknowledge Membership
As you know, we do not pressure anyone to take steps that they are not familiar with or have further concerns. We make ourselves available by email to answer all of your questions.
The new policies we form will never contradict the word of God we have already received. Instead, modifications such as these only serve to advance our movement as we “go into all the world as a witness, preaching the gospel to all nations.
COMMITMENT: The concept of commitment is no longer a quality of value in our current culture. People avoid commitments at all costs, even in the church house, and often at great penalty to themselves and others. This generation does not exercise loyalty to employers, employees, neighbors, friends, family, communities, etc. One sociologist has described us as “a nation of leavers.” Many float from church to church as if each assembly was merely another stop on a spiritual smorgasbord! As soon as they find something they don’t appreciate, or encounter someone who offends them, they leave and set up their tent elsewhere. We believe it’s important to find a fellowship where the Word is preached and practiced, put down roots, and work and pray to the end that your church will bring glory and honor to Christ. That’s not always easy or painless, but it’s mature and fruitful.
PROTECTION OF SAINTS: Becoming a member of a church means joining with an entire group of ptople who have now covenanted to watch over you spiritually. The church’s elders and pastors should care for you, pray for you, and personally counsel and instruct you in the ways of righteousness. It also means having a safety net from unrepentant sinners...including yourself. It should be an immensely comforting and encouraging reality to know that there is a whole church committed to helping you live a life that is pleasing to God.
PROTECTING THE TRUTH: A third reason is: it helps to preserve the doctrinal stand of a fellowship against gradual erosion and drift. Each member should make sure they believe what we say we believe and whether or not you are in agreement with it. We should all know where we stand, and what we believe if we are going to be a participant in this ministry. This process of membership helps explain why this church has been in existence without any change in its doctrinal stand. The Gospel has not been compromised by unscriptural fads, and our people are not confused by competing teachings, nor those who elect to pervert our teachings.
LEADERSHIP: Finally, in order to protect the doctrinal stand of The Church of the Lord Jesus Christ, it is essential that those who hold leadership positions be in harmony with the church’s convictions. It is likewise critical that those who recognize and affirm leadership be persuaded of the same beliefs and motivated by the same commitment. That is why the privileges of voting and holding church office are open only to official members. Hopefully these examples will help you understand our mindset. God is a God of order, and the church does not need to be spontaneous and unorganized in order to be spiritual. In fact, the Word teaches us that true liberty is only found within prescribed boundaries.
Fees For Church Membership
There are no fees assessed to individual members of The Church of the Lord Jesus Christ. We do encourage you to support Headquarters with financial giving. The resources you give helps us to create and provide better services to you or your local church organization.
