What is church membership and why does it matter?

The concept of a follower of Jesus who is not actively committed to, and participating in, the life of a local community of believers in Christ—a community which the Bible calls a “church”—is entirely foreign to the New Testament. Rather, that believers are committed to one another in the context of the local church is assumed, expected, and commanded in the New Testament. This dynamic of commitment is what we call “church membership.” which, At FFBC, 

At Firm Foundation, church membership is recognized and ratified by a formal, public, statement and covenant between the individual believer (you), the body, and the leadership of this local assembly. It is a formal, official affirmation that we are all committed to one other and accountable to each other.

Is church membership biblical?

Pastor Lloyd and Pastor Tony talk about the issue of church membership.

How do I become a member of Firm Foundation?

There are four steps to becoming a member at Firm Foundation Bible Church:

Step 1
Read our bylaws and doctrinal statement.

Read our Bylaws and the “What We Teach” document, which is our full doctrinal statement.

Step 2
Fill out the membership application.

Complete the application and return it to one of our elders.

Step 3
Attend a membership class.

A 2-hour class held quarterly after the Sunday morning service. Lunch and childcare for children under 10 are provided.

Step 4
Interview with one of our elders.

Can usually be done right after the membership class. Or, contact one of our elders to schedule an interview.

FFBC membership details and common questions.

An overview of what membership means practically and some FAQs.

Biblically and practically, church membership means that:

Our leaders are committed to shepherding, serving, leading, and protecting you. (Jn. 21:15-17, Ac. 20:28, 1 Pet. 5:2)

You are committed to following, supporting, and submitting to our leaders. (1 Thess. 5:12, 1 Tim. 5.17-18, Heb. 13:17)

We are all committed to serving one another with our time, talents, and treasures. (1 Cor. 12:4-25, Eph. 4:11-16, 1 Cor. 16:1-2)

We are all committed to holding one another accountable to walk in obedience to the Lord Jesus. (Mt. 18:15-20, 1 Cor. 5)

Common questions about membership and ministry:

There are plenty of ways you can lend a helping hand if you’re not a member. However, regular, official ministry opportunities—such as teaching or hosting events—are reserved for members of FFBC. To find ministry opportunities that are available for members, reach out to one of the elders or deacons and ask where the needs are (see all our elders and deacons on our leadership page). You can also fill out the Ministry Interests Form and return it to one of our elders.

Generally speaking, we don’t believe it’s always possible or even necessary for believers to know their spiritual gift. First, none of the passages that explicitly list spiritual gifts—Romans 12:6-8, 1 Corinthians 12:8-10, Ephesians 4:11, and 1 Peter 4:11—seem to be exhaustive; in each passage there is a broader point than the identification of each and every gift, and the mention of gifts is merely to serve that broader point. Second, and more importantly, the New Testament’s expectation and exhortation is that believers serve wherever there is a need and wherever they’re able, knowing that God is at work in and through them to build up his people (1 Cor. 12:11, Eph. 4:16). The important thing is that if you see a need and you’re able to meet it, do so.

Some have said that God redirects our natural talents and abilities after conversion, and this is certainly one of the ways our spiritual gifts may manifest themselves. In practical terms, we might put it like this: what are you good at and what do you enjoy doing? The answer to that may be an indication of what your spiritual gift is, though, at the very least, you should feel all the freedom in the world to look for opportunities to serve in those areas, and then serve with a clear conscience and a thankful heart to the glory of God.

We are always in need of talented musicians and singers who are willing to share their gifts with the body. Serving on the worship team, in the music ministry, or in the sound booth are areas where only FFBC members can serve. For questions or details, contact Pastor Tony.

Children’s ministry is another one of those areas that is reserved exclusively for members of FFBC. Additionally, children’s ministry servants need to pass a background check. For questions or details, contact Pastor Lloyd.

Yes! We are always praying and looking for those who are able to help build up God’s people through the public teaching of God’s Word. As our church continues to grow, we increasingly have needs for small group leaders, Bible study teachers, help in the pulpit, and especially children’s ministry servants.

However, we are very careful about who we allow to teach at Firm Foundation. To find out more about that, read our article entitled “Who Should Teach?: Thoughts on Teaching and Leadership in the Church.”

For other details and questions about teaching at FFBC, contact Pastor Lloyd. To learn more about eldership at FFBC, click the next toggle.

Those who have been members of FFBC for at least 18 months, and who meet the biblical requirements outlined in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9, may be selected as elders. For details on eldership, see Article 5 of our Bylaws.

Those who have been members of FFBC for at least 18 months, and who meet the biblical qualifications outlined in 1 Timothy 3:8-13, may be selected as deacons or deaconesses. For details on the diaconate, see Article 6 of our Bylaws.