Membership Packet WELCOME AND INTRODUCTION Thank you for seeking to become a member of The Worship Center. Becoming a member of any organization, club, or church is an admirable venture. In this workshop packet, you will witness our beliefs and the requirements, roles, and responsibilities of church members. We invite you to read through this packet thoroughly with prayer and receive a witness in your spirit in becoming a member of The Worship Center. Whether you are transferring membership from another church or this is your first time becoming a member to any church, we hope and pray that you will feel that our church has become a second family to you personally and your immediate family as well. After you have read through this packet, attended our church for three months, attended this Membership Workshop, and you still have any unanswered questions; please do not hesitate to talk with our Pastor or any of those in leadership on the Church Board. It is very important for you to understand the teachings (doctrine) of the church as stated in our Statement of Fundamental Truths on page 4,5. We look forward for the time that you will become a part of the family here at The Worship Center. May God Richly Bless You! In His Service, Pastor TJ Roberts Lead Pastor A BIBLICAL BASIS FOR CHURCH MEMBERSHIP Church Membership conforms to the precedent established in the early years of the Church. Wherever the gospel went, believers gathered together in congregations (Acts 13:1; 14:23; 15:41; Revelation 1:11) and they were added to the church (Acts 2:42-47). Church Membership makes it possible to enter into relationships like the early believers in which principles and patterns of conduct for corporate worship were accepted (1 Corinthians 14:28; 16:1-2). Church Membership provides for fellowship which is a vital part of the church’s life (Acts 2:42). Church Membership makes possible the instruction of Scripture to exhort and encourage one another (Hebrews 3:13; 10:24). Church Membership makes it possible to comply with the command to do good with others and to fellow believers (Galatians 6:2, 10). Church Membership makes it possible to comply with the instructions concerning church discipline (1 Corinthians 5:113). Church Membership makes it possible to comply with the instruction concerning restoration of fellow believers (Galatians 6:1). Church Membership makes it possible to receive instruction in the Word (1 Timothy 5:17; 1 Peter 5:2) which results in maturity (Ephesians 4:11-16). Church Membership makes it possible to comply with instruction to contribute to the support of the work of the Lord both in the community of the congregation and elsewhere (1 Timothy 5:17-18; Galatians 6:6; 1 Corinthians 16:2-3). Church Membership makes it possible to perpetuate the preservation and teaching of God’s Word (2 Timothy 2:2). Church Membership fulfills the innate desire to belong (Acts 2:42). Church Membership makes a persons’ confession of faith more effective and influential (Acts 2:46-47). Church Membership gives believers opportunity to share in responsibilities incumbent upon all Christians (Acts 6:3, 4:23; Matthew 18:17; 1 Corinthians 5:4, 12-13; 6:1-2). Church Membership brings encouragement with others through common goals, vision, and understanding of doctrine and conduct (Acts 11:19-30; 12:5; 13:1-4; 28:15; 2 Peter 1:2). Church Membership is a confession of faith, a proclamation to the world, a commitment to task, and a pledge to work together with those of like precious faith (Acts 5:12-14) STATEMENT OF FUNDAMENTAL TRUTHS These are nonnegotiable tenets of faith that all Assemblies of God churches adhere to. This list is derived from the official Statement of Fundamental Truths. You may go online to www.ag.org for more information or scriptural support. 1. WE BELIEVE…The Scriptures are Inspired by God and declare His design and plan for mankind. 2. WE BELIEVE…There is only One True God–revealed in three persons…Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (commonly known as the Trinity). 3. WE BELIEVE…In the Deity of the Lord Jesus Christ. As God’s son Jesus was both human and divine. 4. WE BELIEVE…though originally good, Man Willingly Fell to Sin– ushering evil and death, both physical and spiritual, into the world. 5. WE BELIEVE…Every Person Can Have Restored Fellowship with God Through ‘Salvation’ (trusting Christ, through faith and repentance, to be our personal Savior). [1 of 4 cardinal doctrines of the AG] 6. WE BELIEVE…and practice two ordinances—(1) Water Baptism by Immersion after repenting of one’s sins and receiving Christ’s gift of salvation, and (2) Holy Communion (the Lord’s Supper) as a symbolic remembrance of Christ’s suffering and death for our salvation. 7. WE BELIEVE…the Baptism in the Holy Spirit is a Special Experience Following Salvation that empowers believers for witnessing and effective service, just as it did in New Testament times. [1 of 4 cardinal doctrines of the AG] 8. WE BELIEVE… The Initial Physical Evidence of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit is ‘Speaking in Tongues,’ as experienced on the Day of Pentecost and referenced throughout Acts and the Epistles. 