Membership

Church membership is the formal relationship between a local church and a Christian. In church membership, the church affirms its oversight of a Christian’s discipleship and the Christian agrees to live out his or her discipleship in the care of the church. Church membership exists to establish who’s in and out, to establish which elders are responsible for which sheep, to ensure our spiritual well-being, and to protect the local church’s reputation in the local, non-Christian community. At Palermo Christian Church we have a four-step process.

Membership Class – All prospective members must attend our Membership Matters class. The curriculum is composed of four one-hour classes entitled:

• Why Join a Church?
• History of Palermo Christian Church & Its Church Covenant
  
• Statement of Faith
• Life as a Church

Courses are offered as needed in a Friday night or Saturday morning format or weekly on Sunday mornings. After completing the classes, attendees are able to sign up for a membership interview. Attending the classes doesn’t obligate you to become a member. We trust the courses will provide you with a robust understanding of church membership and local church life as modeled in the New Testament. Membership classes are a good place for you to have your questions answered.
Membership Interview – Those class attendees who wish to proceed forward with membership meet with the elders to explain their understanding of the gospel, to recount their conversion experience, and to help us get to know you. At this interview, perspective members are required to verbally agree with our statement of faith and church covenant.
Elder Approval – At an elders’ meeting, the elders will consider the applicant’s testimony. Questions are fielded, a vote is taken, and with elder approval, candidates are admitted into membership.
Congregational Affirmation - During a Sunday morning service, the approved candidate is publicly announced to the church as a member and welcomed by the church body following the service.