If the Bible is the cornerstone of our church, then membership is the cement that holds us all together. Both Christ and Paul pointed us toward membership for our encouragement, our protection, and our instruction.
We seek to carry out this vision through our four-step process by which to join the church family at Edgewater:
1. Membership Class
All prospective members must attend our “Start Here” Membership class. The curriculum is composed of four one-hour classes which include the following topics:
- What is the local church? Why church membership?
- Statement of Faith
- Church Covenant & Discipleship
- How do I get connected and serve?
Courses are typically offered on Sunday mornings, during the 9:00a hour. Upon completion, those who attended all four classes are able but not obligated to sign up for a membership interview, the second step of the membership process.
2. Membership Interview
In a 45 minute meeting, the prospective member meets with an elder (or two) to provide basic biographical information and recount God’s converting work in his or her life. The prospective member would then sign the statement of faith and church covenant, and the application would go to the elders.
3. Elder Recommendation
At a regularly scheduled elders’ meeting, the elder will review the applicant’s testimony with the other elders. Upon receiving their collective approval, the candidate’s application proceeds to the next step: congregational affirmation.
4. Congregational Affirmation
During a members meeting, the elders recommened for membership those applicants who they understand to be born-again Christians. Questions are fielded, a vote is taken, and with a majority secured, candidates are admitted into membership.