Becoming a member of a local church is a great commitment that brings with it incredible opportunities and blessings. It also involves serious obligations to love, support, and encourage one another within the assembly. It includes having a sincere commitment to The Great Commandment (Love the Lord with all your heart...and your neighbor as yourself.) and The Great Commission (a willingness to share with others the Good News of Jesus Christ). The following is a basic outline of The Pathway to Membership. People are always encouraged to approach someone on the leadership team to get their questions answered.
Church Orientation Class
Because we take church membership seriously, we work hard to make sure we are very transparent and practical in our support to those considering the membership commitment. On a periodic basis, we offer the Church Orientation Class. It is usually taught on a Saturday morning. But it could also be held on a weekday evening or during Sunday school (9:45-10:30am), if those options worked better for the individuals wishing to participate. The class provides many opportunities for developing personal relationships. It also addresses several key topics crucial to the effective exercise of church membership: (1) what we believe, doctrine & key topics; (2) our mission and philosophy of ministry; (3) how we are organized and operate; and (4) how you can participate in the life of the church.
Profession of Faith
We believe the Bible teaches regenerate church membership. While anyone is welcome to attend any/all of our services, church membership (with all its privileges and responsibilities) is reserved for those who have demonstrated a credible personal profession of faith in Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord. That is to be followed by a public testimony of faith through participation in believer's baptism by immersion.
Leadership Interview
After completion of the Church Orientation Class, each prospective member is able, when they are ready, to meet with the Pastor and Deacons. This will be an opportunity to share about their relationship with the Lord and how they ended up at Beth Eden. It is a time for great encouragement and blessing.
Congregational Action
The last step is being introduced to the Congregation who votes to make acceptance into membership official. The church family then extends to each new member a warm Christian welcome and pledges to minister with them and to them.