Membership
When we began Eastwind Community Church 11 years ago, we came in with the idea that we would not have a formal "membership". Membership seemed like a bygone relic of old fashioned churches, and it held no benefits or responsibilities. Many times people who were not "official members" were active and contributing to the life of the church, while others on the membership roles were dead for years before it was realized they weren't there. Membership...what a joke!
Then, guess what! We realized as we began to organize, that in order to be an incorporated non-profit organization, registered with the state, it was required that we have members! Oh well...so much for innovation.
But then we thought,
if we are going to have members, why not try to make membership really
mean something? Let's make some real requirements for being a member,
make membership an annually renewed commitment, and give people a chance
each year to evaluate their commitment to God and to this particular church.
Every year we offer membership to all of those in our church who wish
to sign on for the next 12 months. Please understand that all people are
welcome and encouraged to participate in the life of the church, regardless
of their level of commitment. No one is considered better or more welcome
because they become a member. Membership at Eastwind is for those who
believe wholeheartedly in the message and mission of this particular congregation,
and who desire to serve God through a greater level of commitment to it's
ministry.
Membership Requirements for
Eastwind Community Church
Eastwind Community Church is a local congregation of Christian believers who have joined together for worship, outreach, spiritual growth, fellowship, and service to the world. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to participate in the life of the church, regardless of their level of commitment. Membership at Eastwind is for those who believe wholeheartedly in the message and mission of this particular congregation, and who desire to serve God through a greater level of commitment to it¹s ministry. Often "official" membership is often nothing more than a name on a page. At Eastwind, membership implies co-ownership, with all the joys and responsibilities that come with that commitment. Those who wish to become members are expressing a desire to fulfill the following goals:
1. Maintain a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. (Jn. 1:12)
2. Regularly attend a worship service, aiming for at least a 70% attendance. (Heb. 10:25)
3. Whenever possible, make every effort to participate in a small group study. (2 Tim. 3:14-17)
4. Regular giving to the financial support of the church in an amount that reflects God's gifts to you. (Mal. 3 :10)
5. Serve as a volunteer in at least one area of the church's ministries. (Rom. 12: 6-8)
6. Develop close and caring relationships within the church, and welcome those who are new.
(Jn. 13:34-35)7. Pray regularly for the church, it¹s leaders and it's people. (Ephes. 6:18-20)
8. Maintain a positive and constructive attitude toward the church, while at the same time critically evaluating it's ministries and leadership for means of improvement. (Ephes. 4:2-3)
It is understood that some who wish to be members will be unable to fulfill some of these commitments because of health, job, financial hardship or other circumstances. All members are expected to seek to fulfill the requirements to the best of their ability. Membership at Eastwind is an annually renewed commitment.
Click here for a Printable Membership Agreement Form
Click here to complete your Membership Agreement Online