Membership is the process of making a commitment to a particular local church. It is a way of saying “I believe that, for this season of my life, God has led me to be part of this church family so I can grow in my faith and serve with my gifts.”

Because our church has a congregational decision-making structure (meaning that the major decisions of the church are made by the people of the church, rather than by a Bishop, a Pastor, or an Elder Board), it is necessary to have some process where people have a chance to commit themselves to the decision-making life of the church. The people who have publicly stated that they love Jesus, desire to serve Him through Columbia Grove, and sincerely want to help this local church make the best decisions it can – that’s who we call “members.”

While membership isn’t something that makes you “more spiritual” than a Christian who does not happen to be a member, it isn’t something to be entered into lightly, either. Those who choose to be members are stating not only their affiliation with a local church but also their desire to grow as disciples within that community.

We look forward to walking with you as you discern your fit and seek to follow His calling.

Step 1:

Attend a Membership Class. These are presented about four times a year, each lasting about 90 minutes. Childcare is available with prior notice. This class is hosted by Pastor Andrew and Pastor Paul and is designed to give more details about our church and denomination and answer your questions.  

Step 2:

Fill out a Membership Application Form. (Paper Version) (Online Version) We want to hear about how you came to know Jesus, your gifts and talents for ministry, your hopes and dreams for the church, and how we can best support you in your walk with Christ.

Step 3:

Share how you came to Christ, and what He means to you in your life today at a Membership Interview. We want to hear and celebrate your journey to faith. This time of sharing is informal and happens in a small group setting with members of our Membership Interview Team.

Step 4:

Your application will be reviewed by our Leadership Team.

Step 5:

We formally welcome you into membership at a worship service in the following month.

At this service, you will be asked to answer “I do” to the following four questions. At its most basic, these are the things we ask and expect from every member:

1. Do you confess Jesus Christ as your Savior and promise to follow him as Lord?
2. You have made public confession of your faith and have been baptized. Do you accept the Holy Scriptures, the Old and New Testaments as the word of God and the only perfect rule for faith, doctrine and conduct?
3. Do you intend to live among God’s faithful people, to hear God’s word and share in the Lord’s Supper, to proclaim the good news of Christ through word and deed, and to strive for justice and peace in all the earth?
4. Do you also promise to support the ministries of this church, including the conference and denomination to which we belong?