Though the word "membership" does not occur in the Bible, the concept is present throughout the New Testament.  Scripture talks a lot about "being members" of one another (1 Corinthians 12). The "fellowship" of believers and the idea of the "body of Christ" reinforce the idea of connectedness and membership.

We become a member of the universal church or the larger "body of Christ" when the Holy Spirit baptizes us into the body at our conversion (1 Corinthians 12:13). Yet in the New Testament, commitment to and involvement in a local church is assumed. In the New Testament the pattern is for believers who are a part of the universal body to be a part of a local body of believers. Being a member of a local church is the visible expression of membership in the larger body of Christ.

The concept of mere attendees or adherents is not found in the New Testament. The only type of "non-member" Christians found in the Bible were those who were under church discipline and were separated from the body of believers because of their sin. The purpose of the church discipline was always to bring restoration not only to God, but also to the full membership and fellowship of the local church.

We believe that membership is important because it fulfills the biblical concepts of relationship, commitment, accountability, and community. We would urge you to become a connected and contributing member of a local church - if not this one, then another one, but belong!

There are two biblical requirements for membership that apply to everyone.  Our church has added some additional requirements to help assure that each person requesting membership fully understands the commitment they are making:

Basic Requirements

1. A commitment of faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

2. A commitment of Believer’s Baptism as a public testimony of faith in Jesus.

3. Regular attendance and participation in the life of the church for three months.

4. Completion of the membership class or equivalent.

Membership at South Calgary Community Church is both a privilege and a commitment. As members, we are called to actively participate in the life and mission of the church. The following expectations outline what it means to walk together in faith, unity, and service.

All members are expected to agree to these responsibilities as part of their commitment to the church family.

1. I will passionately seek to follow God. (2 Timothy 3:14-17; Luke 8:21; Philippians 4:6; Matthew 28:19-20)

1. By making scripture the foundation for all my beliefs and actions.

2. By being constant, passionate and persistent in prayer.

3. By bringing others to follow Jesus Christ through my words and actions.

4. By endeavouring to become an active and supportive member of a small group.
   
   

2. I will protect the unity of my church. (Romans 15:5, 19; Ephesians 4:25, 29; Hebrews 13:17)

1. By acting in love toward other members.

2. By refusing to gossip.

3. By respecting, encouraging and following the leaders as they follow Christ.

4. By accepting discipline based as outlined in Appendix C of these by-laws.
   
   

3. I will support the testimony of my church. (Hebrews 10:25; Philippians 1:27; I Corinthians 16:2; Leviticus 27:30)

   1. By attending faithfully.

   2. By living a godly life.

   3. By giving regularly of my time, talent, and treasure.
      
      

4. I will share in the responsibilities of my church. (I Thessalonians 1:2; Luke 14:23; Romans 15:7)

1. By praying for its growth.

2. By inviting the spiritually lost to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

3. By warmly welcoming those who visit.

5. I will serve in the ministries of my church. (I Peter 4:10; Ephesians 4:11; Philippians 2:2-4, 7)

1. By discovering my gifts and talents.

2. By taking the opportunity to become equipped to serve.

3. By developing a servant’s heart.

"Write down this vision; clearly inscribe it on tablets so one may easily read it." Hab 2:2

Our Vision

This is what our church aspires to be. It's our dream when we look ahead.

To be a people who passionately follow Jesus to see all made whole.

Our Mission

This is how our church will reach our vision and should constantly do. It must be the focus of every ministry, every activity and every event. And our mission is no other than the Great Commission given by the Lord in Matthew 28:19-20.

"Go and Make Disciples"

Discipleship Classes / Bible Studies / Leadership Formation

Our Goals

We need to establish specific aims that will help us to pursue and reach our vision and mission. We want to aim for spiritual growth. By this, we mean we would put into practice four essential disciplines in Christian life. They are (1) Studying the Scriptures; (2) Praying; (3) Attending, Serving and Committing to our Local Church; and (4) Proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Bible • Prayer • Church • Good News