We live in a culture that values individualism and privacy, but the call of Jesus is clear: He prays that we may all be one, that the world might know that the Father has sent Jesus. This call of Christ to live in covenant community with other sinners, redeemed by grace, is what membership in His church is. Membership is also a commitment to guard, care, submit, support, and minister together for the building up of the church body.
Several times per year we run an Inquirer’s Class which has two main purposes.
- To provide an informal setting to learn more about what is at the core of our congregation, to learn about what we believe on various topics, and to learn about the membership process.
- To give an opportunity for potential members to become acquainted with a pastor or elder who can help them connect with one or more of the church’s ministries. Attending this class is a requirement for church membership.
If you decide to move toward membership, an elder will be assigned to meet with you. Goals for this interview are…
- To learn how the Lord saved you
- To confirm that you understand the meaning of church membership
- To confirm that there are no biblically warranted concerns with your joining Evergreen as a covenant member.
- To answer questions or help you find opportunities to connect at Evergreen.
The final step toward membership is to participate in a new member reception during a worship service. In this reception you will affirm your agreement with the following questions.
- Do you acknowledge yourself to be a sinner in the sight of God,
justly deserving His displeasure, and without hope save in His
sovereign mercy? - Do you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as the Son of God and
Savior of sinners, and do you receive and rest upon Him alone
for salvation as He is offered in the Gospel? - Do you now resolve and promise, in humble reliance upon the
grace of the Holy Spirit, that you will endeavor to live as
becomes the followers of Christ? - Do you promise to support the Church in its worship and work
to the best of your ability? - Do you submit yourself to the government and discipline of the
Church, and promise to study its purity and peace?