Church Membership At Grace Fellowship Church
At Grace Fellowship Church, we believe that church membership is both biblical and essential for the spiritual health and unity of believers. Membership is not merely a formality—it is a joyful covenant commitment to a local body of Christ’s people who share a common faith, doctrine, and mission. To join a church is to identify publicly with Christ and His people, to come under the care of shepherds, and to commit oneself to the mutual love, accountability, and service that mark the true fellowship of the saints.
The Membership Process
Those who desire to join Grace Fellowship Church begin by expressing their interest to one of the pastors. The elder will then provide a membership packet, which includes a letter from the elders, our church’s constitution and bylaws, the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith, our Statement of Faith and Covenant, and a handout on baptism. Prospective members are encouraged to read these materials carefully before beginning the first class.
Next, the individual will attend a series of three membership courses, led by one of the elders. After completing all three classes, applicants fill out a membership application and meet with an elder for further discussion and prayer. They are then presented to the congregation at the next scheduled members’ meeting, where the elders will recommend them for membership. Upon affirmation by the church body, new members sign the church covenant, are added to the church directory, and begin participating fully in the life and ministry of the congregation—faithfully attending worship, supporting the ministry, praying with the body, and partaking in the Lord’s Table.
Membership Courses Overview
Our three membership courses are designed to help potential members understand what we believe, why membership matters, and how we live out our faith together as a church. Each class lasts between 30–60 minutes and is typically completed within a span of three months.
The first course introduces the doctrinal foundation of Grace Fellowship Church. It walks through our Statement of Faith: A Brief Summary of Christian Doctrine and the London Baptist Confession of Faith of 1689, which together serve as a framework for all that we believe and teach. Participants will see how our convictions flow from Scripture, why we require full affirmation of the Statement of Faith for membership, and what it means to joyfully and humbly submit to our Confession of Faith as a guide for unity and sound doctrine.
The second course focuses on the biblical basis for church membership—answering the question, “Why should I formally join a church?” In this session, we explore the scriptural evidence for meaningful membership, the call for shepherds to oversee specific flocks, and the responsibility of believers to submit to their leaders (1 Peter 5; Hebrews 13). We examine passages that show how the early church gathered as identifiable local bodies, practiced church discipline (Matthew 18; 1 Corinthians 5), and lived out the “one another” commands of the New Testament in community. This class helps believers understand that church membership is not a modern invention, but a biblical pattern that provides accountability, belonging, and spiritual care.
The third course concludes with an introduction to the distinctives and commitments that make Grace Fellowship Church who we are. We discuss our commitment to the Regulative Principle of Worship, the regular observance of the Lord’s Table, and our belief that every member plays an active role in the life of the body. The elder leading the class will explain the practical responsibilities of membership—faithful attendance, regular giving, humble service, participation in prayer and fellowship, and obedience to Christ in all things. The course ends by outlining next steps and opportunities for serving within the church, helping each new member integrate meaningfully into the life of the congregation.
The Heart of Membership
Membership at Grace Fellowship Church is a covenant relationship rooted in love for Christ and His people. It is a way of saying, “I belong here; I am under the care of this body; and I am committed to walk together with these believers in faith and holiness.” We believe this is God’s design for His church—a family united by the gospel, bound together in truth, and devoted to the glory of God.
If you are interested in learning more about becoming a member of Grace Fellowship Church, we invite you to speak with one of our elders. It would be our joy to walk with you as you seek to grow in Christ and find your place among His people.