We believe membership, though certainly not a prerequisite for involvement in our fellowship or in the body of Christ, is an important way to demonstrate your commitment to helping First Christian Church become the vibrant church God has called us to be! If you are interested in knowing more, come check out our "Join The Team!" class, offered once quarterly. It's a 6-week introduction to, well, everything you ever wanted to know about church, and it gives you a great chance to get to know some other folks just like you and ask staff and church leaders any questions you may have.
"If membership and the "Join The Team!" class are not necessarily requirements for participation at First Christian, why should I become a member?"
All Christians are members of THE Church, regardless of what local church they attend. But we believe it is helpful, for several good reasons, to become a member of a local congregation. It's essentially about involvement in a church family that will hold you accountable to growing in Christ. Having your name on a Church’s list of members does not improve your standing before God, but most likely it will impact your Christian walk.
Also, it is important to note that, for non-members, there are some limitations on involvement, for purposes of providing a secure environment. We unapologetically require our teachers, Ministry Team leaders, and elected leadership to be members. In a violent and uncertain world like ours, this helps us create a safe and secure culture that coheres around our mission. See "Nursery & Toddlers" for a good example of applying this principle of maintaining a secure environment.
"So how do I become a member of First Christian Church?"
(1) Contact A Minister/Elder
This step is not mandatory, but it is preferable. By alerting a Minister or Elder of your interest, you can have your questions answered. This will also make your introduction to the congregation more personal and helps us, your new church family, celebrate with you and your family. Please contact an Elder or Minister in person, or call or email the church office. See "Contact Us."
(2) Walk Forward At Invitation Time
An opportunity is extended during each worship service to walk forward and become a member. Although it might make you nervous, standing in front of our congregation allows us to introduce you. It also affords you the opportunity to publicly confess: “I believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God.” This means your church family can join with you in confessing our faith in Christ. If you can't do Sunday morning during worship, let us know, we'd be happy to discuss the matter with you at another time.
(3) Be Baptized
If you have never been immersed in baptism as a Believer, you will get that opportunity after talking with one of our Ministers or Elders. Since Christ Himself was baptized and commanded us to be baptized (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16), baptism is a requirement for membership at FCC. We prefer that you become baptized during Sunday morning worship. If you can't do this, we'd love to discuss finding another time or day. If you've already been immersed, great! Let us know and we'll send a letter of transfer of membership to your previous church.