WHAT IS MEMBERSHIP?

As C.S. Lewis once said, membership is of Christian origin.  Instead of being a nominal (i.e. in name only) part of an institution (e.g. Costco), membership in a church ought to mean becoming a significant part of a living body (Rom. 12:4-5; 1Cor. 6:15; 1Cor. 12-27).  And so membership is a public commitment to be an integral part of God's extended family (1Tim. 3:15; Eph. 2:19).

Adapted from Rick Warren, Purpose Driven Church (Grand Rapids, MI:  Zondervan, 1995), pgs. 313, 314.

WHY MEMBERSHIP?

     5 spiritual benefits to membership:

1. Serves to identify you as a public believer (Eph. 2:16; Rom. 12:5)

2. Provides a spiritual network to support and encourage you in your walk with Christ.   (Gal. 6:1-2; Heb. 10:24-25)

3. Gives a place for you to discover and use giftings in ministry (1Cor. 12:4-27)

4. Places you under the spiritual authority of godly leaders (Heb. 13:17; Acts 20:28-29)

5. Gives you the accountability you need to grow (Eph. 5:21)

   Distinguishing membership at VCF

Membership is a public commitment to VCF, as well as a recognition of VCF's commitment to the member.  Regardless of membership, VCF strives to embrace and equip anyone to follow Jesus, but VCF members do gain access to certain resources and rights reserved to those who've invested in commitment.

1.   VCF subsidies for conferences, mission trips etc. are only available to members. 

2.   Voting rights for key congregational votes are reserved for members.

3.   Membership is a pre-requisite for serving in some VCF committees (i.e. SPRC, Trustees, & Finance).

4.    Membership is required by the UMC to qualify for certain scholarships (e.g. HANA scholarship)

VCF'S MEMBERSHIP COURSE

How long does it take? Two consecutive sessions, lasting two and a half hours each

What should I expect to come away with?

Not only will you come away with a better understanding of VCF, but you'll get a chance to connect with other persons who are interested in joining the VCF body.  Furthermore, you'll be equipped to take the next steps in growing spiritually and relationally at VCF. 

What kinds of topics are addressed in the two part membership course?

We cover topics such as :  what is the biblical blueprint for church; what are some key aspects from our church tradition and history that we hold onto; VCF history, structure, leadership, vision & mission, and how to get plugged into VCF. 

When do you offer the membership series?

We typically offer membership courses twice a year, once in April and again in November.

When and where are the classes usually held?

We usually hold them at our Sunday site, Glen Oaks Campus, soon after our service.  We serve lunch, and a lot time for interaction and getting to know your fellow membership course mates.

If I take the class, will I have to become a member? No, the course is meant to inform, orient, and invite

people into meaningful membership. You can opt out at any time, including right at the end.

Who do I talk to if I have any questions?  You can contact any of our leaders, or contact Pastor Martin directly  p.martin@visionfellowship.net.