Our DNA (Membership)
Q: What is Church Membership?
A: Church membership is a covenant relationship between individual Christians who share the same basic beliefs. These Christians take the step of church membership since they are deeply committed to:
- Supporting and encouraging one another as they grow spiritually
- Working together to share Christ with others
- Seeking together to bless their local area and the world for God's glory.
Q: Is Church Membership Biblical?
A: Yes. On-half of the New Testament is made up of letters that the Apostle Paul wrote to specific churches (groups of Christians in one locale who identified with and were committed to one another).
In 1Timothy, Paul wrote specifically about the qualifications of and instruction for church leaders (1Timothy 3:1-13). Jesus referenced the local church several times and even detailed the circumstances in which an individual could be removed from membership (Matthew 18:15-17). If there was no such thing as church membership, none of this would make sense.
Q: Why Join If I'm Already Involved?
A: It is true that some are almost as involved as they would be if they were members. However membership is more intentional and usually evokes a greater sense of being a part of your fellowship and commitment from both the church as well as the individual. When you "make it official" by become a member of VSBCfamily, several things are available and more likely to happen:
- The Bible Study Group you choose assumes responsibility to care for you and your family.
- You receive help in developing a personal spiritual action plan.
- Assistance is available to help you find a meaningful place of service in the body.
- You become a part of our accountability partnership between the church and its membership.
- We will stand by you in times of crisis and provide appropriate assistance either spiritually or materially.
Q: What is Required For Church Membership?
A: First all members must have a personal relationship with God by accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Next all prospective members must have been or be willing to submit to Believer's Baptism. Believers Baptism is defined as baptism that takes place after salvation to symbolize what God has already done in the believer's life. Since VSBC believes that Baptism occurs after salvation infant baptism would not qualify under these guidelines.
We also suggest prospective members to attend VSBC DNA 101. This workshop is held often and is designed to help you get a "fast start" in our church life. The workshop is usually held on Sunday's in a one session format, it will give you an opportunity to meet the staff and church leaders, the history of the church and tips on becoming involved in its future.
Q: What Is Expected Of Church Members?
A: There are three basic disciplines that we believe members should practice:
- Be involved in worship.
- Be involved in becoming a disciple. (A good first step is belonging to a Bible Study small group.)
- Be involved in a ministry.
Q: How Do I Join?
A: The first step is to let us know:
- Make it know during a church service during the invitation
- Talk to a staff member
- Fill out the "tear sheet" from the bulletin and check the appropriate box.
- Attend the DNA 101 class.
After Counseling you become a part of the fellowship by:
- Believers Baptism
- Statement of your faith and Believers Baptism from another Church
- A letter from a former church which confirms your Believers Baptism.
You may call the church office at any time or drop us an email and we will be in touch with you.