CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH
MEMBERSHIP PAGE
MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION
We believe the church is not just the invisible body of believers (though that is true!) but it was established to also be a visible, definable assembly (1 Cor. 5:12-13). At First Artesia, we believe church membership is a crucial part of a Christian’s walk with the Lord. As Christians we are called to submit to the leadership of the church (Heb. 13:17) and Scripture says that the church leaders are made overseers of God’s flock (Acts 20:28). In keeping with these views, First Artesia encourages regular attenders to become members because it signifies to our church leaders that you are willing to submit yourself to the authority of the church as Scripture has defined it. Of course, you are more than welcome to attend our church without being a member, but membership adds a layer of accountability and oversight that Scripture calls for.
EXPECTATIONS OF MEMBERS
As those who have experienced the grace of a life changed by the gospel of Jesus Christ, we have the opportunity to reflect the character of Christ through the pursuit of certain attitudes and actions and the rejection of others. The Scriptures refer to this reality as “living by the Spirit” (Rom. 8). The Expectations of Membership are in no way intended as an addition to the biblical obligations of a believer. Rather, this document functions primarily as an accessible yet non-exhaustive explanation of what the Scriptures teach about the obedience that faith produces. I am expected…
To submit to the authority of the Scriptures as the final arbiter on all issues (Ps. 119; 2 Tim. 3:14–17; 2 Pet. 1:19–21)
To pursue the Lord Jesus Christ through regular Bible reading, prayer, fellowship, and practice of spiritual disciplines (Luke 18:1; Acts 17:11; 1 Cor. 9:24– 27; Eph. 5:1–21; 1 Thess. 5:12–22
To follow the command and example of Jesus by participating in the ordinances prescribed to His Church:
· By being baptized
· By regularly remembering and celebrating the person and work of Christ through communion
To regularly participate in the life of First Artesia by attending weekly services, engaging in gospel-centered community, and serving those within and outside of this church (Acts 2:42–47; Heb. 10:23–25; Titus 3:14)
To steward the resources God has given me, including time, talents, spiritual gifts, and finances. This includes regular financial giving, service, and participation in community that is sacrificial, cheerful, and voluntary (Matt. 25:14–30; Rom. 12:1–2; 2 Cor. 8–9; 1 Pet. 4:10-11)
By God’s grace through the power of the Holy Spirit, to walk in holiness in all areas of life as an act of worship to Jesus Christ (1 Pet. 1:13–16, 4:1–3)
Believers should strive to put certain attitudes and actions to death while stirring and stimulating love and good deeds through the Spirit
To refrain from such activities that the Scriptures would deem foolish (Rom. 14:14–23)
To take seriously the responsibility of Christian freedom, especially actions or situations that could present a stumbling block to another (1 Cor. 8:1–13)
To submit to the discipline of God through His Holy Spirit by:
· Following the biblical procedures for church discipline where sin is evident in another—the hope of such discipline being repentance and restoration (Matt. 18:15–20)
· Receiving righteous and loving discipline when approached biblically by fellow believers (Ps. 141:5; Matt. 18:15–20; 1 Cor. 5:9–13; Heb. 12:5–11)
To do the following when I sin:
· Confess my sin to God and, if necessary, to fellow believers.
· Repent and seek help to put my sin to death (Rom. 8:13; Col. 3:5; James 5:16; 1 John 1:6–10)
To submit to the elders and other appointed leaders of the church and diligently strive for unity and peace within the church (Eph. 4:1–3; Heb. 13:17; 1 Pet. 5:5)
To do the following if I leave the church for righteous reasons:
· To notify my elder and/or pastor
· To seek another church with which I can carry out my biblical responsibilities as a believer
To submit to the authority of the Scriptures as the final arbiter on all issues (Ps. 119; 2 Tim. 3:14–17; 2 Pet. 1:19–21)
To pursue the Lord Jesus Christ through regular Bible reading, prayer, fellowship, and practice of spiritual disciplines (Luke 18:1; Acts 17:11; 1 Cor. 9:24– 27; Eph. 5:1–21; 1 Thess. 5:12–22
To follow the command and example of Jesus by participating in the ordinances prescribed to His Church:
· By being baptized
· By regularly remembering and celebrating the person and work of Christ through communion
To regularly participate in the life of First Artesia by attending weekly services, engaging in gospel-centered community, and serving those within and outside of this church (Acts 2:42–47; Heb. 10:23–25; Titus 3:14)
To steward the resources God has given me, including time, talents, spiritual gifts, and finances. This includes regular financial giving, service, and participation in community that is sacrificial, cheerful, and voluntary (Matt. 25:14–30; Rom. 12:1–2; 2 Cor. 8–9; 1 Pet. 4:10-11)
By God’s grace through the power of the Holy Spirit, to walk in holiness in all areas of life as an act of worship to Jesus Christ (1 Pet. 1:13–16, 4:1–3)
Believers should strive to put certain attitudes and actions to death while stirring and stimulating love and good deeds through the Spirit
To refrain from such activities that the Scriptures would deem foolish (Rom. 14:14–23)
To take seriously the responsibility of Christian freedom, especially actions or situations that could present a stumbling block to another (1 Cor. 8:1–13)
To submit to the discipline of God through His Holy Spirit by:
· Following the biblical procedures for church discipline where sin is evident in another—the hope of such discipline being repentance and restoration (Matt. 18:15–20)
· Receiving righteous and loving discipline when approached biblically by fellow believers (Ps. 141:5; Matt. 18:15–20; 1 Cor. 5:9–13; Heb. 12:5–11)
To do the following when I sin:
· Confess my sin to God and, if necessary, to fellow believers.
