Reforming Truth Church

Menu

Why Church Membership?

We believe that every Christian is called to formally unite with a local church. A genuine Christian’s commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ is inseparable from his or her commitment to His truth and His people. This commitment ordinarily requires a formal, open, voluntary, solemn and enduring commitment to membership in a local church. Church membership is not merely a formality—it is a biblical and joyful responsibility for every follower of Christ.

Biblical Warrant for Membership

  • Identifiable community: The early church counted its members (Acts 2:41–42; 4:4), added to its number (Acts 2:47; 5:14), and at times removed individuals from it (Matthew 18:17; 1 Corinthians 5:12–13).
  • Church structure: Members selected leaders from among themselves (Acts 6:1–6), and these leaders had spiritual oversight (Hebrews 13:17).
  • The Great Commission fulfilled through the church: Jesus commands us to make disciples, baptize them, and teach them (Matthew 28:18–20)—a mission that was carried out in the context of local churches (Acts 2:38–42; Titus 1:5–9).
  • Universal New Testament pattern: Believers are consistently seen worshiping, serving, and being shepherded in local church communities.

Qualfications for Membership

The following requirements must be met to qualify for membership.

  1. Profession of repentance and faith in Jesus Christ as their only hope for forgiveness of sins and salvation with God.
  2. Credible affirmation of such a profession given to the elder(s) of RTC.
  3. A completed reading of the Second London Confession of Faith (which is the confession of faith for all elders and teachers of RTC).
  4. Full subscription to the Reforming Catholic Confession and either a full subscription or a subscription of unity to the LBCF.
  5. A completed reading of and a willingness to submit to the Constitution and Covenant of RTC.
  6. Follow the Ordinance of Baptism (or stated intention to undergo such at the first possible opportunity).

All of these qualifications will be covered in depth in the membership process, so don't hesitate to start the process even if you are unsure. We will walk through it with you.

Membership Process

Our membership process is designed to be thoughtful, personal, and rooted in Scripture and community:

  1. Read Church Related Documents: Read our Church Constitution, Church Covenant, The Reforming Catholic Confession, and the Second London Confession of Faith. All of these documents are available on our Online Library
  2. Attend a Membership Class: We host a two hour membership class multiple times throughout the year to review important membership information, discuss our structure, and give an opportunity for questions.
  3. Submit a Membership Application: Once you have completed the membership class, you may complete our online membership application, to indicate your agreemetn with membership requirements.
  4. Elder Interview: Following receipt of your application, two of the elders will schedule a quick interview to connect on membership personally and provide an opportunity to further clarification.
  5. Congregational Introduction: If the elders recommend you for membership, your name will be shared with the current members for their prayers and to encourage fellowship. For one month, members may share any feedback on incoming members with the elders.
  6. Covenanting: Following the month long introduction, you will publicly convenant with the membership of RTC and they with you during a Sunday morning service.

What We Expect of Members

Members are privileged and expected to participate in and contribute to the ministry and life of the church, consistent with the scriptural direction of our Lord.

  • Regularly attend Sunday worship
  • Participate in the Lord’s Supper and, if not yet baptized as a believer, prepare for baptism
  • Submit to the loving shepherding of our elders
  • Affirm and uphold our Constitution, Covenant, and Confession of Faith
  • Take part in members’ meetings and church-wide decisions
  • Cultivate loving relationships and accountability in the body

Learn More

If you’d like to explore membership, please contact an elder or sign up for our next membership class. We would love to walk with you as you consider joining our church family.