A Model for Membership as a Process

The US National Conference, during its June 2001 meeting, adopted the following chapter, which adds a new way of looking at church membership--a series of three steps a person goes through. This is totally optional for churches; they are free to continue using the existing method for handling membership. This is just anoptional model which churches can use or adapt.

This Appendix presents a membership process with three components. Several key facts must be understood:

This process is totally optional. Churches may stay with their current method for handling membership, or they may choose part or all of the elements of this process as described below.
This does not present three levels of membership. Rather, it offers two preliminary steps which enable persons to voluntarily make a connection to a church and feel part of the church. Only the third component is actual United Brethren membership.
This does not change what it means to be a United Brethren wmember. All of the requirements stated in the Discipline still apply.
Material in the Appendix is intended as information. It is not part of the By-laws, and churches are not required to follow methods stated in the Appendix.

With that in mind, this Appendix outlines a three-step process which leads to church membership. Each step involves an agreementÛa covenantÛon the person's part. This could be a signed covenant, or a verbalized covenant. Local churches can mold or shape the number of steps and what happens at each step. Each step is intended to lead the person deeper in spiritual maturity and local church involvement.

This is simply a model. Churches may adapt it to fit their situation and needs, as long as their practices and teachings concerning membership do not conflict with the statements on membership in the Discipline (see especially chapters 5-8 and 20).

It should be emphasized that becoming a member of the Church of the United Brethren in Christ is not a pinnacle of spiritual maturity. Instead, our membership process would reflect a mature and studied approach to life transformation while connecting the believer with both the local church and its broader fellowship. This three-step process is strongly tooled to bring about this life-transformationÛsteadily increasing devotion, fellowship and service, and familiarizing prospective members with UB distinctives and convictions.

Step 1: A Believer in Christ Covenant

Purpose

This step lets new believers choose to connect themselves to the local church as they begin their new life in Christ. It familiarizes new believers with United Brethren heritage and teachings. The covenant statements help describe the requirements and obligations involved at this point of growth and involvement. This step is essential to maintain our evangelical heritage.

Covenant Statements

Confirmation of salvation: "I have trusted Christ to be my Savior and Lord."
Affirmation through baptism: "I have been baptized, or am so willing."
Agreement to Confession of Faith: "I agree with the Confession of Faith."
Covenant to spiritual growth: "I am committed to growing in my relationship with Christ, and understand that my attendance in and support of this church provides a foundation for that growth."
Covenant to submit to the local church leadership: "I will submit to the leadership of this church as they lovingly lead and guide me."

Step 2: A Learner in Christ Covenant

Purpose

This step deepens the life transformation occurring in a new believer's life, and more substantively connects the believer through fellowship and service. It lays the foundation for true membership in the UB church. The covenant statements help describe the requirements and obligations involved at this point in the person's spiritual development.

Covenant Statements

Covenant to deepening personal devotional life (Prayer/Word): "I have examined ways to deepen my walk with Christ, and will work to enhance my time in prayer and the Word."
Covenant to nurture and protect my family (when applicable): "I have studied my role in my family from a Scriptural perspective, and will continue to safeguard and strengthen that role for God's glory and for my family's best health."
Covenant to measure my lifestyle against the Word of God: "I have deepened my understanding of holiness as taught in the Bible, and will seek to increasingly bring my behavior into line with those teachings."
Covenant to deepen my commitment as a steward: "I have examined the Scripture's teachings about stewardship and giving, and will apply those teachings in my own life."
Covenant to deepen my relationship with believers: "I realize that my relationships with other Christians are a key part of my spiritual life, and I will continue building and nurturing those relationships."
Covenant to serve: "I have made a strong effort to understand my uniqueness in Christ, and will use my gifts and abilities to actively serve in the church."
Covenant to become equipped in evangelism and missions: "I will seek to win people to Christ both through my own contacts with nonChristians and by supporting local and worldwide evangelistic efforts."
Covenant to affirm the Church of the United Brethren in Christ: "I have examined in depth the Church of the United Brethren in Christ, and will support our denomination's leaders in their worldwide ministry."

Step : A United Brethren in Christ Membership Covenant

Purpose

At this step, the person becomes a United Brethren member, as traditionally understood and practiced in the United Brethren church. The person understands local church polity and the connection with the UB denomination, and is eligible to vote in matters pertaining to United Brethren polity and policy, to serve on the administrative board or personnel relations commission (or their equivalent), to hold offices or places of service within the broader UB church, and to apply for ministry licensing.

Covenant Statements

Covenant to participate in my local church polity: "I have studied and understood the organizational and administrative dynamics of my local church, and will support my church's processes to the best of my ability."
Covenant to submit to United Brethren standards: "I have studied and understood what it means to be a member of the Church of the United Brethren in Christ; I have answered the membership questions contained in the Discipline, and I covenant to live accordingly."
Covenant to support United Brethren processes: "I will do my best to understand broader denominational issues and vote to the best of my ability regarding elections or issues that shape and support my local church and our denomination."