We Believe in Membership

Church membership isn't explicitly commanded in the Bible. We recognize that. However, we see it as a type of covenant a person makes with a local body of believers.

Our vision is to model our lives after Jesus. In our hearts. In our homes. In our neighborhoods. Placing membership at Rising Church is a commitment to these specific believers - that you will be accountable to and accoutable for these brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus. In simpler terms, you will help this local body pursue Jesus and the scriptures while this local body helps you pursue Jesus through the scriptures.

Our Membership Process

Step 1: Application

We ask that you fill out a short membership application.

What is this for? Our leaders would like to know you. What's life look like for you right now? And not just your family or job, but also how is your walk with Jesus? Is there something you're battling? Are you feeling great or have you just left a church?

Step 2: Elder Interview

Our church is led by a team of elders. They are charged in scripture to look out for you, guide you, and be a resource for you. They will ask some basic questions and things that they'd like more clarity on based on what you wrote in the application. They'll clarify what membership is and field any questions you might have regarding the church and what's expected of a member at Rising Church.

This interview is for 2 purposes. First, they want to know you and, if you haven't had the opportunity, be introduced to them. Second, they are chraged with leading and protecting Rising Church. Should you have a need or an ability the the church can come alongside of you in, they will be able to connect you to others so that the church can become hope and encouragement for all of us. On the opposite side of that coin, should there ever be an individual who's looking to join for other motives, they have the opportunity in this interview to protect the church from those motives.

Step 3: Church Affirmation

Because the whole of Rising Church will be charged with a certain responsibility to you and for you, we ask that you be affirmed and recieved by those who are members at Rising Church. We will publicly declare your desire to become a member of Rising Church and ask if there is any objection to you becoming a member (don't worry, we'll ask you to step out of the room).

This seems scary to some folks and we understand. You are not being "voted" in or out. We live in a day and age where responsibility is neglected at every turn. The church is weighing their responsibility and publicly declaring that they will participate in brotherly/sisterly love toward you.

Following the church service that day recieving you as a member of our church, we will share a meal together with you as our guest of honor.

Step 4: Elder Assignment and S.H.A.P.E. Test

Following the dinner we will assign you to a specific elder in the church to be your "go-to" person for questions and follow-up. They will have the responsibility of regularly checking in on you. If you have a question or a concern, they are the person that will either have the answer, or get it for you.

That elder and other leaders in the church have been tasked with equipping you to help do ministry in our church and community (Ephesians 4:12). The S.H.A.P.E. test helps get the conversation going regarding where the Spirit of God may have gifted you and helps us know what kinds of things you're passionate about so that we can best equip you.