Membership

Why become a Member?

The Apostle Paul writes in Romans 12:5, “we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.” Church membership, then, is the natural expression of the spiritual reality which the Spirit of Christ accomplishes in uniting his people together in His Body.

From the earliest days of the Christian church, as early as Acts 2:41-47, it is clear that the church was keeping numerical records of those who were joining the church by professing their faith in Jesus. The Apostle Paul also directed Titus to “appoint elders in every town” (Titus 1:5). The presence of elders and officers of the church clearly implies that there was distinction between members and non-members of churches. Without this distinction, it makes it hard for pastors and elders to “keep watch over” our souls as faithful shepherds (Hebrews 13:17).

From a practical view, membership makes public and visible what may only be implied. Mark Dever, in his book Nine Marks of a Healthy Church, writes,

“Church membership is our opportunity to grasp hold of each other in responsibility and love. By identifying ourselves with a particular church, we let the pastors and other members of that local church know that we intend to be committed in attendance, giving, prayer, and service. We allow fellow believers to have great expectations of us in these areas, and we make it known that we are the responsibility of this local church. We assure the church of our commitment to Christ in serving with them, and we call for their commitment to serve and encourage as well.”

Are you interested in being a member? Check out the simple steps below!

Steps to Membership

  1. Attend the Introduction to New City Church membership class to find out if New City is for you. This class covers basic Christian beliefs, vision, values. Membership Classes take place several times a year. Please be sure to subscribe to our newsletter to hear about our next membership class.

  2. Fill out a membership application form.

  3. Set up a membership interview with the pastor or an elder to discuss the five questions below and how you will connect and serve with the church.

  4. Be inducted as a member of the New City community in a church service.

Membership Vows

  1. Do you acknowledge yourselves to be sinners in the sight of God, justly deserving His displeasure, and without hope save in His sovereign mercy?

  2. 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?

  3. 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?

  4. Do you promise to support the Church in its worship and work to the best of your ability?

  5. Do you submit yourselves to the government and discipline of the Church, and promise to study its purity and peace?