How does someone become a member of a church?

They need to be born into it!

We'll explain that in detail in a moment...

If you are interested in joining as a member of Communion Presbyterian, the process begins with meeting our Elders. They would be pleased to meet with you in order to share the goals, values, and vision of our church. Beyond this, we'd like for inquirers to become familiar with our overall mission and theology. The following is a little flavor...

John 3:3 Jesus answered him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God."

This is what Jesus says to a religious teacher who is inquiring about him! At the heart of their heart of their conversation is the topic of how Jesus came to change lives. Jesus came to proclaim the “kingdom of God” and those able to “see” it are those who have been, “born again.” Let’s clarify some terms.

The Kingdom of God = this is the place where Jesus Christ rules. This place is “not of this world” (John 18:36); and yet, it is “within you” (Luke 17:21). Christ’s Kingdom, despite a long history of human attempts, has never been marked out by any human boundaries, because the influence of Christ’s Kingdom is primarily spiritual – transforming hearts and minds to obey the truth and Lordship of Jesus. The result of these transformed lives do, in fact, impact our earthly relationships, families, and cultures; but this "kingdom" will never occupy a branch (or a whole) of a secular government. But here is an important question: what do the hearts of transformed people long for? They long for a demonstration of God’s rule upon the earth – and they desire it first in their own personal lives, in their families, and then in their churches. Our churches should be the full flower of Christ’s Kingdom – and by his grace, and our obedience, Christ’s Kingdom will grow and have a profound influence upon our world.

Born Again = Jesus’ term for spiritual conversion (one of many terms to describe “regeneration”). When a person is called and convicted by the Holy Spirit, they will begin a "new life” of following Jesus. They will abandon their self-glorifying pursuits, and embrace the mission and attitudes of Jesus, their Savior. When a person is “born again,” they will “see” (recognize and identify) the importance of nourishing their faith by seeking membership in a Bible teaching church, they will want to be baptized, and they will desire to participate as a member of Christ’s body; which is the Church.

At Communion Presbyterian, we proclaim that Jesus Christ is Lord and King of all. He is king over all creation; but his rule is mostly observed in our own life! The lives "born of God" will draw to each other and affirm a form of church government outlined in the Scriptures – therefore, we are ruled by Elders (Exodus 19:7; 1 Peter 5:1,2). Our Elders pray for the church, assist with teaching, provide counseling, and give oversight to this kingdom work (When they meet together to pray and make decisions, they are called “The Session”*).

We invite those who are interested in the ministry of our church, to attend a Session meeting (normally scheduled for the second Tuesday evening of each month).

The Session represents the leadership of the church, and therefore, under their authority, they are the ones who first welcome families into “full communion” = church membership. The ARPC, the denomination to which we belong, has determined that an inquirer may become a member of our churches by affirming the following seven questions:**

Upon affirmative action by the session, applicants shall then be received into communicant membership. The session shall not impose additional conditions for membership.***

Now although we do not impose "additional conditions for membership," we do encourage those who are new to our fellowship, and especially to the Reformed Faith, to attend a six week New Member’s Course. These classes will give the inquirer a greater appreciation of why we believe what we believe and why we do what we do! This course is also an excellent series of classes to assist any Christian with the tools to articulate and defend their faith (plus, all questions about the faith and our practice are welcomed!)

What about my children?
Well, they get born into the kingdom in a slightly different way!

We believe that the Scriptures teach that in saving people, God does so on the basis of a “covenant.” This term has a lot of theological implications; but we’ll apply it in the following way: When the head of a household comes to faith, the children of that household share in the blessing of that faith and commitment. We see this played out in the Old Testament when God reveals himself as “The God of our Fathers” (stressing familial connection - Ex. 3:15), by Jesus who said that the kingdom belonged to children (Matthew 19:14), and by the New Testament Apostles – who announced salvation to entire “households.” (Acts 11:14). Our children receive the sign and seal of salvation in their baptism. They are marked out as disciples of Christ and must live according to the house rules – by observing God’s moral law, and the regulations for His church. The Westminster Confession of Faith expresses this in the following way:

Chapter 25; Article 2 -- The visible Church, which is also catholic or universal under the Gospel (not confined to one nation, as before in the Old Testament), consists of all those throughout the world that profess the true religion; and of their children: and is the kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ, the house and family of God, out of which there is no ordinary possibility of salvation.

Our children, raised in the church, are set apart as disciples – possessing childlike faith. One day, they will mature and establish their own household, and according to God’s grace, will raise another generation to know, love and honor God.

But what if these baptized children don’t believe or follow? What happens to any member of the kingdom who denies their allegiance by a heretical or hypocritical lifestyle? As a loving family, discipline should be applied! Both parents and children are subject to discipline by God their Father (Hebrews 12:9). God disciplines each member of His family because He, “disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness.” This type of discipline is a mark of a Christian church that desires to see God’s standard upheld for the edification of His church.

CONCLUSION:
You must be “born” into the church! By regeneration and by baptism – for adults and children. This is God’s will expressed throughout the entire Bible, and our goal for applying God’s standard with the church -- Christ’s Kingdom.

Please write us with your comments and questions!

* As a new Church Plant, we are ruled by a Provisional Session. These men are dedicated to overseeing the spiritual life of our congregation. But since these men were appointed rather than elected by the members of the congregation, they only serve “provisionally” during our start up phase. When our church body organizes as an “official church,” no longer requiring denominational and presbytery oversight & support, the members of our congregation will elect their own officers to rule as their Session.

** Available at: http://www.arpsynod.org/fog_v.html

*** More ARP Standards found at: http://www.arpsynod.org/fogcont.html