Storrs Community Church Membership Covenant

“So we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another”         Romans 12:5

Practically speaking, members are individuals: 

• Who have begun a journey of faith by appropriating forgiveness and acceptance offered by Jesus Christ;

• Who want to mature in their faith and are committed to growing spiritually in pursuit of whole-hearted devotion to Christ;  

• Who are active in the life of Storrs Community Church and connected to others in significant relationships where they can serve and be served;  

• Who are active partners in the mission of the church, serving the church and the community as faithful stewards of their spiritual gifts and material resources.

To be part of God’s new society, by definition, is a commitment to a visible, local body of believers, where you can serve and being served, and growing together toward maturity in Christ. 

Church membership is a commitment we make to each other.  We agree as sisters and brothers in Christ to be subject to Christ and to work together for our own maturity and the growth of God’s kingdom.  

Three important things happen when individuals become members.  First, because members affirm a set of beliefs as outlined in the Statement of Faith, membership helps to insure theological consistency.  Commitment to the Statement of Faith helps to preserve and protect our beliefs. This is of particular importance for independent and unaffiliated churches, such as ours.

Second, membership strengthens the church through shared ownership.  As a congregationally governed church we submit ourselves to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.  This does not mean that we are a democracy nor that majority rules, rather it implies equal responsibility and giftedness as we seek the direction of our Lord.  While the day-to-day operations of the church are delegated to the Board of Elders, major decisions require a vote of the membership.  When you become a member, you willingly take on the yoke of responsibility that comes with shared ownership.

Third, membership is an anchor securing the uncertain future to the past.  Because only members are allowed to influence the direction and decisions of the church, membership is a safeguard that serves the intention of the founders in establishing an Evangelical Church.  Though none of us will be here forever, it is our prayer that Storrs Community Church will serve as a faithful, relevant and accurate witness of our Lord until he comes again.

When you become a member of Storrs Community Church, you join a group of people who agree to love God and each other.  Each member is gifted by Christ to express that love in service.  Service promotes growth in each person and the whole body.  We are a people in a mutual covenant to each other’s lives for Christ’s sake.  Owning the covenant requires responsible relationships.  We are a spiritual family and express it by giving generously of our time, our resources and ourselves.  The church is a place for both giving and receiving.

What Does It Means To Be A Member?  

Church membership is a promise that you make to this church and this church makes to you.  We agree as sisters and brothers in Christ to be subject to Jesus Christ and to work together for our own maturity and the growth of God’s kingdom.  As members we declare that we are committed to this local expression of God’s people.

What is Expected of Me As a Member?  

While the by-laws require only two conditions for membership 1) to publicly declare faith in Christ as expressed in the Statement of Faith and 2) desire to share in fellowship with this church, there are four important expectations. 

Membership Covenant

I now affirm my faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as my Savior and acknowledge Him to be the Lord and Master of my life.  I promise by His grace to be a member of this church body as it seeks to glorify Him by fulfilling His mission in Storrs and around the world. I promise active participation and commit myself to God and to my brothers and sister at Storrs Community Church to do the Following: 

I will protect the unity of my church…

…By acting in love toward others.

…By refusing to gossip.

…By working with and supporting our leaders.

I will share the responsibility of my church...

…By praying for its growth. 

…By inviting the unchurched to attend.

…By warmly welcoming those who visit.

I will serve the ministry of my church…

…By developing a servant’s heart.

…By discovering my gifts and talents.

…By being equipped to serve. 

I will support the ministry of my church …

…By attending faithfully.

…By giving regularly. 

…By living a godly life.