BEGIN BELONG BECOME

MEMBERSHIP FAQs

Wait, we really HAVE membership?  Yup.  Why?  For several reasons…

#1 A Biblical Reason.
Christ is committed to the church and it shows obedience to what He is committed to. The Bible says, again and again that “Christ loved the church and gave His life for it.” (Ephesians 5:25) If we’re going to be like Christ, we’ll be as committed to the church as He is.

#2 A Counter Cultural Reason. 
We live in a consumeristic, “if it doesn’t meet MY needs I’m outta’ here” world where very few people want to be committed to anything. This goes against the flow of that and you grow in your commitment to make this place better for others.

#3 A Practical Reason
It defines who can be counted on.

#4 A Personal Reason.
Membership produces spiritual growth as commitment builds character, patience, love, kindness, and accountability (cross out which of these you don’t need more).

What does it mean to be a member? 
The difference between being an attender and being a member can be summed up in one word — commitment.  I am saying this is my family and my church and I will love here, grow here, serve here and let God grow me here.  We’re not into rituals or organization or simply signing your name on a piece of paper and it means nothing.   That’s not what membership is all about.   We’re talking about a step in your personal development.

They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us. 2 Corinthians 8:5   First, you commit your life to Christ. But that’s just your first step in your growth. Next, you need to commit yourself to Christ’s family, the body of believers.

What is expected of me as a Member?
At Mariner’s we never ask our members to do more than the Bible clearly teaches anyway. We only expect our members to do what the Bible expects every Christian to do: protect the unity of the church, not gossiping, praying for the church, giving to make it sustainable, and involvement by using my gifts and skills.

Do I have to jump through hoops or go through some ritual?
Nah. As we said, we are not asking anyone to do what the Bible says: accept Christ (Romans 10:9-10), be baptized (Matthew 28), take a course to understand our vision, values and beliefs, and finally commit (2 Corinthians 8:5).