MEMBERSHIP

 

The difference between “attenders” and “members” can be summed up in one word: commitment.

 

At GCR, we recognize the need for a formal membership to signify commitment to Christ and to this church.  We ask you to commit to membership for 4 reasons:

 

A Biblical Reason

 

When you read the New Testament, it is full of assumptions that the Christian belongs to a local church as well as the church universal.  Christ is committed to the church.  It is so precious to Him that He died for it.

 

A Cultural Reason

 

It is an antidote to our society.  We live in an age where very few want to be committed to anything- a job, a marriage, a country.  This attitude has produced a generation of  “church shoppers and hoppers.”  Membership swims against the current of America’s “consumer religion.”  It is an unselfish decision.  Commitment always builds character.

 

A Practical Reason

 

It defines who can be counted on.  Every team must have a roster.  Every school must have an enrollment.  Every business has a payroll.  Every army has an enlistment.  Even our country takes a census and requires voter registration.  Membership identifies our family.

 

A Spiritual Reason

 

It produces spiritual growth.  The New Testament places a major emphasis on the need for Christians to be accountable to each other for spiritual growth.  You cannot be accountable when you’re not committed to any specific church family.

 

 

How Do I Become A Member Of This Church?

 

We strongly encourage each person to participate in the GCR 101 class.  Many like to do this before they become a member so that they fully understand what it means to be a member of GCR.  Others are ready to make a commitment and attend the class after they place membership.  Either way is fine.  This class meets on the 1st and 2nd Sunday morning of each month during the Bible class time (9:45-10:30 am).  It describes who we are, where we are going, and explains what it means to be a member at GCR—both benefits and responsibilities.

 

To become a member at GCR, we ask that you sign a membership covenant.  This covenant is between you and the leadership at GCR.  In this covenant, the leadership makes several promises to you as a member and you in turn make promises to this church.

 

One of the requirements of membership at GCR is to be baptized by immersion.  If you are a follower of Jesus Christ but have never been baptized by immersion, we’re going to encourage you to be baptized by immersion.  If you have been baptized by immersion at another church, you do not have to be re-baptized.  For more information about Baptism, click here.

 

You may call the church office for a brochure which explains our beliefs and understanding of what the Bible teaches on baptism.  If you would like more information or you can talk to one of our elders or ministers.  Our Membership Minister, Tim Baugh, would be the logical one to call if you do not know one of the elders or ministers.