When anyone enters into relationship with God by grace, and faith in, the person and work of Jesus Christ they are entering into two covenants. The first is to journey with God for the rest of their lives and love Him fully. The second is to journey with His other children in the community of the local church. Your membership in a church is an official recognition of this. We believe that anyone in personal relationship with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord is a member of the Body of Christ. But since we are commanded not to forsake the assembling together with other believers locally, it is important to be committed to a local expression of Christ’s Body. Being a member of Sanctuary is really about being part of a family. Members who enter into a covenant with their local church are called to a higher degree of responsibility and service. At the same time, the pastors and deacons are covenanted to assist members first and foremost, to love and lead, provide counsel and aid, as well as to pray for, teach, and guide.
Want to be a member? What should I do?
- Start acting like one. Serve wherever you can and join a Community Group.
- Read our article on “Why Membership?“
- Assess your faith and practice with our faith and practice. Read through our Core Values, our Mission, Vision, Strategy, and statement of Beliefs. Unity is important in the essentials, liberty in the non-essentials, and charity in all things. Continue by reading through our Constitution & Bylaws (which includes our Membership Covenant and Affirmation of Faith), and the article on Stewardship.
- Once you’ve read through all the articles and believe that God is placing you in Sanctuary, ask a pastor to meet with you.
- Once this is accomplished, you will sign the membership covenant and declare your request for membership to the congregation.