DISCOVERING
Church Membership
If you’ve been visiting Rosebank Union Church for a while and are considering becoming a member, this page will tell you all you need to know about membership.
Otherwise, just come along to the next class:
A people not a place!
Why become a member?
To be a Christian is to be a member of the universal church, the body of Christ. All who believe in Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord automatically become part of Christ’s body by the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit. The body of Christ transcends race, nationality and all other barriers.
Local Church Membership
The local church is a manifestation of the universal church that has been placed in a local community. The universal church is made visible in local churches. The importance of the local church is seen by the fact that most of the New Testament letters are addressed to local churches. Despite the fact that many of the instructions given in the New Testament would be superfluous if Christians were not part of a local church, some have questioned the importance of being a member of a local church. While there is no ‘verse’ that urges Christians to join, we believe that it makes sense for the following reasons:
- a spiritual family to support and encourage
- a place to discover and develop and use your spiritual gifts
- accountability that is necessary to grow and develop spiritually
- a sense of belonging
Requirements for Church Membership
In order to become a member of RUC, a person must:
- Have a vital personal relationship with Jesus Christ
- Be in agreement with RUC’s statement of faith
- Have a commitment to fulfill the responsibilities of membership
Steps to become a member
- Attend the membership class
The membership course is run roughly twice a year. Attending this course is a prerequisite for applying for church membership. - Apply
Complete and submit the application for church membership form. - Interview
You to be interviewed by two church members. - Announcement
Names of membership applicants will be published in the church bulletin for two consecutive Sundays. - Approval
Should no objections be received, your application will be approved by the Church elders. - Welcome
You will be welcomed and introduced to the congregation at a suitable church service.
What are the responsibilities of Church Members?
Full identification with the church
Jesus often spoke of the importance of being identified with him as his disciple. Church membership can be part of that process. Membership is a public statement of allegiance to a church, signifying agreement with what the church believes and values.
Accountability to the church
Being a member means being willing to live by the beliefs and standards of the church. It means abiding by the church’s constitution and rules. Membership makes accountability possible, and accountability is essential for maintaining purity within the church. Without membership it is very difficult to have church discipline, or to hold people accountable to the standards of the church.
Accountability and care within the church
Membership clarifies the primary group for whom the church is most responsible when it comes to care and concern. Those who are members are also more accountable to care for each other.
Responsibility for the church
A member not only enjoys the blessings and benefits of being part of the church ministries, but also accepts the responsibilities for the church. When a person fulfills the requirements and is publicly accepted into membership, that new member assumes some responsibility for the ministries of the church, such as helping set direction, financial support, active attendance, prayer, involvement in the programmes, and making oneself available for leadership.
Selection of leadership
Because members have publicly declared their allegiance to the church, it is from this membership that elders, deacons and other key leaders are chosen.
Fulfillment of legal requirements
To be a legally recognized organization, there must be officially elected officers and trustees who are responsible for the property and operations of the organization. It is the formal members who elect people to these recognized leadership roles.
How to Leave a Church
We sincerely hope that you will be fulfilled and blessed at RUC and that you will grow in your journey with Christ, make some good friends and experience the wonderful satisfaction of sharing with others through your involvement in the variety of ministries available at RUC. As in our physical families, sometimes there will be hurts, offences, and misunderstandings in our church family. We encourage you to talk about it with one of the leaders. Please don’t leave RUC with unresolved issues. Should you choose to leave the church for whatever reason, please submit a letter of resignation. We strongly urge you to find another Bible teaching church.