Belonging to a church
Going to church is a good thing, but there is a deeper commitment when you choose to belong to a church. And that commitment actually runs both ways. In Membership Session, explore how belonging to a church is different than going to one and why making a commitment to the community here at Calvary is something you should consider. We’re looking forward to what God can do through us together.
What is Membership?
Membership means making Calvary Church your home church.
As a member, you formally join other Christ-followers in pursuing the vision God has for Calvary in the community and the world.
As a member, you "do life" with other Christ-followers, and together we all come to understand our roles and responsibilities for making this church body work properly.
As a member, you can expect to be cared for and made to feel you belong (while you make others feel the same way) in a community of people with diverse backgrounds.
What are the Relational Commitments?
The Relational Commitments are designed to help the members of Calvary Church relate to one another in a way that honors God and promotes authentic relationships. They cover important relational issues:
peacemaking and reconciliation
marriage and divorce
protecting children
counseling and confidentiality
mutual accountability
In a gospel-centered community, we have voluntarily joined together to encourage and support one another as we worship and enjoy God. It isn’t easy to achieve gospel-centered community or maintain it since each of us bring our own expectations and agendas into church. This diversity can lead to rich discussions and creative ministries; it can also sometimes lead to conflict. That’s where the Relational Commitments come in. Each commitment draws forward key principles from God’s Word that serve as relational guidelines for Calvary Church and our members.
What Does Calvary Believe?
Our Core Doctrines are what we believe to be essential elements of the apostolic faith that was handed down to the saints (Jude 1:3). We will lead and teach with the conviction that these are theological hills to die on and should be weighed as a test of orthodoxy, of fellowship, and are critical in regard to the ability to worship and be on mission together in light of the gospel.
We expect all members of Calvary Church to affirm the core doctrines as stated in the Calvary Church Confession (of Faith), and will be expressed in the teaching, preaching, and ministries of the church.
Our Theological Distinctives reflect what may distinguish Calvary from other churches who also affirm the core doctrines. These distinctives indelibly shape the way Calvary Church is led & the direction the church is headed.
We do not require members of our church family to embrace all aspects of these distinctives (they are not hills to die on in regard to being able to worship, fellowship, and be on mission with the gospel together. (*With exception to our position on Human Sexuality and Marriage).
If you’ve attended Starting Point and a Membership Session and are ready to make Calvary Church your church home, we invite you to take the next step by completing a Membership Application.
