Voluntary
Membership at Candlelight
Being a member of the church is a declaration of
commitment. It is a commitment to the beliefs, vision, direction,
leadership and to the other members of the fellowship. As a member, you are
declaring agreement with, dedication to, and active participation in the
ministry life of the local church.
It has long been our belief that the New
Testament demonstrates a model of “church membership.” Those who are born
again believers and who participate in the local church are members. We as
Christians are “members of the body of Christ.” However, with a continuing
decline in moral values and a genuine commitment to Godliness among professing
churchgoers, and with the inability to provide accountability, follow-up and
networking here and with other fellowships in the community, we desire to
develop a voluntary roster of those who desire to be considered members of
Candlelight.
While the term “church member” is not
specifically used in the Biblical text, it is the position of Candlelight
Christian Fellowship that the idea of recognized membership is not a
contradiction to the Biblical model. Believers are certainly called to
participate in the life of a local church. (Acts 2:42-47; Heb. 10:25; Eph
4:7-16) It is here that the various gifts we exercise are used to assist
growth and maturity in Christ. (1 Corinthians 12) Membership is a concept which
upholds the importance of the body of Christ and helps to guard against the
tendencies of independence and disunity the Bible warns against. By becoming a
“member,” of Candlelight Christian Fellowship, you are declaring your
commitment to Christ, and to our ministry leadership. It is a declaration of
intent to use your gifts for the edification of those who are part of the
Candlelight Family and to maintain the bond of unity with the fellowship while
awaiting the Lord’s return.
“Membership” at Candlelight will serve us all because it allows us to
know those who are committed to our ministry goals and those who share our
vision to make devoted followers of Christ. We depend on our members to help
shape the ministries we offer and provide insight and assistance in fulfilling
our mission. As a member of the church together we will share a greater
awareness of each other’s gifts and talents as well as needs or weakness. This
will help us shape our ministries in a way that best edifies you and the other
members of the congregation. It also helps us know whom we can depend on in
fulfilling the long-term goals of the ministry. Because we are dedicated to you,
it is vital that we maintain a good mailing list and accountability for this
growing family of people. Our goal is to do our very best to serve you all in
Jesus name with excellence and love.
Those of you who desire to be added to the “members” roster should be
comfortable with a few fundamental attributes.
As mentioned above “Being a member of
the church is a declaration of commitment. It is a commitment to the
beliefs, vision, direction, leadership and to the other members of the
fellowship. As a member, you are declaring agreement with, dedication to, and
active participation in the ministry life of the local church.” The New
Testament demonstrates a model of “church membership.” Those who are born
again believers and who participate in the local church.” Participation
includes but is not limited to, lifestyle befitting a Christian, a willingness
to regularly attend and support the gatherings of the fellowship, a commitment
to financially support the fellowship, and the desire to maintain accountability
with the church in life and conduct. Being a “member” will not bind or
otherwise restrict you, obligate you, or enforce upon you anything not already
embraced by being a member of body of Christ.
Voluntary
Membership Form
Please
include me in the “membership roster.”
Name:
________________________________________________Date: __________________
Address:
_____________________________________________________________________
City:
______________________________________ State _______ Zip Code______________
Phone:
________________________________ E-Mail: _______________________________
Please help us to better serve you by
providing us this information.
Head of Household:
_______________________________________________
Birthday:
________________________________
Spouse’s name if married:
___________________________
Spouse’s Birthday:
________________________________
Anniversary Date:
_______________________
Number of Children: (Living at
Home) ______
Children’s Names and their Birth dates: (Living at Home)
1. _____________________________________________________________________
Birthday:
______________
2. _____________________________________________________________________
Birthday:
______________
3. _____________________________________________________________________
Birthday:
______________
4. _____________________________________________________________________
Birthday:
______________
5. _____________________________________________________________________
Birthday:
______________
6. _____________________________________________________________________
Birthday: _____________