Membership: a public promise

Church membership may sound too formal. You might even wonder, “is it really even necessary?” So, why is it important? Why before God should you be a member of an imperfect church? There’s lots of reasons but let’s begin with the premise: relationships are strongest when they are secured by a public promise (i.e. marriage).

Now, church membership isn’t marriage but think of all the implications of that public promise:

  1. It forces you to face conflict differently: reconciling rather than running

  2. It shapes the way you love others and how you allow yourself to be loved by others

  3. It motivates you to a purpose bigger than yourself; to use your time, talent, and treasure for the greater good of the community

  4. It opens you up to spiritual accountability from your brothers and sisters in Christ and from church leaders even when it may involve hard conversations.

The entire trajectory of the teachings of Jesus and the Apostles hinges on a concept of our participation in the church with structures of authority.  We are stronger together. This is why Kissimmee Fellowship has church membership.

How do I become a member?

  • This class is offered 3-4x a calendar year. It takes place on a Friday night and Saturday morning.

    In the class we discuss the biblical foundation of membership, the importance of the gospel and doctrinal comitments of Kissimmee Fellowship.

  • Over dinner, Pastor Heath will ask you some questions about your conversion and of the gospel's work in your life.

  • During a worship service, you will make your public promise using the 5 vows created by the denomination (Presbyterian Church in America) of Kissimmee Fellowship.

    Those that have not been baptized already, will receive the sacrament of baptism.

  • 1. I acknowledge myself to be a sinner in the sight of God justly deserving his displeasure and without hope in his sovereign mercy

    2. I believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as the Son of God and Savior of Sinners, and I have received and do rest upon him alone for salvation as he is offered in the gospel.

    3. I now resolve and promise, in humble reliance upon the grace of the Holy Spirit, that I will endeavor to live as a follower of Christ.

    4. I promise to support the Church in its worship and work.

    5. I submit myself to the government and discipline of the Church, and promise to pursue its purity and peace.

Questions?