Church
Membership
Membership at Redeemer is about becoming a partner in the gospel with a family, not merely joining a church.
God has always intended for his children to live in community with one another. This pattern is clear from the opening of Genesis. The Bible teaches that membership in a local church is the normal expectation for a healthy disciple of Christ. The Bible knows nothing of a Christian living out their faith autonomously detached from a local faith family. Christians are called:
to assemble together regularly to build one another up in Christ (Hebrews 10:23-25)
to encourage one another regularly (Hebrews 3:12-14)
to partner together to evangelize the lost (Matthew 28:18-20)
to protect each other from sin (James 5:19-20)
to guard the church from hypocrisy (Matthew 18:15-18) and…
to be built up by the regular teaching of God’s Word through gifted teachers (Hebrews 13:17).
To faithfully follow these commands, Christians partner together in the gospel with other believers in a local assembly to cultivate deep, authentic, God-glorifying, sin-fighting relationships.
Membership
Class
We offer a class for visitors interested in learning more about what it means to be a member of Redeemer Church. This class covers the gospel, the history and theology of our church, and the privileges and expectations of members. These classes are held at different times throughout the year, and interested individuals are encouraged to speak to a pastor about their desire to register for one of these classes.
Taking this class doesn’t make one a member, but it is the first step of the membership process. Attendance at both sections is required before moving forward in the membership process.
The Interview
The prospective member meets with a pastor-elder to provide basic biographical information and recount God’s converting work in their life. The prospective member would then sign the statement of faith and church covenant, and the application goes to church leadership.
The Recommendation
At a regularly scheduled elders meeting, the elders will review the applicant’s testimony. Upon receiving the elders collective approval, the candidate’s application proceeds to the next step: congregational affirmation.
The Congregational Affirmation
During a Faith Family Meeting, a pastor-elder briefly describes how the applicants desiring to be admitted to membership have come to know the Lord. Then, questions are fielded, a vote is taken, and candidates are admitted into membership with a majority affirmation.
Have a question? Let us know!