One might assume that as long as people follow Christ, the church doesn’t need formal membership. Isn’t it enough simply to call yourself a Christian and attend regularly? We believe that there are at least three reasons for having a formal membership.
- The concept of membership is biblical. While the term “church member” is never used in Scripture, the concept is implicit throughout the New Testament. Believers clearly identified themselves with a specific local body and were challenged to become fully devoted participants.
- Membership can be a significant “defining moment” in one’s lifelong discipleship journey.
- Membership is valuable to the leaders of the church as they seek to fulfill their God-given task of shepherding. Membership is a mutual commitment. As an individual commits to membership, the church commits to caring for the individual.
What questions are answered in the membership class?
- What does it mean to be a Christ-follower?
- What beliefs do we affirm in our Statement of Faith?
- How is FCCO organized?
- How do we live out our Mission?
- What commitments do we make as Covenant Members of FCCO?
What would I be committing to?
Membership is a commitment on your part to participate at FCCO as God has enabled you in these basic areas:
- Praying for our church
- Consistent worship attendance
- Personal ministry involvement
- Financial support of the church
- Participation in an Adult Fellowship or Small Group
- Personal Ownership of FCCO’s Mission: Follow, Love, Share—Everyone, Everywhere!
What is the process for becoming a member?
- Attend the Membership Class. The class is offered several times a year. While attendance at this class does not obligate you to join, you must attend this before you can become a member. This class helps you to investigate who we are as a church, what we value as important, our statement of faith, and our various ministries.
- Membership Affirmation. If, after attending the Membership Class, you feel God is leading you to become a member, fill out and submit the Membership Affirmation. This is a time of self-evaluation where each individual affirms what we value as a church—including baptism, which is a requirement for membership.
- Meet with an Elder. After completing this Affirmation, the prospective member meets with an Elder to discuss the affirmation made and to confirm membership.
- Congregational Welcome. All new members are then introduced and welcomed on a designated Sunday morning so that our whole community can celebrate together.