CHURCH MEMBERSHIP

We believe that church membership is an important aspect of Christianity. We believe the pattern of Scripture shows that Christians should join a local church (Matthew 18:15-17; Acts 5:12-13; 1 Timothy 5:9-12; 1 Corinthians 5:12-13; 2 Corinthians 2:6). Though often misunderstood, membership is a gift that allows a Christian to live out one’s faith in community. In a church, you experience your journey with Christ in a family that seeks to nurture and protect one another. Membership is a testimony to the unity of the gospel and makes for healthy relationships where the witness of the church is best displayed.

Membership at GBC is for those who:

• are followers of the Lord Jesus Christ

• have been baptized as believers

• are in agreement with our statement of faith and church covenant

We expect our members to live in unity with one another, to pray for our leaders, to give regularly to our Lord, to attend corporate meetings and to serve with the gifts God has graciously given. More on membership can be found in our statement of faith and our church covenant.

Becoming a member

There are three steps to becoming a member at GBC:

1. Attend our “Joining the GBC Family” class. In these sessions we discuss what we believe and how we operate as a church. This class meets as required during the year. Attending the classes does not obligate you to join.
   
   

2. Once you’ve completed the “Joining the GBC Family” class, complete an application online. This form consists of questions related to your faith and any church background you might have.
   
   

3. After we receive your application, you will complete a membership interview with two of our elders. This gives us a chance to get to know you, hear how you came to Christ and for you to ask more questions you may have about us.

We receive members into our church family on Sunday mornings. We ask new members to come forward and the elders then welcome new members and pray for them.