Membership
The Body of Christ
The gospel is a glorious message and it is our hope that it saturates everything we do at Sovereign Grace Church. An essential piece of the gospel message is that Jesus has laid down his life for the sake of his bride, the church. Bottom line, Jesus loves the church as a husband loves his wife. The implication is that God has ordained the church to play an integral role in the growth and discipleship of believers into Christ-likeness. We are called to pursue intimacy with Christ and God has given us the gift of the church for that very reason.
It is our belief that progressive sanctification is a community project. To that end it is our hope and prayer that Christians will be committed to a local church where they can experience communion with God in the community of faith. If you desire to pursue Christ with us at Sovereign Grace Church it would be our joy to lead you through our membership process.
Foundations for Our Life Together
The first step toward membership is a course entitled Foundations for Our Life Together designed for those who wish to learn more about the beliefs and practices of Sovereign Grace Church. A person’s commitment to a local church is a very important matter, and our desire is to provide the information necessary for you to decide if this local church is where God would have you to be. We cover the doctrines and values that are foundational to our life together, and how they work their way out in our practices. The course content is summarized below, and is discussed over the course of 7 sessions at 8:45 AM each Sunday. This course is a requirement for those seeking membership at Sovereign Grace Church, though taking it does not commit you to membership.
Here is what is covered in each session:
Lesson 1 – Introduction and Overview
This is an introduction to the church and course content.
Lesson 2 – The Gospel
The gospel is of first importance (1 Corinthians 15:3). We examine our need for the gospel and God’s provision of the gospel in the person of Jesus Christ. Audio here.
Lesson 3 – Our Response to the Gospel
A saving response to the gospel requires faith and repentance, which are themselves a gift of God. The sovereignty of God in our salvation is discussed. Audio here.
Lesson 4 – God’s Glory In and Through the Church
We discuss the biblical importance of the local church, and the defining values of this particular local church. Audio here.
Lesson 5 – Sanctification
Following conversion is the process of sanctification – becoming like Christ. We explore this process and the means of grace provided for it. Audio here.
Lesson 6 – The Importance of Sound Doctrine
Sanctification involves renewing our minds. We discuss the necessity of accurately interpreting the Bible and making appropriate application of its teaching. Audio here.
Lesson 7 – Empowered by the Spirit
We examine the broad work of the Holy Spirit in building up the church through his sovereign distribution of gifts to every believer. Audio here.
Lesson 8 – Relationships in the Church
The Christian life is a life to be shared with others. We cover the need for biblical fellowship and the means for facilitating it at Sovereign Grace Fellowship. Audio here.
Lesson 9 – Servanthood and Stewardship
We belong to God and exist for him. We discuss the joyful privilege of being good stewards of the finances and abilities God has entrusted to us. Audio here and here.
Lesson 10 – Pastoral Leadership
Pastoral ministry represents the Savior’s care for his church. We examine the biblical description of church leadership and how we are to respond to it. Audio here.
Lesson 11 – Evangelism and Mission
We have a mandate to reach others with the gospel of Jesus Christ. We discuss local evangelism and global church planting in the contexts of our local church and our wider family of churches in Sovereign Grace Ministries. Audio here and here.
Additional Resources
Foundations for Our Life Together booklet PDF
Membership Profile
Membership Agreement
Sovereign Grace by C.J. Mahaney