Explore Church Membership
“on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” — Matthew 16:18
Why Join Phoenix URC?
We believe formal membership in a local church is God's chosen gift and will for all Christians. Here are three reasons why.
1. Because head & Body are united
“Christ is the head of the body, the church…” (Col 1:8) The Bible compares participation in the local church to how various parts (“members”) of the body share a living union. Not only are we joined to Christ, our Head, but to all his people. Faith naturally and necessarily entails living communion and mutual service with the church whom Christ calls his “Bride” (1 Cor 12:15-26; Col 1:8).
2. it’s Part of true Discipleship
Jesus said, “whoever would come after Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me” (Mt 16:24). Following Christ requires that we join ourselves to His church in a way that is public and vital (Mt 18:15-20; Heb 10:22-25; Acts 2:47). Covenant membership is God's way of committing ourselves to the local expression of Christ's church, much like formal vows commit husbands and wives to each other.
3. it’s essential to many Blessings
The full fruits of joy, fellowship, service, pastoral oversight, and accountability all come with participating in the local church.
“You can not have God as your Father if you won’t have the Church as your mother.”
— Cyprian, c. 250 AD
How to Join (10 Steps):
1. Attend regularly for six months prior to making your decision.
2. Complete the Foundations Class (below).
3. Meet with our pastor and/or elders at least once in person. Besides getting acquainted, it’s a good time to raise questions or concerns you’d like to discuss.
4. Notify your current pastor/elders that you are considering transfer/dismissal to Phoenix URC so they can pray and care for you.
5. Prayerfully consider whether God is leading you to join Phoenix URC.
6. Confirm with our pastor that you would like to join. Likewise, if you determine not to proceed, please let us know. No hard feelings! God calls everyone to be part of a local church, but not necessarily this church.
7. Our pastor will connect you with two elders who oversee your geographical region so they can pray with you and introduce you to others in your area.
8. Request a membership interview with our consistory (elders + pastors). Basically, it’s a 30-minute conversation that helps us get to know you and determine if you’re ready to join. Don’t worry, you'll receive a copy of common questions in advance.
9. Once approved, we'll set a date to take membership vows and receive a congregational welcome.
10. If you are a member elsewhere, request a transfer/dismissal from your current leadership.
Foundations: Membership Class
“And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and prayer … and the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” — Acts 2:42,47
class Summary
The Foundations: Membership Class is a six-session course that runs twice a year (summer/winter). It covers what we have in common with other churches as well as our doctrinal and practical distinctives. Course materials provided. Child care is available by request.
Attendance
Completing the class does not obligate you to join. But it is a pre-requisite to membership. At least (3) sessions need to be done in person (we prefer that you be present for all, if possible). The rest can be completed via recordings. This helps us get to know one another and displays mutual investment. Special arrangements can be made for those with significant health risks or life circumstances.
topics covered:
Session 1 — Why Membership Matters
Session 2 — Choosing a True Church
Session 3 — Distinctives I: Reformed Doctrine
Session 4 — Distinctives II: Reformed Worship & Life
Session 5 — Distinctives III: Reformed Ecclesiology
Session 6 — Our Story, and Yours?
Next Class: sundays, starting january 22, 2023 @ 11-11:45 am in Classroom 1.
We'll meet for 6 consecutive Sundays. The class runs during the Sunday school hour and will be co-lead by the pastor, elders, and intern.
