Becoming a Member
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT CHURCH MEMBERSHIP There is never any pressure to join the church. We have found, though, that there are questions many have asked concerning
membership. Let's look at these questions and answers:
1. How can we join Everlasting Faith Fellowship?We ask you to participate in our Class 101. This time together is designed to familiarize you with our local church and are basic Christian beliefs. After attending this class, you will be able to make an intelligent and informed decision as to membership.
If you are or were a member of another Christian church and decide to join, you may join by profession or reaffirmation of faith or letter of transfer.
2. What are the requirements for membership?Membership is based on profession of your faith in Christ. We simply want to know that you personally believe Jesus is Lord and Savior, and He is the One you trust to bring you everlasting life and forgiveness.
We are non-denominational and only require you to be a Christian in order to join. We are building the Lord's church, and Christ's church is broader than those who are of any specific denomination. Therefore, all who profess faith in Christ, together with their children are welcome as members.
3. What is the membership process?The first step is participation in the membership class. This is generally a four hour course in which you will:
Learn more about our church, its history, background and beliefs.
Find out what Spiritual Gifts are.Discover (or rediscover) your gifts, passions, and personal style of ministry with the goal of not only helping you get to know yourself, but also where you can serve in the church.
The second step is to fill out an enrollment form with the necessary information for the church records. Upon meeting all of the requirements for membership, you will be approved by the church board for membership.
The final step takes place on the first Communion worship service (usually every 1st week of the month) after completing your classes. You will:
Stand (with others) and answer the six membership questions.
Be awarded a Certificate of Church Membership.Receive the Right Hand of Fellowship from the Pastor and leaders of the church.
4. Do I have to be baptized if I join?If you have never been baptized, the answer is “yes.” We baptize by immersion. If you have previously been baptized, you do not need to be baptized again. You will learn more about this in the new members class. If you have never been baptized, you will be baptized either prior to your new member acceptance Sunday or at a future date.
5. Why do you insist on a membership class?One of our goals it to encourage people to learn how to think as Christians. If we ask people to join the church without learning what the church is all about, we are asking them to make an uninformed decision. This would defeat the purpose of the church. Of course, there are other benefits. You have time to get acquainted with the Pastor and other leaders. You also have the opportunity to meet other people. Another important aspect is the “gifts assessment” you will do as part of the class work. You'll find great opportunity to learn where you can plug in to the church by use of your gifts.
6. When are these classes held?Our new members class is held throughout the year, usually on a Saturday morning from 10 AM-2 PM and includes lunch.
7. What are the membership questions?The questions are as follows. We ask that you review these questions prayerfully because they constitute a pledge to God and to all your fellow members.
Membership Questions
Do you understand yourself to be a sinner in God's sight, and at the same time, do you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as the Son of God and Savior of sinners, and do you trust Him alone for life and forgiveness as He offered in the Bible?
Do you promise that you will endeavor to live as a disciple of Christ, relying upon the grace of the Holy Spirit?
Do you promise to you will use your gifts and skills in service to the Lord in this church; you will support the ministry of this local church, and pray for its health and vitality?
Do you submit yourself to the government and discipline of this church and promise to strive for its peace and purity?
Do you understand what the bible says about tithing and giving from the heart?
Do you promise to be a faithful attendee of the worship services?
Please feel free to give the church office a call if you have any questions (941-870-3994).