Membership Philosophy
Membership Process & Requirements
Cruise Ship vs. Battleship

At MPC, we believe church membership is a vitally important decision. We view the decision of membership as a covenant commitment to a local body of believers which demonstrates a sincere desire to be meaningfully involved in the lives of others who consider MPC their church home. This family commitment is motivated by God’s commission to the church to display His wisdom, proclaim His glory and to visually demonstrate Christ-like love (Eph 3:10, John 13:35). As such, we are reminded not to forsake our gathering together, as is the habit of some, but consider how to encourage one another toward love and good deeds (Heb 10:24-25). The Bible gives clear evidence that the church has tremendous significance in the eyes of God. Therefore, our commitment to a local body of believers should reflect this same sense of value.

Unfortunately, this level of devotion and commitment is a foreign concept in our society today. More often than not, people accept the world’s consumer mentality where devotion to a local church is conditioned upon certain personal needs being met. It is what we call the “cruise ship” mentality. This view relegates the church to a place where one expects to be entertained and pampered. A place where our personal needs are the primary focus and our commitment is contingent upon our personal satisfaction. This has led to a generation of “church hoppers” where relationships are shallow and commitments are easily broken.

At MPC, we believe God’s design for the church is much different because the example we are told to follow stands in stark contrast to this troubling trend. We understand that the church exists because Christ’s love for the church compelled Him to sacrifice His life for the church (Eph 5:25). It is this example of self sacrifice that we are called to follow - a commitment to the needs of others as more important than our own (Phil 2:3). This is what we call the “battle ship” mentality. Like a battle ship, we believe the members of MPC are called to a single mission of knowing Christ and making Him known. In order to carry out this mission, every person in the church has an equally valuable role to play in order to carry our work of ministry in service to our King and Savior, Jesus Christ. It is in this context of selfless devotion that lives are transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit and the truth of His Word. Relationships are deep and commitments are not easily broken.

Because membership matters, we encourage anyone who has visited MPC to take the opportunity and attend our Welcome Class. This class takes place each quarter and it is designed to help you understand who we are as a church and how you can become a part of the mission we are called to serve. During this time, you will have an opportunity to meet the elders, deacons and church staff along with other members of MPC. You will learn about the mission, vision and doctrine of MPC. It is our desire to help you build relationships and facilitate your involvement in the life of our church family. We welcome you and look forward to the opportunity to learn more about you as you learn more about us. top

Process for Becoming a Member:

1. Attend/complete the MPC Welcome Classes
2. Desire for membership
3. MPC individual Elder interview
4. Decision by the Elders
5. Presentation to the church family during a morning service

Requirements for Membership:

• Faith in Christ as personal savior
• Baptized as believer in Christ
• Fundamental agreement with MPC’s Doctrinal Statement
• Fundamental agreement with MPC’s “Covenant of Fellowship”
• Completion of each step of the MPC’s Membership Process

Next Class Dates: Jan 17 and 24 from 3:30 - 5:00

If you are new to Melonie Park Church or if you are interested in becoming a member, we encourage you to attend our next Welcome Class Series.  The class will be held once a quarter, and will be two sessions in length.  The first session is designed to help you get to know Melonie Park Church, its uniqueness, values and philosophy of ministry.  In the second session the elders will cover the by-laws and governance of our church; the doctrinal statement, and the covenant of fellowship.  A candidate for membership must attend both sessions. Food will be served and childcare will be available if needed. Contact Linda in the church office if you are interested in attending the next Welcome Class Series. top