Membership

"...so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others." - Romans 12:5

In the early church, it was through the Lord's Supper that people expressed their commitment to one another and to the Lord. In theory, it is no different today: every time we take the Lord's Supper together, we are declaring ourselves to be members of one another and of this church body. In reality, most of us do not tend to think in these terms. So, the modern invention of membership is a formal way to express our commitment to the body of Christ. By becoming a member of a church, we declare publicly our commitment to one another and place ourselves under the care and spiritual guidance of the church. The intention is to protect the church, not to limit one's ministry.

Importance of Membership

Six reasons we believe church membership is important:

Membership says, 'I belong here,' and the Bible says that believers belong together (Hebrews 10:23-25). To become a member is publicly saying that you are committed to God's work through His church.

Membership says, 'We share the same ministry goals,' and the Bible says that believers are to be committed to one another for the sake of spiritual impact (Ephesians 4:16). To become a member is publicly saying that you are willing to join other believers in the mission of the church.

Membership says, 'I accept responsibility for a group of fellow believers,' and the Bible says we are to bear one another's burdens (Galatians 6:1-2, 10). To become a member is committing to share in the lives of other believers.

Membership says, 'I am accountable to mature brothers and sisters in Christ for my walk with God,' and the Bible warns against spiritual autonomy (Hebrews 13:17, Matthew 18:15-20). To become a member is publicly saying that you are open to the spiritual guidance of others.

Membership says, 'I accept responsibility for the way things are done in a local church,' and the Bible says we are to be responsible in our service (1 Corinthians 12:20-27). To become a member is publicly saying that you want to have responsible input into the direction of the church.

Membership says, 'We as a church want to function legally,' and the Bible says we are to obey the laws of the government (Romans 13:1-7, 2 Peter 2:13-17). Church membership says we are responsible in having credible membership.

We believe church membership is a practical way to both affirm those who call Living Stones their church home and to foster like-mindedness. Church membership is about preserving unity not limiting ministry (Ephesians 4:3).

Becoming A Member

To become a member of Living Stones Community Church a person must:

1. Be a born again believer in Jesus Christ, God's Son
2. Have followed the Lord in Believer's Baptism by immersion
3. Indicate interest to the Lead Pastor
4. Complete a Membership Application
5. Be 18 years of age or older to be a voting member or 16-17 years of age to be a non-voting member
6. Meet with the Lead Pastor/Elders to discuss things such as the mission, beliefs, and policies of LSCC
7. Complete a Membership Covenant
8. Be presented to the congregation at the recommendation of the Lead Pastor/Elders for a congregational vote according to the church constitution

While we affirm and welcome non-members to participate in our worship services, home groups, and other ministries, we do not allow non-members to hold a variety of positions. The intention is to protect the church and preserve unity, not to limit one's ministry.