Membership
The Purposes of Membership:
Why is Church Membership Important:
What will Membership mean:
How can I become a member:
• receiving instruction from God's Word (1 Timothy 4:13; 2 Timothy 4:2)
• serving and edifying one another through the use of spiritual gifts (Romans 12:3-8; 1 Corinthians 12:4-31; 1 Peter 4:10-11)
• participating in the sacraments - communion (Luke 22:19) and water baptism (Acts 2:38)
• communicating the gospel in word (Matthew 28:18-20) and in action (Matthew 25:35-36)
• coming under the care and authority of biblically qualified elders (Titus 1:5-9).
Quite simply, in the Early Church, coming to Christ was coming to the church. The idea of experiencing salvation without belonging to a local church was foreign to the New Testament. When individuals repented and believed in Christ, they were baptized and added to the church (Acts 2:41, 47; 5:14; 16:5). More than simply living out a private commitment to Christ, this meant apostles' teaching, fellowship, the breaking of bread, and prayer (Acts 2:42).
The universal Church - the Body of Christ (Romans 12:5) - is composed of all true believers in Christ but there is nothing in the Bible about "membership" in a local church assembly.
However, although Scripture does not contain an explicit command to formally join a local church, the biblical foundation for church membership permeates the New Testament. Church membership is a way of identifying oneself with a local body of believers. It's a statement that a Christian is in agreement with that local church and is willing to be identified as a representative of it.
It is simply a way of saying, "I am a Christian and I believe Kingsway is a good church. It's where I should be!"
To become a member of Kingsway is to commit oneself to a local body of believers who have joined together for specific, divinely ordained purposes.
Kingsway is an Assemblies of God church and our denomination’s statement of faith can be found here:
Members will have prayerfully considered if Kingsway Church is where God wants them to be. Having made that commitment, they will then become part of this church family, where trust, consideration and support of each other are so important. Becoming active in the worship, work and ministry of the church will be part of membership.
The church will seek to help, encourage and develop its members through the different aspects of its leadership and structure. Small groups play an important role both in care and developing friendships. Pastors and Elders can be called on to help "prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up". (Ephesians 4:12). As you commit to us, we commit to you.
Members will be both givers and receivers as Luke 6:38 so clearly states, "Give and it will be given to you …" Giving of finance and time is in accordance with biblical principles. Prayerfully giving encouragement and contributing to the unity of the fellowship brings great rewards. God promises that "your giving will return to you in full and overflowing measure, pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, and running over".
If, after reading what membership means and reading through the AOG statement of faith, you wish to become a member, please complete the 'APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP' form on the back of this booklet.
Once completed, please return the signed form to one of the Church Elders.
WHAT THEN…?
Understanding that Membership means being both a giver and a receiver please pick up a Giving and Gift Aid form to read about the various options you have for this.
We would also encourage you to prayerfully consider joining a POD Group – either one of our many church teams or small groups. Pick up a POD form to find out more!