9. WE BELIEVE…Sanctification Initially Occurs at Salvation and is not only a declaration that a believer is holy, but also a progressive lifelong process of separating from evil as believers continually draw closer to God and become more Christlike. 10. WE BELIEVE…The Church has a Mission to seek and save all who are lost in sin. We believe ‘the Church’ is the Body of Christ and consists of the people who, throughout time, have accepted God’s offer of redemption (regardless of religious denomination) through the sacrificial death of His son Jesus Christ. 11. WE BELIEVE…A Divinely Called and Scripturally Ordained Leadership Ministry Serves the Church. The Bible teaches that each of us under leadership must commit ourselves to reach others for Christ, to worship Him with other believers, to build up or edify the body of believers–the Church and to Meet human need with ministries of love and compassion. 12. WE BELIEVE…Divine Healing of the Sick is a Privilege for Christians Today and is provided for in Christ’s atonement (His sacrificial death on the cross for our sins). [1 of 4 cardinal doctrines of the AG] 13. WE BELIEVE…in The Blessed Hope—When Jesus Raptures His Church Prior to His Return to Earth (the second coming). At this future moment in time all believers who have died will rise from their graves and will meet the Lord in the air, and Christians who are alive will be caught up with them, to be with the Lord forever. [1 of 4 cardinal doctrines of the AG] 14. WE BELIEVE…in The Millennial Reign of Christ when Jesus returns with His saints at His second coming and begins His benevolent rule over earth for 1,000 years. This millennial reign will bring the salvation of national Israel and the establishment of universal peace. 15. WE BELIEVE…A Final Judgment Will Take Place for those who have rejected Christ. They will be judged for their sin and consigned to eternal punishment in a punishing lake of fire. 16. WE BELIEVE…and look forward to the perfect New Heavens and a New Earth that Christ is preparing for all people, of all time, who have accepted Him. We will live and dwell with Him there forever following His millennial reign on Earth. ‘And so shall we forever be with the Lord!’ REQUIREMENTS FOR CHURCH MEMBERSHIP The following requirements can be found in our Bylaws under Standard of Membership (Article One, Section 2). #1 – You must agree with our doctrine. #2 – You must be in faithful attendance at The Worship Center for three consecutive months before becoming a church member. #3 – If you are transferring membership from another church, your former pastor must give you a positive reference and be in faithful attendance for a period of three months. #4 – Regardless of membership from another church, there is a time for examination in which the Pastor and Board of Trustees will pray and discuss your application. #5 – You must be born again. #6 – You must be baptized in water. #7 – If you are not baptized in the Holy Spirit, you should be actively seeking to be filled. #8 – You must support the church with tithes and offerings according to Malachi 3:8-10 on a consistent basis. #9 – Your lifestyle and choices must be in accordance with Scripture. ROLE OF CHURCH MEMBERS #1 – Church Members should be in faithful attendance on a consistent basis (Psalm 107:32; 111:1). #2 – Church Members should realize that their outward testimony is important (Matthew 5:16; Ephesians 4:1). #3 – Church Members should adhere to the Constitution and Bylaws of the church as to church government (1 Corinthians 12:28). #4 – Church Members are admonished to live a holy life and a lifestyle that is in agreement with the Holy Scriptures (Hebrews 12:14; 1 Peter 1:15-16). #5 – Church Members should know that their body is the temple of the Holy Spirit and we should do nothing that will bring harm to that temple such as abusing alcohol and drugs, fornication, adultery, & sexual immorality (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). #6 – Church Members should refuse to fellowship or support any person who advocates false doctrine unless it is to evangelize the individual (Hebrews 13:9; 2 John 10-11). #7 – Church Members should refuse to have any part in gossip, slander, or backbiting — whether it be family, friend, leadership, or another brother or sister in the church (Proverbs :16-19; Psalm 19:14; Proverbs 17:14). #8 – Church Members should respect and honor the Pastor as the shepherd of the flock and the officers that God has chosen for our wellbeing and protection (Hebrews 13:7, 17, 24; 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13; Romans 13:1). #9 – Church Members should be committed to the burden and vision of the church (Crossroads Assembly of God) to move forward and take the Gospel to every person in their circle of influence, their community, and the church’s community (Proverbs 29:18; Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:19,20). The Worship Center APPLICATION FOR CHURCH MEMBERSHIP PERSONAL INFORMATION: Date: ________ First Name: _________________ MI. _____ Last Name: ___________________ Home Address: _______________________ City: ____________ NY Zip: ______ Mailing Address: ______________________ Home Telephone #: (_____) _____________ Cellular Telephone #: (_____) ___________ How long have