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 10:24-25 ESV
Membership Qualifications
Salvation – To be a member of the body of Christ, or the universal church, a person must have repented of their sin and trusted in Jesus Christ alone for salvation. By joining the church, you are confirming that you have freely chosen to follow Jesus, have received new life, the gift of the Holy Spirit, and have assurance of eternal life.
Believer’s Baptism – According to our tradition, one of our first acts of obedience following salvation is baptism. While we do not require members to have been baptized through Triune immersion, we do ask that they have at least been baptized following their conversion by being immersed. We recognize that baptism does not save us, but declares publicly our allegiance and obedience to Jesus.
Church History – We understand that sometimes people feel the need to find a new church in which to be involved. If you have recently been active in another local church, we want to make sure that you have left that church on good terms and that, to the best of your knowledge, you have attempted to resolve any issues or conflicts. Unity is essential to the success of the local church and we hope that new members will seek to live in harmony with the church’s members and leaders.
Believer’s Baptism – According to our tradition, one of our first acts of obedience following salvation is baptism. While we do not require members to have been baptized through Triune immersion, we do ask that they have at least been baptized following their conversion by being immersed. We recognize that baptism does not save us, but declares publicly our allegiance and obedience to Jesus.
Church History – We understand that sometimes people feel the need to find a new church in which to be involved. If you have recently been active in another local church, we want to make sure that you have left that church on good terms and that, to the best of your knowledge, you have attempted to resolve any issues or conflicts. Unity is essential to the success of the local church and we hope that new members will seek to live in harmony with the church’s members and leaders.
Membership Privileges
Spiritual Growth – The second part of our purpose statement expresses that we are in a constant pursuit of Jesus. One of our values is “Transformational Truth,” which assumes that as we pursue Jesus, our lives and character will be transformed by His word. This spiritual growth is what we seek to accomplish as we live and worship together as a holy community.
Relationships – At Pataskala Grace, developing relationships is a high priority, which is why “Graceful Authenticity” and “Intentional Hospitality” are two of our values. We want to follow Jesus together, which requires developing new, genuine, and loving relationships. It is our desire that members of Pataskala Grace are meaningfully connected with one another so that we don’t have to follow Jesus alone.
Care – As we journey together in faith and life, we also want to be a community that cares for one another in times of crisis. As members, we commit to caring for you and ask that you help care for others through prayer and support. We want to be a church that bears one another’s burdens (Gal. 6:2).
Sharing – In an effort to “share our hope in Jesus,” members of Pataskala Grace are willing to continue learning how to verbally communicate the Gospel with those outside of our church. Our goal is to “equip the saints for ministry” (Eph. 4:12) so that every member is an evangelist and capable of helping others understand, embrace, and become better followers of Jesus.
Relationships – At Pataskala Grace, developing relationships is a high priority, which is why “Graceful Authenticity” and “Intentional Hospitality” are two of our values. We want to follow Jesus together, which requires developing new, genuine, and loving relationships. It is our desire that members of Pataskala Grace are meaningfully connected with one another so that we don’t have to follow Jesus alone.
Care – As we journey together in faith and life, we also want to be a community that cares for one another in times of crisis. As members, we commit to caring for you and ask that you help care for others through prayer and support. We want to be a church that bears one another’s burdens (Gal. 6:2).
Sharing – In an effort to “share our hope in Jesus,” members of Pataskala Grace are willing to continue learning how to verbally communicate the Gospel with those outside of our church. Our goal is to “equip the saints for ministry” (Eph. 4:12) so that every member is an evangelist and capable of helping others understand, embrace, and become better followers of Jesus.
Membership Responsibilities
Presence – Membership is pointless if one never attends or participates in the activities of the church. Becoming a member implies that you will be a regular presence at gatherings of Pataskala Grace Church, including worship services, life groups, communion celebrations, member meetings, and special outreach opportunities.
Teamwork – As a local expression of the body of Christ, we recognize that our members bring with them a variety of gifts and talents that can be put to good use in our effort to make new and mature disciples of Jesus. That’s why another one of our values is “Missional Teamwork.” We want everyone to be an active member of the team, since Christianity is not a spectator sport. We’re all called put our gifts to use by serving in some aspect of ministry within the church.
Generosity – Every church relies on the contributions of its members to succeed and our church is no different. We expect our members and regular attenders to support the ministry of our church by providing for its financial needs, recognizing that “God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Cor. 9:7) We also hope that members will not withhold their giving as a way of expressing their discontent or frustration with a decision or leader.
Humility – While we strive for perfection, we know that we will never achieve it in this life. We hope that church members will be open to correction and will seek to maintain unity with others even amid conflict. Scripture calls us to be “quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger” (James 1:19) and to “count others more significant than yourselves” (Phil. 2:3). We pray our members will not be a conscious source of bitterness and division among God’s people.
Input – Members of Pataskala Grace are willing to gracefully share ideas and concerns with leaders in an effort to build up individuals and the body. Feedback is essential to growth and required for clarification. However, we hope our members will attempt to substantiate their input with Scripture and will be cognizant of their personal desires. Those who have been invited into membership also have the ability to share their input by voting on church matters.
Prayer – We ask that members regularly pray for the leadership and ministries of our church, as well as those whom God has brought into our fellowship.
Teamwork – As a local expression of the body of Christ, we recognize that our members bring with them a variety of gifts and talents that can be put to good use in our effort to make new and mature disciples of Jesus. That’s why another one of our values is “Missional Teamwork.” We want everyone to be an active member of the team, since Christianity is not a spectator sport. We’re all called put our gifts to use by serving in some aspect of ministry within the church.
Generosity – Every church relies on the contributions of its members to succeed and our church is no different. We expect our members and regular attenders to support the ministry of our church by providing for its financial needs, recognizing that “God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Cor. 9:7) We also hope that members will not withhold their giving as a way of expressing their discontent or frustration with a decision or leader.
Humility – While we strive for perfection, we know that we will never achieve it in this life. We hope that church members will be open to correction and will seek to maintain unity with others even amid conflict. Scripture calls us to be “quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger” (James 1:19) and to “count others more significant than yourselves” (Phil. 2:3). We pray our members will not be a conscious source of bitterness and division among God’s people.
Input – Members of Pataskala Grace are willing to gracefully share ideas and concerns with leaders in an effort to build up individuals and the body. Feedback is essential to growth and required for clarification. However, we hope our members will attempt to substantiate their input with Scripture and will be cognizant of their personal desires. Those who have been invited into membership also have the ability to share their input by voting on church matters.
Prayer – We ask that members regularly pray for the leadership and ministries of our church, as well as those whom God has brought into our fellowship.