Membership & Commitment
Commitment to the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12) at Neighbours Church can look different based on the choice of people who choose to participate and call Neighbours Church their home. We understand that each person is on a journey and may be comfortable at different levels of commitment to the church based on personal convictions. So, we want to acknowledge that we see at least four levels of commitment to Neighbours Church.
Attenders
People are attenders; their commitment level is low at this point, they come to the church fairly regularly, and have the right to attend services, financially support the work of the church, attend our AGM, and participate in communion if they are a believer.
Regulars
People are regulars; those who call Neighbours Church their home church, and have the right to attend services, financially support the work of the church, attend our AGM, participate in communion if they are a believer, and serve in a variety of roles at the church.
Church Family
People are church family; those who have made a personal decision for Christ, call Neighbours Church their home church, are interested in greater accountability to the leadership of the church, voluntarily submit to the leadership of the church and discipleship, and have the right to attend services, financially support the work of the church, attend our AGM, participate in communion if they are a believer, and volunteer in most roles at the church other than those reserved for legal Members of the church.
Members
People are members; everything that is true for ‘church family’ is true for ‘Members’, however as ‘Members’ they are part of the Membership. ‘Membership’ is a legal term referring to those that have legal rights and responsibilities within the organization.
Qualifications for Membership
A person qualifies for membership in the Church if he/she:
- has experienced the ‘new birth’ (John 3:5-7) through repentance and personal faith in Jesus Christ and shows evidence that they are a child of God, born of the Holy Spirit;
- is willing to accept the spiritual oversight of the Lead Pastor, Associate Pastors, and Elders and is willing to follow their lead unless it is plainly contrary to the written Word of God;
- agrees with the Statement of Faith and is willing to strive to live out its principles;
- embraces the purpose and vision of the Church;
- affirms all of the provisions contained in this Constitution; and
- is willing to commit himself/herself to the Church by word, regular participation, tithing/giving, fulfilling the responsibilities of membership, and governing their lives according to Scripture.
