ChurCh membership

Faithfully Walking Together as we Pursue Christ 

Church Membership Philosophy

Church membership is a joyful and meaningful commitment to belong to a local body of believers. While every follower of Christ is part of the universal Church (1 Corinthians 12:13), Scripture also demonstrates the importance of identifiable, committed local membership (Acts 2:41–47; Hebrews 13:17). At New Hope Fellowship, membership is a covenant relationship where believers unite around shared doctrine, mutual accountability, and a common mission to make disciples.
Members affirm our statement of faith, share a clear testimony of salvation through Jesus Christ (Romans 10:9–10), and have been baptized by immersion as a public declaration of their faith (Romans 6:4). Membership reflects a commitment to worship faithfully, grow through Connection Groups, serve with their spiritual gifts (1 Peter 4:10), and protect the unity of the church (Ephesians 4:1–3).
We believe membership is not about status, but stewardship — faithfully walking together as we pursue Christ and advance His gospel in our community and beyond.


How Does one become a member

1.  A Clear Testimony of Salvation – Church membership is reserved for those who have personally trusted in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior (Romans 10:9–10). As Scripture teaches, we are added to the body through saving faith in Christ (1 Corinthians 12:13).

2. Scriptural Baptism – We believe baptism by immersion, following conversion, is the Biblical pattern demonstrated in the New Testament (Acts 2:38–41; Romans 6:3–4). Baptism is an outward sign of inward transformation and a step of obedience for every believer.

3. Attendance at our Membership Class – We believe clarity and shared understanding matter. Scripture calls leaders to equip the saints for the work of ministry (Ephesians 4:11–12), and this class helps individuals understand our mission, doctrine, structure, and expectations of membership.

4. Agreement with our Statement of Faith– The early church was devoted to the apostles’ teaching (Acts 2:42). Unity in doctrine protects the church and strengthens our shared mission (Philippians 1:27; Titus 1:9). JR Members affirm and sign off on the doctrinal convictions that guide New Hope Fellowship. Parents must also sign off in compliance.

5.Signed Church Covenant- By signing the Church Covenant, each member affirms agreement with the church’s Statement of Faith and commits to uphold the Biblical responsibilities of a believer, including faithful worship, prayer, generosity, service, unity, and personal spiritual growth as taught in Scripture. The signed covenant serves as a mutual commitment between the member and the church body.

Statement of Faith
Church Covenant
Church Membership

Church Membership

Rights and Responsibilities for NHF Members

Rights:

  • The right to vote on the selection and calling of the Senior Pastor

  • The right to vote on the annual budget, including special property and building needs or requirements

  • The right to vote on changes or amendments to our church constitution

  • The right to vote and serve on elected Boards (nominations are based on the character qualities found in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1)

Responsibilities:

  • The responsibility to pray for our church

  • The responsibility to attend worship

  • The responsibility to support our church through tithes and offerings

  • The responsibility to serve the Lord according to personal giftedness and the needs of the body

Jr church Membership

Ages 12 - 18

JR Membership reflects our conviction that belonging to a local church matters. The New Testament assumes identifiable, committed membership within a specific body of believers (Hebrews 13:17; 1 Corinthians 5:12–13). It provides a pathway for individuals to formally identify with New Hope Fellowship, commit to our doctrine and direction, and grow in discipleship—while recognizing that voting participation is reserved for full members.

JR Members will automatically transition to full membership at the age of 18, at which time they will assume all the responsibilities and privileges of full members, including the ability to vote on congregational matters. This transition reflects our belief in growing into mature participation within the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:13), while maintaining order and clarity in church governance (1 Corinthians 14:40).

At New Hope, we value faithful, everyday obedience to Christ. Whether serving as a full member or JR Member, our desire is the same: that together we would “walk in a manner worthy of the calling” (Ephesians 4:1), pursue maturity in Christ (Colossians 1:28), and live on mission for His glory (Matthew 28:19–20) Of note Jr Membership must be with parental consent as stated in the Jr Membership Covenant.
Printable InformationJr Membership Covenant

Questions

Contact: Communications@nhfchurch.org

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Membership in the local church is not an option for believers; it is a command to be obeyed.

R. C. Sproul