Take the Next Step
Church Membership
Membership is how you say this is my church family. Here is what that means at Grace, why it matters, and how to begin.
What It Means
More Than a Name
on a List
We believe church membership is an important facet of every believer's growth in the Lord. The New Testament pattern was not simply belonging to the universal church of all believers, it was working, worshiping, and growing through a particular local body.
Membership at Grace is a mutual commitment. You are saying that these are the people you will serve alongside, pray with, and be held accountable by. The elders and pastoral staff are saying that they are responsible before God to watch over the care of your soul.
Grace will never be a perfect church, and we cannot promise you a season without difficulty. What we can say with confidence is that we intend to move forward in His Spirit to do His work, and we would be glad to do it with you.
At a Glance
- Who it is for
- Believers in Jesus Christ who call Grace their church home
- Where to start
- The Church Membership signup, a welcome card, or a call to the office
- What happens next
- A pastor contacts you and walks you through the process
- What members do
- Confirm new elders, approve constitutional changes, authorize property purchases
- Questions
- info@gccmadera.com or (559) 674-1172
Worth Considering
Why Membership Matters
Keep these things in mind as you prayerfully consider this step of commitment.
A Local Body
Scripture assumes believers are committed to a specific congregation, not just to the church at large. Membership makes that commitment visible.
Doctrinal Unity
Because our beliefs are stated plainly through the membership process, teaching stays consistent and the flock is protected.
A Voice in Leadership
Members help call additional pastoral staff and select the men who serve on the church council, with real insight into who they are choosing.
A Say in Governance
Members vote on changes to the church constitution, giving you a genuine part in the governmental affairs of this local body.
Building Others Up
Membership stirs you to be a body builder, reaching out to people you now recognize as your own family rather than as strangers.
Recognizing Leadership
You are affirming shepherds who answer to God for the care of your soul, and inviting them to shepherd you.
Expanded Ministry
A committed membership strengthens the church's ability to expand its ministry and reach more people in Madera for Christ.
A Sense of Belonging
There is a difference between the church you attend and my church family. That belonging intensifies the desire to serve.
The Process
How to Become a Member
There is no rush and no pressure. We walk with you at your pace.
Get to Know Grace
Join us Sunday for a Bible study at 9:00 AM, breakfast and fellowship at 10:15 AM, and the worship service at 11:00 AM. Take the time to evaluate the ministry of Grace before you commit to it.
Tell Us You Are Interested
Fill out the Church Membership signup online, come forward at the end of a service, hand in a welcome card, or call the church office at (559) 674-1172. Any of these starts the conversation.
Meet With a Pastor
One of our pastors will get in touch with you. You will talk through your testimony, what Grace believes, and any questions you still have. This is a conversation, not an examination.
Join the Family
Once the process is complete you are welcomed as a member of Grace Community Church, with a full part in the life, service, and governance of this congregation.
Common Ground
What Members Affirm
Grace Community Church is a Bible church affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention. Members affirm our Statement of Faith, which holds these convictions.
The Holy Scriptures
The Bible is the verbally inspired Word of God, inerrant in the original writings, and the final authority for faith and practice.
The Godhead
One Triune God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, co-eternal, co-identical in nature, and co-equal in power.
Salvation in Christ
Salvation is a gift of God by grace through personal faith in Jesus Christ, whose shed blood provides forgiveness of sin.
Baptism and Communion
Believers' baptism by immersion, and the Lord's Supper observed as a memorial of Christ's death and resurrection.
Common Questions
Membership FAQs
Do I have to be a member to attend?
Not at all. Every service, Bible study, and ministry at Grace is open to anyone who walks through the door. Membership is for those who want to commit to this church family, not a gate you pass through to belong here on a Sunday.
How long does the process take?
There is no fixed timeline. Once you sign up, a pastor will reach out and walk with you at your pace. Most people have already been attending for a season before they take this step.
Do I need to be baptized first?
We practice believers' baptism by immersion, and it is the normal first step of obedience for a follower of Christ. If you have not been baptized as a believer, your pastor will talk it through with you. Call (559) 674-1172 to ask about baptism.
What do members get to vote on?
Members confirm new elders, approve changes to the church constitution, and authorize property purchases. Grace is governed by a Council of Elders made up of lay elders and pastoral staff.
Can my whole family join together?
Yes. Sign up as a household and a pastor will meet with you together. Children who have professed faith in Christ are welcome to be part of the conversation.
What if I still have questions about what Grace believes?
Then this is exactly the right step. The signup form is also for anyone who simply wants to know more about our beliefs. A pastor will be in touch and no commitment is assumed.
It Would Be Our Joy
Once you have made the commitment in your heart, let us know. We will start the membership process with you.