Orientation: Becoming a Member
The Bible describes the church as a body comprising many members, each of them equally dependent on one another. We believe that as members of Willows we ought to have a real sense of belonging, allegiance and commitment. While in secular institutions membership implies a commitment to certain requirements or criteria, at Willows we ask our members to uphold our vision, values and various commitments.
Based on Scripture, membership:
- Identifies each member with the community of genuine believers, Eph 2:19
- Provides a spiritual family where each person can be supported and encouraged in their walk with God, Gal 6:1-2; Hebrews 10:24-25
- Provides each one with a place where they can discover and exercise their spiritual Ogifts, talents and ministries, 1 Cor 12:4-27
- Places each one under the spiritual authority and protection of godly leaders, Rom 13:17 ; Acts 20:28-29, 1 Pet 5:5
- Holds each one accountable, Eph 5:21
- In 1 Tim 3:15, Paul refers to the church as “the family of God …”. God does not want us as His children to grow up in isolation from one other, so He created a spiritual family on earth for us. As isolated as a rugby player is without a team, or a soldier is without a platoon, so is a Christian without a family, he/she is like an orphan. Membership emphasizes that sense of belonging, that sense of fellowship, community, and feeling of connectedness to the whole.
- Paul, in speaking of the believers at Corinth in 2 Corinthians 8:5, says: "they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us, in keeping with God's will". What a wonderful picture this is of what it means to be a committed member of God's family - the church. We are commanded in Scripture to love one another, pray for one another, encourage one another, serve one another, teach one another, accept one another, honour one another, bear one another's burdens, forgive one another, sing to one another, submit to one another, and be devoted to one another…
This is essentially what we understand membership to mean, and we invite all those who wish to become a member at Willows to contact the Church office for further details about our next ‘Orientation Course’, which runs three times a year over four weeks. In this course we discuss various matters pertaining to our faith, membership, church structures, biblical stewardship and an overview of the different ministries offered at the church.
Become involved
If you would like to consider becoming involved in orientating new members, there are available serving opportunities in the Orientation Ministry.
If you are interested in becoming involved in this ministry, please contact our Church Office using the menu above.
