[nlcf] – a church community for Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, and Christiansburg

Membership

[nlcf] holds the issue of church membership (covenant participation) in high regard. We are called collectively as ambassadors of Christ to share and live out the good news of Christ to those God has placed in our lives.

A member who enters into a covenant with their local church is called to a higher degree of responsibility; conversely pastors and ministers are covenanted to assist their members, to provide counsel, service, aid, as well as to pray, teach, and guide as necessary.

To transition from an attender to a covenant participant of [nlcf], we ask that you attend New Life 101 which goes through the beliefs and mission of [nlcf], the basics of Christianity, and your role within [nlcf]. Going from attender to covenant participant means you are committing to carrying out the mission of God, but doing it as a part of the [nlcf] community; we want to make sure you can fully get on board with the vision and mission of [nlcf] when considering whether or not to become a member.

At [nlcf] we never ask our members to do more than the Bible teaches. We only expect our members to do what the Bible expects every Christian to do. These responsibilities are spelled out in the Membership Covenant:

[nlcf] Membership Covenant

Being in agreement with ]nlcf]’s beliefs, vision, mission, and being led by the Holy Spirit to unite with the [nlcf[ church family, I commit myself to the following:

1. I will protect the unity of my church (Romans 14:19, 15:5; 1 Peter 1:22, Eph 4:29, Hebrews 13:17 )
- by acting in love toward other members
- by refusing to gossip
- by following the leaders

2. I will share the responsibility of my church (1 Thess 1:2, Luke 14:23, Romans 15:7)
- by praying for its growth
- by inviting others into our community
- by warmly welcoming those who visit our community

3. I will serve the ministry of the church (1 Peter 4:10, Phil 2:3-4,7, 1 Cor 9:22)
- by discovering my gifts and talents
- by being equipped to serve
- by developing a servant's heart
- by being part of a small group
- by committing to spiritual growth
- by living out the mission of God in the world

4. I will support the testimony of my church (Matt 5:14-16, Hebrews 10:25, 1 Cor 16:2)
- by attending faithfully
- by living a Godly life
- by giving regularly of my time, treasures, and talents

Leadership Covenant (our commitment to you)

With the help of the Holy Spirit, the church leadership covenants the following:

1. We commit ourselves to lovingly caring for you and seeking your growth in Christ (Heb 13:17, 1 Thes 5:12)
2. We covenant to provide teaching, preaching, and counsel from the Scriptures (Gal 6:6, 1 Tim 5:17-18)
3. We commit that this teaching will span the whole counsel of God's Word (Acts 20:27-28)
4. We commit to helping you in times of need (Acts 2:42-47, 4:32-35, James 2:14-17)
5. We covenant that your pastors and ministers will meet the criteria assigned to them in the Scriptures (1 Tim 3:1-13, 5:17-22, Titus 1:5-9, 1 Peter 5:1-4)
6. We covenant to pray for your regularly (James 5:14)
7. We covenant to be on guard against false teachers (Acts 20:28-31)
8. We covenant to exercise church discipline when necessary (Matt 18:15-20, 1 Cor 5, Gal 6:1)
9. We covenant to help you become equipped to serve Christ (Eph 4:11-13)
10. We covenant to seek God's will for our church community to the best of our ability as we study Scripture and follow the Spirit (Acts 20:28, 1 Peter 5:1-5)
11. We covenant to set an example and join you in fulfilling the duties of church members (1 Cor 11:1, Phil 3:17, 1 Tim 4:12)

Why Commit to Membership?

1. Christ is committed to the church (Eph 5:25)
2. It defines who can be counted on
3. It produces spiritual growth through accountability

To learn more about covenant participation and what it means to be a member at [nlcf], come to New Life 101.