Membership can be understood in the context of the difference between Friends vs. Family Members. Friends are welcomed and invited to come to the local church community we call Word of Grace to freely receive of the many benefits of the “Household of Faith” but with little to no responsibility. The responsibility of the upkeep, maintenance, and growth of the Church (Household) rest with the family members. It is God’s design for every friend who makes a spiritual connection with God to become a family member who is both receiving of the benefits of the household while giving to enable others to receive as well.

By definition membership is a covenant relationship that believers enter into, through a decision of love and commitment, with other Christians, in a local church setting, for the purpose of Exaltation (ministry to the Lord), Edification (ministry to one another), and Evangelism (ministry to our community). The biblical basis for membership is rooted in the following:

-The concept of Covenant Relationship in scripture
-The Identification Factor in scripture
-The Membership Confirmation principle in scripture

Membership with Word of Grace Church is based upon the precepts set down in the New Testament. Biblically, the church is an organized, purposeful assembling of Christian disciples. Membership is a joining, a bonding, and a fusing together of a body of believers to bring to pass a God-given vision (Habakkuk 2:2-3). The New Testament supports the idea that, as God’s family, we are joined together in mission and being and are not at liberty to believe whatever one considers acceptable. Corporate worship by the members provides a visible and audible expression to who we are: members of a unique body, distinct from the world – the people of God. Thus, membership is a means of identification.

Under the loving and protective care of the local church, each member benefits from the united resources in purpose and cause. A member should prayerfully anticipate godly leadership supplying godly counsel and spiritual nourishment through the preaching and teaching of the Word of God. Membership also entitles one to receive support in times of crisis or need (i.e. counseling, weddings, funerals, visitation, ordinances, etc.)

Membership classes are a place where one may understand the history of Word of Grace Church as well as its present and future. Membership class sessions are typically offered 2-3 times a year on Sunday afternoons for the following purposes:

-To get to know each other
-Introduce you to our church, staff, ministries and many opportunities available for families
-Introduce you to the community of Word of Grace and its history
-Introduce you to the purpose, vision, mission, core values, and strategy of our church
-Introduce you to the basic doctrinal beliefs we adhere to
-Establish a Biblical understanding of church membership
-To prepare you to enter into a relationship with other Christians in the local church
-Introduce you to the various ministries of Word of Grace and how you may become involved