· Repent and seek help to put my sin to death (Rom. 8:13; Col. 3:5; James 5:16; 1 John 1:6–10)
To submit to the elders and other appointed leaders of the church and diligently strive for unity and peace within the church (Eph. 4:1–3; Heb. 13:17; 1 Pet. 5:5)
To do the following if I leave the church for righteous reasons:
· To notify my elder and/or pastor
· To seek another church with which I can carry out my biblical responsibilities as a believer
MEMBERSHIP PROCESS
Those who have not made a profession of faith, season of discipleship:
2-6 months of coffee 1-2x a month with a seasoned believer (to ensure that you believe what you are about to profess and to disciple you in your faith)
Or Catechism class (~6 months)
Everyone:
Complete every session (6) of the New Members Class, preferably in person
Request membership by contacting a pastor or elder
Elder Interview
a. See "New Member Questions to be Discussed with Council" for the questions that they will ask you. Note that these questions are merely seeking to determine whether you understand the basics of Reformed Christianity and your background. We aren’t looking for theologians, just Christians who know what they believe
Public Profession of Faith on Sunday if not yet made
a. Required for PoF, optional for transfers: Brief written testimony (short summary of how you got saved, giving glory to God for this gift of grace). A pastor or elder can help you with this!
Baptism if not yet baptized
See our “Sacraments” page to learn more about what we believe about the SacramentsBaptism if not yet baptized
Meet Council: informal 5-10 minute meeting to allow Council members to introduce themselves to you and vice versa. This usually occurs right at the beginning of the next Council meeting
Everyone:
Complete every session (6) of the New Members Class, preferably in person
Request membership by contacting a pastor or elder
Elder Interview
See "New Member Questions to be Discussed with Council" for the questions that they will ask you. Note that these questions are merely seeking to determine whether you understand the basics of Reformed Christianity and your background. We aren’t looking for theologians, just Christians who know what they believe
Public Profession of Faith on Sunday if not yet made
Required for PoF, optional for transfers: Brief written testimony (short summary of how you got saved, giving glory to God for this gift of grace). A pastor or elder can help you with this!
Baptism if not yet baptized
See our “Sacraments” page to learn more about what we believe about the SacramentsBaptism if not yet baptized
Meet Council: informal 5-10 minute meeting to allow Council members to introduce themselves to you and vice versa. This usually occurs right at the beginning of the next Council meeting
NEW MEMBER QUESTIONS to BE DISCUSSED with COUNCIL
“Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves!” – God (2 Cor 13:5a)
Can you share your testimony—how the Lord brought you to faith in Christ?
What do you believe about Jesus Christ and what He accomplished on the cross?
How would you explain the gospel to someone who had never heard it?
Have you read or are you familiar with our confessions (e.g., Heidelberg Catechism, Belgic Confession, Canons of Dort)?
Have you been a member of a church before? If so, which one(s), and why did you leave?
Have you been baptized? If yes, when (approximately) and where?
What led you to seek membership in this congregation?
Are you willing to submit to the leadership and discipline of the church if necessary?
Are you currently involved in any habitual sin that you’re not seeking to repent of?
“Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves!” – God (2 Cor 13:5a)
Can you share your testimony—how the Lord brought you to faith in Christ?
What do you believe about Jesus Christ and what He accomplished on the cross?
How would you explain the gospel to someone who had never heard it?
Have you read or are you familiar with our confessions (e.g., Heidelberg Catechism, Belgic Confession, Canons of Dort)?
Have you been a member of a church before? If so, which one(s), and why did you leave?
Have you been baptized? If yes, when (approximately) and where?
What led you to seek membership in this congregation?
Are you willing to submit to the leadership and discipline of the church if necessary?
Are you currently involved in any habitual sin that you’re not seeking to repent of?
Profession of Faith Questions from Gray Psalter. These questions are asked to reaffirm your previous profession, if already made.
Do you believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, sent to redeem the world? Do you love and trust him as the one who saves you from your sin, and do you with repentance and joy embrace him as the Lord of your life?
Do you believe that the Bible is the Word of God, revealing Christ and his redemption, and that the confessions of this church faithfully reflect this revelation?
Do you accept the gracious promises of God sealed to you in your baptism, and do you affirm your union with Christ and his church, which your baptism signifies?
Do you promise to do all you can, with the help of the Holy Spirit, to strengthen your love and commitment to Christ by sharing faithfully in the life of the church, honoring and submitting to its authority, and do you join with the people of God in doing the work of the Lord everywhere?
We'd Love to Meet You This Sunday.
Worship is Every Sunday at 9:30 am & 6:00 pm
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18411 Alburtis Ave, Artesia, California, 90701
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CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH
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18411 Alburtis Ave, Artesia, California, 90701
Email Us | Phone: 562-865-4947
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