Scripture is clear that believers formally commit themselves to an identifiable, local body of believers who have joined together for specific, divinely ordained purposes!
These purposes include (and are not limited to) receiving instruction from God’s Word (1 Tim. 4:13; 2 Tim. 4:2), serving, and edifying one another through the use of spiritual gifts (Rom. 12:3-8; 1 Cor. 12:4-31; 1 Pet. 4:10-11), participating in the ordinances (Luke 22:19; Acts 2:38-42), and proclaiming the gospel to those who are lost (Matt. 28:18-20). Additionally, when one becomes a member of a church, he submits himself to the care and the authority of the biblically qualified pastors that God has placed in that assembly. This biblical basis and example of healthy church membership permeate the New Testament.
In an effort to meet the spiritual needs of our congregation and to follow the Scriptures, we desire to practice healthy church membership and conduct membership meetings. Each meeting will be different as the church body is always changing and growing. While there will always be matters to celebrate, there can also be moments of sobriety or tough discussions to be had. The relationship of being a part of Christ's Church is no different than any other relationship in that sense.