Lakeside Membership 101

What does it mean to become a “Member” at Lakeside?

In Jesus Christ, God calls people to faith and to membership in the Church, the body of Christ. Baptism is the visible sign of that call and claim on a human life and of entrance into the membership of the church. The baptism of children witnesses to the truth that God’s love claims people before they are able to respond in faith. The baptism of those who enter the covenant of membership upon their own profession of faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior witnesses to the truth that God’s gift of grace calls forth a response of faithfulness. Thus, the triune God, incarnate in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, gives to the Church not only its mission but also its understanding of membership.

• proclaiming the good news in word and deed,
• taking part in the common life and worship of a congregation,
• lifting one another up in prayer, mutual concern, and active support,
• studying Scripture and the issues of Christian faith and life,
• supporting the ministry of the church through the giving of money, time, and talents,
• demonstrating a new quality of life within and through the church,
• responding to God’s activity in the world through service to others,
• living responsibly in the personal, family, vocational, political, cultural, and social relationships of life,
• working in the world for peace, justice, freedom, and human fulfillment,
• caring for God’s creation,
• participating in the governing responsibilities of the church, and
• reviewing and evaluating regularly the integrity of one’s membership, and considering ways in which one’s participation in the worship and service of the church may be increased and made more meaningful.

Persons may enter into active church membership in the following ways:

• • a) Public profession of faith, made after careful examination by the session in the meaning and responsibilities of membership; if not already baptized, the person making profession of faith shall be baptized;
  • b) Certificate of transfer, when a person is a member of another Christian church at the time of transfer;
  • c) Reaffirmation of faith, for persons previously baptized in the name of the triune God and having publicly professed their faith.

G-1.0401 Baptized Member

G-1.0402 Active Member

G-1.0403 Affiliate Member

G-1.0404 Other Participants

An active member is a person who has made a profession of faith in Christ, has been baptized, has been received into membership of the church, has voluntarily submitted to the government of this church, and participates in the church’s work and worship. In addition, active members participate in the governance of the church and may be elected to ordered ministry (see G-2.0102). Active members shall regularly, after prayerful consideration, recommit themselves to the disciplines and responsibilities of membership outlined in G- 1.0304. The session shall have responsibility for preparing those who would become active members of the congregation.

• • Who is your Lord and Savior?

Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior.

• • Will you be Christ’s faithful disciple, obeying his word and showing his love?

I will, with God’s help.

• • Will you devote yourself to the church’s teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and prayers? (Acts 2:42)

I will, with God’s help.

• • to meet spiritual needs through sermons, classes, pastoral visits, one-on-one sharing/praying
  • to provide opportunities to individuals to discover their God-given gifts, and the tools to assist in finding a way to do what they do best
  • to offer care and Christ-like compassion through Deacons, other Care groups, pastors, etc.
  • to offer opportunities for learning and spiritual growth through adult discipleship classes and seminars, leadership opportunities, etc.
  • to be good stewards of the financial gifts that are given to Lakeside
  • to provide opportunities and encouragement for mission
  • to listen to feedback, questions, criticism and suggestions from members and to respond
  • to encourage Christian relationships that will provide friendship and camaraderie for all ages/stages of life
  • to communicate clearly the church’s expectations and needs

• • to attend worship and intentionally spend time with God during the week

  • to use the gifts God has given me in service to others

  • to offer care and compassion

  • to take advantage of the opportunities for learning and growth

  • to financially support the ministry of Lakeside

  • to reach out in Christ-like love to others

  • to communicate clearly my needs to the staff and/or members