WE WERE MADE TO BELONG
Joining a church is not a formality but a joyful response to God’s grace. In Christ, we’re adopted into a family. Scripture describes the church as a body, a household, a temple, and a flock - each image emphasizing unity, belonging, and mutual responsibility.
At Covenant of Grace, church membership is how we publicly and joyfully say: "These are my people. I belong to them, and they to me. We follow Christ together."
"For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body - Jews or Greeks, slaves or free - and all were made to drink of one Spirit."
1 Corinthians 12:12-13
WHY MEMBERSHIP
Church membership is how we make visible what is already spiritually true: that we are united to Christ and to one another. It’s not about status or structure but about shared life in Jesus. According to Scripture, membership matters because:
Shepherding assumes known sheep.
“Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls...” Hebrews 13:17
Discipline assumes a defined inside and outside.
“Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge?” 1 Corinthians 5:12
The body has many members, not floaters.
“The body does not consist of one member but of many... God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose.” 1 Corinthians 12:14, 18
The Lord builds His church through committed people.
“I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” Matthew 16:18
In short: If you're part of the invisible church, you’re called to unite with a visible one.
“We are members one of another.” Romans 12:5
WHAT MEMBERSHIP MEANS
Membership isn’t a contract. It’s a covenant - a public vow of mutual love and responsibility. When you join a church, you’re not just joining an event or a set of beliefs. You’re joining a people.
Here’s what we vow together at Covenant of Grace:
1. We confess our need for salvation and our trust in Jesus alone.
2. We submit to God's Word as the rule of our faith and life.
3. We promise, by the Spirit’s help, to follow Christ in daily life.
4. We support the church’s worship and work as we are able.
5. We willingly place ourselves under the shepherding of our elders.
6. We seek the peace, purity, and prosperity of this congregation.
We take these vows joyfully, knowing that membership does not earn God’s favor, but reflects the grace of already having it.
“He has made us one body in unity: one Lord, one faith, one baptism.”
-- COG Membership Liturgy
WHY MEMBERSHIP IS A GIFT
Church membership is not just biblical, it’s beautiful. Here’s what members experience:
Intentional Shepherding
Every member at COG is prayed for, pursued, and encouraged by a shepherding elder who knows them and seeks their growth in Christ.
Deep Belonging
Through shared worship, meals, service, and prayer, we live as one body and one household. You’ll be known, loved, and missed.
Mutual Encouragement
Your gifts are needed. Your presence matters.
Accountability and Growth
We grow best when others are lovingly helping us walk with Jesus. Membership makes that possible and normal.
A Witness to the World
The church is God’s plan to display His glory. By joining it, you help paint a truthful picture of His kingdom for the world to see.
“Church membership is a preview—a shadow or reflection—of what the kingdom of God will look like when Christ returns and rules over all.”
-- COG Membership Liturgy
BUT ISN’T CHURCH FOR EVERYONE?
Yes. And membership doesn’t change that. We welcome anyone to worship with us. But membership is how we say: “I’m not just attending; I’m committed.”
It’s the difference between visiting a family gathering and being part of the family.
HOW TO LEARN MORE
If you’re curious about membership, we’d love to talk. There's no pressure. Just a conversation about what it means to belong, believe, and grow.
Learn more about our use of creeds and catechisms.
Listen to our podcast for a crash course on who we are, what we believe, and why.
Talk to a shepherding elder at any time.