The members of Liberty consist of those who, first of all, confess Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, and give credible evidence of their profession. This is the fundamental requirement for membership in God’s universal church. However, those who wish to join Liberty must also agree with the doctrine, discipline and constitution of Liberty Christian Church, and participate in the life of the church by enjoying the privileges and bearing the responsibilities of membership.
Privileges
PUBLIC WORSHIP
Members of the church benefit from the instruction and admonition of the public ministry of the Word and the edification of public worship. In addition, they may participate in the two ordinances of the church, which are Water Baptism and the Lord’s Supper, as a means of public testimony and spiritual edification.
SHEPHERDING
Members of Liberty will receive the guidance, protection and oversight of the pastor(s) through private ministry of the Word and prayer.
FELLOWSHIP
Those who join Liberty will experience the many blessing derived from the fellowship of the saints, such as: encouragement, exhortation, comfort, as well as the opportunity and blessing of exercising one’s spiritual gifts for the edification of the church.
FINANCIAL AID
The early church recognized that true fellowship meant participating in one another needs as well as strengths, both physical and spiritual. Therefore, at Liberty, we will financially assist members who are undergoing temporal hardship.
Responsibilities
THE GREAT COMMAND
The greatest duty of every member of the church is to obey the Great Commandment, which is to love God with your whole heart, mind and soul; and to love your neighbor as yourself.
THE GREAT COMMISSION
Every member of the church will be committed to the fulfillment of the Great Commission, as demonstrated by prayer, giving, service, and personal and corporate evangelism.
BODY LIFE
Membership in the church means participation in the public and private ministry and life of the church. Thus, all members will regularly attend the public preaching of the Word and participate in the ordinances of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. In addition, every member will strive to use his gifts for the edification of the Body by serving in at least one ministry; will pray for one another; will bear one another’s burdens and will forbear one another’s weaknesses and failings, endeavoring to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
COOPERATION
The church recognizes that the purpose of pastors, teachers and other church leaders, is to equip the entire church to do the work of the ministry. Therefore, members of the church will show a proper esteem for, and submission to, the elders and deacons for their work’s sake; and will pray for the success of their labor. Every member will also financially support those elders who rule well, and who have been called by the church to vocational (full-time) ministry.
Application & Termination
APPLICATION
Those who wish to join Liberty Christian Church should understand that membership should not be taken lightly. It requires a commitment to joyfully participate in the ministry of the Church. In other words, it means serving, giving, praying, worshipping and witnessing.
In addition to these general spiritual disciplines, we expect every member to serve in at least one designated area of ministry. This means being an active player, not an idle spectator. Service is not optional. Also, every family which places its children in either the Nursery or Sunday School will be automatically placed on the respective roster.
Applications for membership should be directed to the pastor(s). Those who apply for membership must be at least 18 years of age or have the approval of their legal guardian, and must also agree to attend introductory membership classes and schedule an interview with the pastor(s). Children of members should make application for membership when they reach age 18.
TERMINATION
Membership in Liberty may be terminated for either of two reasons: First, resignation for personal reasons to join another local church, in which case a request for termination and a letter of transfer should be made to the pastor(s). Secondly, membership may be terminated as a result of excommunication.
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