What it means to be a member
Membership at First EFC is predicated upon your relationship with Christ and your commitment to participating / supporting the ministry God has called us to.
We believe that choosing to become a member is a step of a maturing spiritual life, joining the team of First EFC, under our Coach, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Membership is important for at least three reasons.
FIRST, the concept is implicit throughout the New Testament. Believers clearly identified themselves with a specific local body and were challenged to become devoted participants.
SECOND, formal membership is valuable for church leaders as they seek to fulfill their God-given task of shepherding. At different times in the life of our church it’s important to identify those who truly comprise the core that can be counted on to build and sustain the ministries of this body.
THIRD, and perhaps the most important reason, membership benefits the individual. In a culture that no longer values commitment, membership presents a challenge to publicly affirm a commitment to Christ and to a specific local body.
AT FIRST FREE, MEMBERSHIP IS …..a four step process.
“INVESTIGATION” Learning about this body – it’s philosophy, beliefs, and ministry. Attending a "Discovery Fellowship", an orientation to the mission and ministry of First EFC, is an important and required first step in the membership process.
“AFFIRMATION” Declaring an intention to join. Completing a membership application, the prospective member declares his or her intentions to join the membership of First Free. Once the completed application is turned in, the prospective member will be contacted by an elder or staff member to schedule a brief appointment or interview.
“CONFIRMATION” This is simply a personal interview with two leaders to discuss any remaining questions about First Free or membership. In this setting, our leaders want to be certain that there is a clear understanding about what it means to have a relationship with God. Sharing one’s personal story of faith in Christ is part of this visit.
“CELEBRATION” The membership process is completed with acceptance of the prospective member by the First Free Church membership at a congregational meeting.
More about Membership
Contact the church office to learn when the next Discovery Fellowship is being offered.