What we believe about Church Membership

This page will tell you what we believe to be the most important responsibilities of Church Membership. If you want to talk through anything that you read here, please speak to our Minister or one of the Deacons.
 
But Membership is not in the Bible!

Superficially, this may be true. But at another level it is obvious that each church knew who belonged to that fellowship, and it's not difficult to imagine that someone, somewhere, had a list of those who were part of the local fellowship. This is the real essence of church membership – a commitment to belong to a local Christian community and be involved in its life, work and witness. These things are common themes in the letters of the New Testament, and remain at the heart of our understanding.
 
Who can be a member?

First of all, a member needs to be someone with a personal Christian faith, which may have come through specific experience or as part of a gradual process. In addition, we hope that you would prayerfully consider baptism, if you have not already been baptised as a believer.
Secondly, a member is someone who is committed to the local church and who is involved in its life, its work and its worship. A member is someone who recognises that a particular fellowship is their spiritual home, where they in faith belong.
 

What can you expect of us?

• We will help you to grow in your knowledge of God and the assurance of your salvation, through relevant and thoughtful preaching and lively worship.
• We will help you to discover and use your gifts as God enables you to do so.
• We will seek to support you in the rich and varied journey of faith in today's world, through genuine love and caring pastoral support, and through Homegroups.

What can we expect of you?

• to worship with us as regularly as possible - by coming to church on a Sunday, by taking part in communion and attending other special services.

• to actively serve in the life of the Church - by becoming a helper with one of our church activities, or through one of the many jobs that enable Sundays to run smoothly. Think about what you are good at and talk with our Pastor.

• to take part in telling our community about Jesus Christ - by sharing in the mission activities of the church, and through personal witnessing.

What else do we expect of you?

• to pray with others at formal times of prayer - in our fortnightly home groups, and at other times.

• to support the Baptist Missionary Society and Baptist Home Mission - by informed prayer and giving. Current news and literature are always available.

• to be involved in the decision-making processes of Holmesdale - by remaining informed about the life of the church and attending the regular Church Meetings. You should remain open to consider whether God is calling you to serve as a Deacon (if so, see the Pastor).

• To be committed to Cornerstone – by giving and praying regularly. Please see literature for more information.

• to generously support the finances of our Church and the causes which we support - by regularly giving through the Envelope Scheme, or by Standing Order. (Please remember to complete a Gift Aid form if you pay Income Tax.) Think about what you can afford and talk to our Treasurer.