BOLD Community Church Membership
Membership Matters
Church membership is not a concept devised by humans; it is a directive given to us by Christ in His Word. The way Scripture discusses church leadership, the "one another" commands, and the themes of care and correction imply that every believer should belong to a local church. Additionally, the imagery used to describe the Church emphasizes the significance of membership.
Leadership Structure
Hebrews 13:17 states that Christians should "obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account." This raises the question: Without a formal church membership, to whom are the elders accountable for their shepherding before God? We believe that church membership clearly defines the scope of authority and accountability for local church leaders.
Additionally, this verse helps answer the question: To which leaders should believers submit? Rather than submitting to anyone labeled as an "elder" from any church, formal membership provides guidance on the specific elders to whom a believer should submit and the reasons why.
The "One Anothers" of the Church
The New Testament is filled with commands that guide believers on how to love, serve, and relate to one another. These commands can only be fully followed within the context of the Church. As Christians, we do not simply attend Church; WE ARE THE CHURCH. We exemplify what it means to be God's people when we love and serve each other according to His design for our Church. This is why many Bible passages instruct believers on how to treat one another. These "one another" verses can only be practiced in relationships with fellow believers in the context of a local church.
The Care of The Church
1 Timothy 5:9-10 provides instruction regarding care for widows. Without membership, how does the widows' enrollment make sense?
Also, Acts 20:28 says to church elders, "Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood." Membership places you under the spiritual care and protection of godly leaders who are keeping watch over a specific local body.
The Correction of the Church
1 Corinthians 5:1-2 describes sexual immorality occurring within a local gathering and the removal of the offender. Without membership, how are we to practice church discipline?
Matthew 18:15-17 explains that when a brother sins against you and does not listen after multiple witnesses have addressed his wrongdoing, you should involve the Church. However, without membership, who defines "the Church"? Who determines when someone should be treated as an outsider, as described in verse 17 ("like a Gentile or a tax collector"), and how can they be lovingly encouraged to return to repentance?
We believe that church membership provides a straightforward process and pathway for offering care, correction, and restoration to a member who is actively engaged in habitual sin.
The Metaphors of the Church
Throughout the Scriptures, we see the Church referenced as the family of God, the body of Christ, the bride of Christ, the temple of God, the household of God, the vine and branches, the Light of the world, the salt of the earth, the army of God, the pillar of Truth, the flock of God, and more.
To not join a church is to, in effect, say:
- I don't want to be a part of His family (orphaned)
- I don't want to be a part of His body (dismembered)
- I don't want to be a part of His flock (isolated)
- I don't want to be a part of His kingdom (exiled)
- I don't want to be a part of His light (darkness)
- I don't want to live in His Truth (lies)
Membership Requirements
Believing in Christ...
- by living life as a fully devoted follower of Christ.
- by affirming the inspiration, infallibility, and authority of God's Word, as well as the other core doctrines found in Bold Community Church's Statement of Beliefs.
Belonging to His Body...
- by attending faithfully.
- by dealing biblically with conflict and refusing to gossip.
- by following the leadership in submitting yourself to the care and correction of leadership should the need arise.
- by praying for Bold Community Church's health and impact.
- by warmly welcoming those who visit Bold Community Church and committing yourself to community with those who attend.
- by having an engaged group that will know you and help you as you seek to love God, love believers, and love unbelievers.
- by annually filling out a Membership Renewal commitment.
Being Trained in God's Truth...
- by committing yourself to read, understand, and obey the Bible.
- by availing yourself of the tools and resources of the Church, which are designed to further your understanding of and deepen your commitment to applying God's Word.
- by preparing yourself to give a "ready defense" for your faith based on God's Word.
Being Accountable to the Body...
- by serving others in ministry.
- by giving financially as God has graciously given to you.
- by developing relationships with non-believers.
- by sharing your story of grace with others.
- by praying for the salvation of non-believers with whom you have a relationship.
- by discipling those whom God allows you to pour into.
Membership Commitment
With a heartfelt trust in Christ alone as my Lord and Savior and fully aligning myself with the beliefs and governance that guide Bold Community Church, I joyfully unite with the loving community of Bold Community Church. I pledge my commitment to the Lord and to my fellow members of this local church, embracing the opportunity to grow in faith together and support one another in our Christian Walk.