Membership
West Calgary Full Gospel Church Invites You to
Join the Family!
Why Join the Church?
One of the most frequently asked questions, relating to the topic of Church Membership is: “Why should I join the church anyway? After all, it makes no difference – I can still go to church and participate in all the activities without feeling tied down or committed.”
The last word in the quote is the first reason to join the church – COMMITMENT. Church membership is a step of commitment in which the dedicated Christian expresses through both word and deed that Jesus Christ is Lord and Master in their life. This commitment involves several areas of a Christian’s life:
a) Commitment to God: Matthew 22:37
b) Commitment to the family: Proverbs 12:7b, 1 Timothy 3:4-5; 5:4,8
c) Commitment to personal growth: Philippians 3:14; Hebrews 6:1
d) Commitment to ministry: Ephesians 4:11,12, 1Timothy 4:5
Furthermore, it is also scriptural; people joined with the disciples to form the early church. (Acts 1:14; Acts 2:47; 5:12-13)
The key to a Christian’s successful commitment lies in accountability to the local church and its leadership. (Hebrews 13:17; Matthew 18:15-17; 1Thessalonians 5:12, 13) Without this accountability it is too easy to falter. With the loving support, encouragement and challenge of the leadership and congregation, each can not only maintain, but grow in their Christian walk.
There’s a second reason to join a local church, and that is RELATIONSHIP. There’s no such thing as “lone ranger” Christianity. We, “as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 2:5) We are being built together as a spiritual house for the work of ministry.
“So we, being many, are one body in Christ and individually members of one another.” (Romans 12:5) We compliment one another with our different and unique talents and abilities as we join together as a team. Each one of us has a very important function within the body and together we are able to accomplish great things for the glory of God.
When you enter the door of the church for the first time, the people open their arms and accept you unconditionally and without reservation. All relationships are two way, and this requires you to reciprocate by opening your arms and embracing the church with the support and commitment of your time, talent and treasures.
COMMITMENT and RELATIONSHIP – these are the two primary reasons a Christian should join a local church. Yes, you receive the right to vote at the annual business meeting, but the true spirit of church membership lies in the things of the heart.
The Nature of Commitment
At West Calgary Full Gospel Church, we view membership as a door of opportunity. It is a door which leads to greater growth, greater identity and greater fulfillment in our Christian lives. Church Membership is also a door of challenge and commitment. It is a challenge as we recognize the increased responsibility we have toward one another.
Our choice to join the church is really a commitment to unity. As the people of God we desire to unite around a common faith, a common purpose and a common conformity to Biblical principles. With these in common, we deliver a unified voice and witness to our community and the world. Only by this kind of commitment and teamwork can we expect to effectively spread God’s kingdom.
If you are ready to take the next step and would like to apply for church membership please download the membership form, complete it, and return it to the church. We are so excited to have you join us!