"How do you become a member?
Why should I join?"
The beginning point in this question is to clarify what ACC means by Church Membership. Different denominations view church membership is drastically different ways. For us, church membership is a totally different decision that our choice to accept Jesus as Savior and Lord. Once we have made this decision to accept Christ (which is the most important decision by far), we are automatically added to His Church (the One Bride of Christ - His Church around the world). We say this because His Church is made up of all those who follow Him - the Christians.
Yet being a part of Jesus' world-wide Church leaves us with one more decision: what local fellowship or community of this world-wide Church will I choose to be a part of? THAT is the issue of Church Membership. And it is a decision that does not determine whether or not we are Christians. Rather, it is a decision that comes to us because we are already Christians. (Remember from a previous FAQ: we are saved by our faith in Christ, not by our church membership)
Thus Church membership is a practical decision each Christian and family of Christians must make. How people choose a church comes down to some common factors:
- Does this church fit in the tradition within which I was raised?
- Does this church hold the same views on basic doctrines that I hold?
- Does the personality of this church "feel" right to me? Does it "fit" me?
- Do the priorities of this church - what it does - how it ministers - line up with what I believe a church should be doing?
- Can I relate to the pastors and leaders? Are they credible? Do I feel comfortable around them?
It is our strong recommendation that anyone new to ACC take some time to visit our services and meet our people. Only in this way can you truly come to know who we are - and if we feel like a good "fit."
For a much more detailed explanation of both what church membership means and all the reasons why we think church membership is very important for every Christian, please download Why Become A Member Of ACC.