Membership at Christ Church
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Through local church membership we share a covenant commitment with each other, under the care of this church’s leadership, for the flourishing of the body and the glory of God.
Who can become a member?
Anyone with saving faith in Jesus who is willing to commit to this congregation of believers.
Why should I become a member?
Membership is the way that we work out the commands of Scripture for the elders to know who the Lord has entrusted to their care, for us to submit to them and their leadership under God, and for the healthy exercise of church discipline.
What is expected from members?
Local church membership is a faith-filled commitment to love and serve this local faith community. This commitment means that members (including the staff and officers) are expected, within reason and without chiding, to show love and mercy to each other, to practice hospitality, to seek to make disciples and be discipled, to submit to the church discipline of the Elders if necessary, and to give of our money and time to support the work of ministry at the local church level.
How do I become a member?
It starts with indicating your interest. Then the elders will meet with you (and your family) to hear your story, pray for you and with you, and address any questions you may have. The elders will then gather together to pray for you and this church, and to formally express their willingness to receive you into this body with joy.
Are you already prepared to apply to enter into a covenantal relationship with your brothers and sisters at Christ Church? If so, begin your enquiry form now. Or you can read more on membership.
Baptism at Christ Church
Christian Baptism is not primarily a profession of our faith; it is a declaration of God’s faithfulness (Acts 2:38–39, Colossians 2:11–12). In the waters of baptism God makes salvation promises, to be received by faith (1 Peter 3:21). When baptism is united to faith, it is a physical sign, seal, and experience of salvation. Without faith, it is of no advantage (Hebrews 4:2). The promises made from God to us in baptism are for cleansing from sin, regeneration and new creation, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, and eternal life (Titus 3:4–7).
We practice believers’ baptism (the baptism of an older child or adult upon credible profession of faith) and infant baptism (the baptism of a young child of believer parents, on the basis that the promises are extended to them as well, to be received by faith). All Christian churches believe in believers’ baptism according to Scripture. Some churches do not receive infant baptism (“paedobaptism”). We do not hold this to be an issue of first importance, and thus we do not insist on paedobaptism. We are pleased to allow the parents of the child to follow their own conviction on the matter, within the bounds of Scripture. At Christ Church, some of our elders are paedobaptist, and some are not. We love and embrace this expression of church unity-in-diversity.
