Membership

It is the deep desire of the Cherry Glade Congregation to be all that God wants us to be in our time and place, both individually and collectively. We recognize that the Lord is building His church throughout the whole world, among all peoples, and in all places as He sees fit. We are but a small part of the larger family of God. 

The universal Church—the Body of Christ (Romans 12:5)—is composed of all true believers in Christ, and local churches are to be microcosm of the universal Church. As believers, we have our names written in the Lamb’s book of life (Revelation 20:12), and that is what is most important. However, it is also important to commit to a local church where we can give of our resources, serve others, and be accountable. We as individual believers are called to meet with other believers, and more than that, share in life and build one another up in our faith to the glory of God.

“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near”

(Hebrews 10:23-25).

By joining a local church, each person is making a statement that they identify with a particular doctrinal position of who God is and what role His Word has in their life. It is there, within the body of the local believers, that we exercise the spiritual giftings we receive from God. Church membership is also important because, without it, there can be no accountability or church discipline. First Corinthians

5:1–13 teaches a church how to deal with blatant, unrepentant sin in its midst. In verses 12–13, the words inside and outside are used in reference to the church body. We only judge those who are “inside” the church—church members. How can we know who is “inside” or “outside” the church without an official membership roll? Church membership also helps define the pastor’s responsibility. Hebrews 13:17 instructs, “Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account.” Whom will a pastor give an account for, except the members of his own church? He is not responsible for all the Christians in the world, only for those under his care. Likewise, he is not responsible for all the people in his community, only for believers under his leadership—his church members. Membership in a local church is a way of voluntarily placing oneself under the spiritual authority of a pastor.

We invite you to review our handbook that discusses our mission, goals, declaration of beliefs, congregational covenant and more. If you feel that this is a place God is calling you to attend, then we invite you become a member.