Membership
What is membership?
The Christian life is not meant to be lived in isolation. Jesus Christ died not only to save sinners, but to gather those sinners together into a people for Himself (Eph. 2:19-22; 1 Pet. 2:9). We need help, encouragement, and accountability as we follow the Lord Jesus Christ. This need is the reason that the Bible speaks over and over about the Church and the need to have communion with one another (Heb. 10:19-25). It is also the reason that Jesus Christ gave pastors, teachers, and shepherds to His Church (Eph. 4:11; 1 Pet. 5:1-2).
Being a part of the Church means commitment. This has both a personal component—your desire to be a part of the larger body of Christ, and a public component—being baptized as a member of the covenant community and making a public profession of faith. Practically, that means membership in a local body of believers, where a believer’s gifts can be exercised, where prayer requests can be brought, where encouragement can be found, and most importantly, where King Jesus’ gifts of Word and Sacrament can be administered to weary and needy sinners.
At Christ the King, we encourage those who worship with us to consider making a commitment to membership. Membership in a church does have its ‘privileges,’ but more importantly, it provides opportunities for service and ministry.
How do I become a member?
First and foremost, becoming a member of CTK requires you to know the Lord Jesus Christ by faith. The Church, after all, is Jesus’ Church. If you are not sure what it means to believe in Jesus, then we encourage you to talk to one of our Pastors or Elders.
Second, if you do believe in Jesus, we encourage you to attend one of our regular New Members classes. This class is not a requirement for membership, but is a great opportunity to learn more about who we are and what we believe, and to ask questions of our Pastor and Elders.
Third, you become a member by meeting with our Elders. This is not a scary process! This meeting provides the opportunity for our Elders to meet with you, hear your testimony of faith, and learn how we can best come alongside you (and your family) in ministry, prayer, and service. At this meeting, the Elders will also discuss the five vows that all members take within our denomination, the Presbyterian Church in America. Joining a PCA church like ours simply requires a credible profession of faith.
Fourth, after meeting with the Elders and being received into membership, we will work with you to schedule a Sunday during the worship service where you will publicly take the membership vows, and we will celebrate with you and praise God for his goodness in adding to our church!