Becoming a Member

Levels of Membership

We have three levels of membership.

1. Watchcare membership is for children under age 9.
2. Student membership is for persons age 9-15.
3. Adult membership is for anyone 16 or older.

A conversion experience is required for student or adult membership, but not for watchcare membership. Only adult members can vote in denominational elections.

Becoming an Adult Member

Typically, a person becomes a member by going to the front of the church on a Sunday morning and publicly responding to questions from the pastor. A growing number of churches use a membership class, and then merely recognize or publish the names of new members. The questions are:

1. Do you believe the Bible to be the Word of God and that therein only is revealed the knowledge of the way of salvation?
2. Have you asked God to forgive your sins, and do you now believe that He accepts you as His child?
3. Are you determined by the grace of God to follow Christ, renouncing the world and all ungodliness, seeking to lead a life of holiness and devotion to God and His cause?
4. Are you willing to be governed by our church Discipline, and are you willing to be placed under the authority of the local church?
5. Are you willing to give of your time, talent, and means to the support of the various interests of this church, according to your ability?
6. Have you received water baptism? If not, are you willing to be baptized at your earliest convenience?

To become a member, a person must say "Yes" to all of these questions (or to at least one of the questions in number 6).

Becoming a Student or Watchcare Member

Versions of questions 1, 2, 5, and 6 are asked of prospective Student members.

Watchcare members are asked if they believe the Bible is "God's Book," and if they are willing to be taught the Bible and what it means to be a Christian.