Membership

The New Testament calls all believers to be meaningfully committed to a local church body – a commitment which is both described and directed in God’s Word (Acts 2:41-47; 4:4; Rom. 12:3-8; 1 Cor. 12). By God’s good and wise design, the local church is the primary setting where believers engage in mutual service and edification with other Christians (1 Pet. 4:10-11; Eph. 4:14-16) and receive shepherding and equipping from church leaders (Eph. 4:11-12; 1 Pet. 5:2-3). The local church is also the setting in which church leaders know the specific believers for whom they are accountable before the Lord (Heb. 13:17).

‘Church Membership’ is simply our current expression of these commitments set forth in Scripture.

At RBF, this process involves four steps:

Membership Class: Classes focus on the commitments made between a Christian and a local church, along with key doctrinal distinctives of RBF, and are taught by the elders. Attending these classes does not make you a member, nor does it obligate you to become a member. Classes are offered as needed throughout the year as Membership Interest Forms are received.

Membership Application: After the class is completed, you will be given a membership application to complete and submit to the church. This includes a signed agreement to RBF’s statement of faith and membership covenant.

Membership Interview: Once the application is submitted, the elders of the church will schedule a meeting with you to discuss your desire for membership and your membership application, as well as to answer any questions you might have.

Membership Affirmation: As a final step, you will be publicly affirmed as a new member by the church during a Lord’s Day worship service.