Steps to Becoming a Member

“Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.  Ephesians 2:19-22 (NIV)

Making It Official

Rick Warren states in his best selling book, The Purpose Driven Life, “The Bible says a Christian without a church home is like an organ without a body, a sheep without a flock, or a child without a family.  It is an unnatural state.”

1. Membership says, “I belong here.”  God says believers belong together (Hebrews 10:23-25).  You sense that God wants you here with the people of FBC Stockton at this time in your Christian life, and you want to make public declaration you are committed to God’s work through this church.
2. Membership says, “We share the same ministry goals.”  God say believers are to be committed to one another for the sake of spiritual impact (Ephesians 4:16).  You believe Jesus has a work to do here and around the world, and you’re willing to join with other to see that it gets done.
3. Membership says, “I accept responsibility for a group of fellow believers in the family of God.”  That’s God’s plan as well (Galatians 6:1-2, 10). You want to be part of a caring network of people, sharing one another’s joy and sorrows, and helping one another grow though worship, Bible study, and fellowship.
4. Membership says, “I am accountable to mature brothers and sisters in Christ for my walk with God.”  God warns against spiritual autonomy (Hebrews 13:17; Mathew 18:15-20).  You don’t want to go it alone standing for Jesus Christ; you want to receive the guidance, equipping, and assistance necessary to remain on target.
5. Membership says, “I accept responsibility for how things are done here.”  Members elect deacons and other church leaders and, approve an annual ministry budget. Every member helps shape our church direction and ministry goals (1 Corinthians 12:20-27).
6. Membership keeps us legal.  The state of California recognizes churches if they have a credible membership and organization. Obedience to these laws affirms we are responsible citizen with a desire to serve
   (1 Timothy 3:2; 1 Peter 2:13-17).

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