Membership

OUR FAMILY

What is a member?

The word member in Scripture is the greek word melos, literally translated body part. The Bible uses the metaphor of a body to describe the church (1 Corinthians 12:12). It's a beautiful illustration of how we're each created to serve different functions in the local church. 

Why A Formal Process?

To be a member of a church is to make a public promise to live according to the Word and to support the work of the congregation. The Bible calls this a covenant. Every believer is part of the universal church (all Christians everywhere throughout all times), but only via a public promise can you fully be part of the local church. 

Members vs Guests

We make a distinction between members and guests. Being a guest is an important season. Like the name suggests, it's a season where we welcome you into our home and we get to know each other.  However, without eventually making a commitment to a local church through membership, guests  become consumers that, to a certain extent, remain  separated from our church family, and separated from the maturity, protection, accountability, and care that comes with being an active part of the church. 

Why Should I Become A Member?

The local church isn’t like Netflix or a country club -  membership isn't about 'the perks'. By identifying ourselves with a particular church, we let the pastors and other members of that local church know that we are their responsiblity. We assure the church of our commitment to Christ in serving, giving, encouraging, and praying for one another.
"For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ." —1 Corinthians 12:12
In the Scriptures, covenant meant an agreement that lasted for life. We’re attempting to use this meaningful term while recognizing that membership at a local church is often not for life.  
A formal process makes this covenant explicit to the church and to the member, whether membership lasts for a few months or a few decades.

GETTING STARTED

  1. REGISTER FOR AND ATTEND AN UPCOMING NEXT STEPS SESSION BELOW.
  2. IF PURSUING MEMBERSHIP, AFFIRM OUR MEMBER'S COVENANT AND DOCTRINE STATEMENT (HERE).
Next Steps is the starting place for deeper involvement in  your faith and in our church. Whether you are looking to connect at Anthem, are interested in serving, or simply want to learn more about Jesus, Next Steps has you covered. All are welcome to join us on our journey in growing to be more like Jesus.