Bethany Together
Once a quarter at 6.00 pm on a Sunday Evening, we get together with our sister church, Bethany City Church and celebrate everything that unites us in the fellowship of Jesus Christ.
For more information please see the "Sundays at Bethany" menu link under 'Church Events'.
 
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Church Membership PDF Print E-mail

MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION

Here at Bethany we believe that it is one thing to attend a local church, it is quite another thing to become a participating member and minister in a local church.

What Is the Faith Family?
Every member of Bethany is a part of the Faith Family. Together, we've committed our lives to Jesus Christ, and to serving Him, learning more about Him, and sharing our faith with others through the fellowship and ministry of Bethany Christian Centre.

How Can I Be a Part of the Bethany Faith Family?
If you are a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, you can become a member of Bethany Christian Centre. Because we want you to know everything about us, what we believe and how we put our faith into action, we ask those who want to be a part of our family to take part in one of our Membership workshops.

I am already attending Bethany, why aecome a part of the Faith Family?
While you may choose to join us on a regular basis without becoming a full part of the Bethany faith family, you'll miss the joy and accountability that comes when you formally and officially say, "This is my church. I want everyone to know that this is where I'm planting my life as a disciple of Jesus Christ."

Get involved at Bethany Christian Centre
What do all those people teaching, serving, learning and growing know that you don't?
It's all about purpose - you were made to do something special and here at Bethany, we want you to find real meaning as you develop a passion for serving God.


MEMBERSHIP

Is formal membership a Biblical concept?

While the term ‘church member’ never actually occurs in the New Testament, the concept is implicit. Christian believers clearly identified themselves with a local church, committed themselves to it and became participating members and ministers in it. Barnabas and Saul did (Acts 11:26), and so did many other Christians (Romans 16).

 

How does the Bible define church membership?

The New Testament does not describe a local church full of attendees only, but rather describes a church of participating members and ministers. Romans 12:4-5, 1 Corinthian 12:12, Ephesians 4:16.

The moment we trust Jesus Christ as our Saviour and Lord, we become members of the world-wide body of Christ, which is the church. This new position never changes, and is eternal. However, to grow as a follower of Jesus, we must identify with, and become a participating member in a specific local church wherever we live.

Church membership is not about signing a contract or joining a club.

 

What does membership offer?

 

Membership gives a person a sense of identity –
Ephesians 2:19-22

It provides a person with the opportunity to identify themselves as a true believer belonging to a local church. In becoming a formal member, a person is identifying themselves with similar beliefs, principles and values. This provides a Christian believer with the foundation to express themselves as a child of God and as part of the body of Christ.

Membership promotes and encourages responsibility –

  • To support and attend church gatherings and meetings regularly –
    Acts 2:46, Hebrews 10:25.
  • To have the right attitude to other members and to service and spiritual authority in the local church –
    Colossians 3:12-24, 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13, Hebrews 13:17.
  • To discover, develop and use their spiritual gifts, to glorify Jesus and to build up the local church –
    Romans 12:6-13, 1 Corinthians 12.
  • To be a good steward of their possessions and money, to use them wisely to support themselves, their family and to give to God’s work and those in need –
    1 Corinthians 16:2, 2 Corinthians 8:1-9, Romans 13:6-20, 2 Corinthians 9:7.
  • To contribute to the decision making process in the church.


Membership leads to increased commitment.
The evidence of this commitment will be:

  • An ongoing relationship with God
  • A desire to read, study and understand God’s word
  • A desire to pray regularly
  • A desire to serve others
  • A life consistent with the Christian profession of faith
  • A desire to share the gospel with others

Membership involves covenanting together in spiritual life and service.

 

Membership leads to increased accountability.

The local church provides the accountability a Christian needs to grow and mature as a follower of Jesus.

  • The support, care and encouragement of the body of Christ –
    Galatians 6:1-2, Hebrews 10:23-25
  • The spiritual protection, guidance and authority of godly leaders –
    Acts 20:28-31, Hebrews 13:7
  • The spiritual disciplines a Christian believer needs through regular bible teaching and study, worship, community life, ministry opportunities and evangelism –
    Acts 2:42-47


Church membership is about involvement and activity. It is not passive.

Membership leads to an understanding and appreciation of partnership.
We use the word ‘partnership’ to convey the interdependent nature of the local church, and to encourage members to make the most of every opportunity to work and serve together, and care for one another. Partnership is the goal of membership. Identity, responsibility, commitment and accountability are all essential to authentic partnership.

What do I do now if I want to become a member of Bethany Christian Centre?
Please ‘phone our Small Groups and Discipleship Pastor David Childs, on 0191 5121234, or speak to one of the Leadership Team after a Sunday service. Following this initial contact, a time will be arranged for a couple of the church elders to visit you. May God bless and guide you as you consider making a commitment to membership of Bethany Christian Centre.