Why Covenant Church Membership Matters

What Is Covenant Church Membership?
Covenant membership is more than having your name on a roll. It’s a mutual, voluntary commitment between a believer and a local church. The church affirms your profession of faith and baptism. You, in turn, commit to that church’s doctrine, leadership, and mission. Together, we agree to walk in love, accountability, and shared purpose. It’s a relationship grounded not in preference or convenience, but in covenant—just like a healthy marriage or family.
What Does the Bible Say?
The Bible may not use the modern word “membership”, but it clearly presents the concept through several important truths.
1. The New Testament Describes Clear Church Boundaries
Acts 2:41 tells us that those who received the gospel were baptized and added to the church. Paul speaks in 1 Corinthians 5 about those who are “inside” and “outside” the church—a distinction that only makes sense if there’s a clearly recognized membership.
2. Mutual Commitment and Accountability Are Expected
Hebrews 13:17 calls believers to obey and submit to their leaders. Leaders can’t shepherd nameless crowds; they shepherd known flocks (1 Peter 5:2). This assumes a mutual relationship between the church and its people.
3. Church Discipline Assumes Membership
Jesus outlines a process for confronting sin in Matthew 18:15–17 that ends with someone being removed from the church. That implies they were recognized as in the church to begin with. The same is taught in 1 Corinthians 5.

What’s the Theological Reason?
God has always worked through covenant communities. Just as Israel was formed by covenant at Sinai, the church is a New Covenant people—gathered around God’s Word, His ordinances, and a shared commitment to live as His people. And the gospel itself supports this. Ephesians 2 says Jesus didn’t just reconcile us to God—He reconciled us to one another. Covenant membership reflects this by saying: “I’m not just saved. I belong. I’m not walking alone.”

What Difference Does It Make?
Covenant membership isn’t just theological—it’s intensely practical.
• It promotes discipleship.
Being part of a committed church body helps you grow through teaching, accountability, and service.
• It protects the church.
Membership provides clarity on who is in the church, which guards against false teaching and division.
• It clarifies responsibility.
Who should the pastors care for? Who’s responsible to encourage, teach, or correct? Membership brings clarity to these questions.

What About Common Objections?
“Isn’t membership just a man-made system?”
While the word may be modern, the concept is ancient. The early church tracked numbers (Acts 2:41), held elections (Acts 6:3), and had organized care (1 Tim. 5:9).
“Can’t I just be part of the universal church?”
Of course—but the universal church always expresses itself through local churches. Every New Testament letter is addressed to a local congregation or its leaders.
“Jesus didn’t talk about membership.”
Jesus did talk about the church (Matthew 16 and 18) and gave it authority and structure. The apostles implemented this through visible, local assemblies with recognized leaders and defined responsibilities.
“Can’t I be a strong Christian without being a member?”
According to Scripture, no—you cannot be a strong, obedient Christian while intentionally avoiding commitment to a local church. The Christian life was never meant to be lived in isolation. The New Testament assumes every believer is meaningfully connected to a local body where they are known, shepherded, and held accountable (Heb. 10:24–25; 1 Cor. 12:12–27).

So, Why Should I Join?
Covenant membership isn’t about control—it’s about commitment. It’s a way of saying, “I’m all in.” It’s a joyful expression of saying: “This is my church. I want to grow here, serve here, and be held accountable here. I don’t want it to be just a place I visit, but a people to whom I belong.”

If you’re a regular attender who loves this church, would you prayerfully consider taking the step of membership? And if you’re already a member, let this be a reminder of what a gift it is to belong—not loosely or casually, but in covenant love.
If you’re interested in taking the next step, seek out Pastor Tyler, Pastor David, or Pastor Tanner. You can also fill out a connection card and drop it in the offering plate as it passes during one of our services, and we’ll set up a time to meet in person. 


Blaine and Holly Hooper

South Africa

Pray for our new missionary family, the Hoopers, as they raise support and  seek where to focus their efforts when they arrive on the field.

Sunday Morning Service

Sunday Evening Service

Check out the music and Scripture texts for this Lord's Day.

Get Connected

Plan To Invite Someone To Church This Sunday

Do you feel connected to the fellowship family? Perhaps you have been attending Fellowship for a short time or even a long time but have yet to get connected to a core group of people to go through life with. We were made to have fellowship with one another and develop deep and strong relationships outside of our immediate family. One small step to get you in the right direction could be to join us this Sunday for our Connection Group time at 9:45am. You can contact our church office and ask for one of our pastor's to help get you connected to a group that fits your stage of life.
You can invite someone to church any Sunday of the year—there's no need to wait for a special occasion. Your friends and family can join our community of believers at any time! Consider stopping by the church to pick up an invitation card, which can help you start a conversation with someone you know this week.

Read this Sunday's sermon texts.

Sunday Morning:
John 6:22-59

Spend Time Praising God.

Why wait until Sunday to sing or listen to the songs of our faith? Check out our setlist for this Sunday and get ready to join with God's people in worship.
Book of the Month | Knowing God
Bluebell Outreach | May 17
Vacation Bible School Outreach | May 24
Youth Fundraiser | May 25
Vacation Bible School | June 1-4
Youth Camp Registration | June 8
Prepare your mind and heart with some Psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs this week. Use our church playlist
through the week and be encouraged by the music we will sing as a congregation this Lord's Day.

Sunday Morning Service

He Is Our God
Praise The King
Amazing Love (You Are My King)
Amazing Grace
Abide
To listen to this Sunday's setlist, use one of the platform links below.