become a member
Does it really matter if I’m a member or not? Why do I have to take a class to even become a member? Why do I have to sign anything? People often ask these questions about the membership process, skeptical as to why there seem to be so many “hoops” to jump through.
It’s true. We take membership seriously and with a lot of gravity. Committing yourself to a body of believers is weighty. But it’s also wonderful. When Members join, they commit to a spiritual family that provides encouragement and support. They are called to a biblical degree of responsibility, service and sacrifice to their brothers and sisters. Our elders and leaders also pledge to assist our members with care, counsel, prayer and teaching.
MEMBERSHIP CLASS
As you think about making a decision to join the church, we offer a class that covers what it means to be a covenant member, as well as our mission, basic beliefs and theological distinctives. We want you to know exactly what it means to join, and what is required when you do, before asking you to make a decision. There are three steps to becoming a Member at Three Strands:
1. FOLLOW JESUS CHRIST
Membership at Three Strands Church is first predicated on one becoming a genuine follower of Jesus Christ through having responded by faith to the drawing of the Holy Spirit’s message of the Gospel. This response of faith manifests itself through a belief in one’s heart and declaration with one’s mouth that Jesus Christ is your Lord and only hope for eternal salvation.
2. BE BAPTIZED
Baptism is intended only for those who have professed faith in Jesus Christ and can give sufficient testimony to the basics of Christian beliefs. We baptize by immersion because it is not only the original significance of the word but also best symbolizes the reality to which baptism points—our death and resurrection in Christ.
If you have not been baptized following salvation, we ask you to take this step before becoming a member. To help prepare you, we offer a Baptism Coach to help walk you through the process. Your coach will answer any questions you have about baptism, help you take ownership of your story, and help you understand the biblical significance of baptism. They’ll also encourage you throughout the whole process and pray for/with you.
3. SIGN THE MEMBERSHIP COVENANT
The final step in becoming a member is to meet with your membership team leader to sign the Three Strands Membership Covenant. We will explain the covenant, listen to your story and answer any questions you might have. Once you fulfill the requirements of membership and sign the covenant, you are considered a covenant member of Three Strands Church.