you been attending The Worship Center? _________ Occupation: ____________________________________________ Please circle one of the following: single married divorced widowed remarried If married, to whom: ______________________________________ Date of Wedding: ______________ City & State: ______________ Number of Children: _____ Children’s Names: Date of Birth: _______________________________________ ___________ _______________________________________ ___________ _______________________________________ ___________ _______________________________________ ___________ _______________________________________ ___________ _______________________________________ ___________ CHRISTIAN EXPERIENCE: #1 – Are you born again by the Spirit of God? Y N Year of conversion: _____________________ Location: _____________________________ #2 – Have you been baptized in water by full immersion? Y N Year of Baptism: _______________________ Location: _____________________________ #3 – Have you been baptized in the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues? Y N Year of Spirit Baptism: _________________ #4 – If not baptized in the Holy Spirit, are you seeking? Y N #5 – Will you support The Worship Center with tithes and offerings according to the Holy Scriptures? Y N #6 – Will you be in faithful attendance to worship services, Bible Studies, Annual Business Meeting, and any Special Business Meetings? Y N #7 – Do you believe all the Bible in regard it as the rules of faith and practice in your daily life? Y N #8 – Do you agree with the 16 Fundamental Truths of the Assembly of God? Y N If not , which one(s): ______________________________________ #9 – Do you agree with the vision and mission of The Worship Center? Y N The Worship Center exists to exalt Jesus and be empowered by the Holy Spirit to equip the saints for evangelism. For more information, please visit our website at www.theworshipcenter.cc and read the about us page. Please take a few moments and share with us why you would like to become a member of The Worship Center: _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ Are you willing to sit with the Pastor and Board in regards to this application? Y N Do you confirm that all the contents that you have answered and written in this application is true? Y N COVENANT OF MEMBERSHIP Having received Christ as my Lord and Savior and been baptized, and being in agreement with The Worship Center’s statements, strategy, and structure, I now feel led by the Holy Spirit to unite with The Worship Center’s church family. In doing so, I commit myself to God and to the other members to do the following: 1. I WILL PROTECT THE UNITY OF MY CHURCH …By acting in love toward other members …By refusing to gossip …By following the leaders “So then, let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up.” (Romans 14:19 NLT) “Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.” (Ephesians 4:29 NLT) “Obey your spiritual leaders, and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they are accountable to God. Give them reason to do this with joy and not with sorrow. That would certainly not be for your benefit.” (Hebrews 13:17 NLT) 2. I WILL SHARE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF MY CHURCH …By praying for its growth …By inviting the unchurched to attend …By warmly welcoming those who visit “We always thank God for all of you and pray for you constantly.” (1 Thessalonians 1:2 NLT) “So his master said, ‘Go out into the country lanes and behind the hedges and urge anyone you find to come, so that the house will be full. For none of those I first invited will get even the smallest taste of my banquet.’” (Luke 14:23-24 NLT) “Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory.” (Romans 15:7 NLT) 3. I WILL SERVE THE MINISTRY OF MY CHURCH …By discovering my gifts and talents …By being equipped to serve by my pastor …By developing a servant’s heart “God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.” (1 Peter 4:10 NLT) “Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ.” (Ephesians 4:11-12 NLT) “Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. … Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being….” (Philippians 2:3-4, 7 NLT) 4. I WILL SUPPORT THE TESTIMONY OF MY CHURCH …By attending faithfully …By living a godly life …By giving regularly “And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:25 NLT) “Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ. Then, whether I come and see you again or only hear about you, I will know that you are standing side by side, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News.” (Philippians 1:27 NLT) “On the first day of each week, you should each put aside a portion of the money you have earned. Don’t wait until I get there and then try to collect it all at once.” (1 Corinthians 16:2 NLT) “One tenth of the produce of the land, whether grain from the fields or fruit from the trees, belongs to the LORD and must be set apart to him as holy.” (Leviticus 27:30 NLT) I have received the membership packet and Covenant and I agree to adhere to these statements. Please print your name legibly here: ___________________________________ Signature: _________________________________ Date: _______________