At Grace Community Church we use the term partnership and partner, rather than membership or member.

We believe this reflects a more biblical relationship within the church towards the ministry of service and towards one another. “I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now” (Philippians 1:5 ).

The Process of Partnership at Grace

  • Must have attended Grace on a regular basis for at least 6 months
  • Must be a Bible-believing Christian with Elder(s) having heard their testimony
  • Must be Baptized by immersion as a believer from a Bible-believing church with a similar Statement of Faith
  • Must have completed the Discipleship Course – “Bearing Good Fruit”
  • Must be in agreement with the Grace Partnership and Responsibilities outlined on this booklet
  • Must be in Agreement with the Grace Constitution
  • Must be in Agreement with Grace Statement of Faith
  • Must be in Agreement with the FEB Policy Statement on Marriage and Human Sexuality
  • Must be interviewed by the Elders and if necessary their previous church will be contacted and transfer letter must be done
  • Will be presented to the Grace congregation to give feedback no less than a week before the official welcoming into Partnership service
  • Must be at least 16 years of age.

Partnership at Grace is important because

1. Partnership allows for individuals to formally agree with the Grace Statement of Faith which fosters unity and the ability to move together in a common direction – Ephesians 4:11-12

2. Partnership allows the Elders to confirm whether an individual has been Biblically baptized and whether or not they have been saved by Jesus – Acts 10:47-48

3. Partnership allows for individuals to formally accept that the Scriptures teach that the church as a whole is accountable to the Elders and this shows commitment and humility – Hebrews 13:17

4. Partnership helps to ensure that the Grace family of believers is protected from unbiblical sources that may enter into the church and cause division, discord and confusion – Romans 16:17-18

Partnership Responsibilities

1. Confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and died to take the punishment of sin in my place so that I would receive forgiveness of all sins and an eternity in Heaven. This is witnessed in baptism, daily life and conversation.

2. Gather together. Gathering on a Sunday morning in the name of the Lord Jesus is part of what makes a church a church. The author of Hebrews commanded his readers not to forsake assembling together. Every church Partner should prioritize, as far as is possible, regular attendance to the Sunday morning services and the mid-week gatherings. If Grace designates Partner’s meetings in any other context, then Partners have a responsibility to gather at those meetings as well.

3. Protect the Gospel. This means that Partners should know and understand their church’s Statement of Faith. Every Partner is responsible to ensure that the teaching of their church is in accord with the Statement of Faith. Partners that embrace this responsibility will view their private Bible study as more than an act of personal devotion and edification. When every Partner accepts the responsibility to protect the Gospel, the whole church benefits. Together, they mature in the truth and build themselves up in the knowledge of the Son of God.

4. Love one another. “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35). Affection for God’s people defines our new identity in Christ. God’s love is tangible, active, and expressed through service. Every Partner is responsible to fulfill the “one another” passages of the New Testament.

5. Submit to the Elders. Christians are to obey Jesus by submitting to their leaders because the Elders keep watch over their souls and will give an account to God on how they do this. The Elders (of which the pastor is one) are a gift from Christ to his church. They are men of character and gifted in teaching and applying the Scriptures. Partners should not follow their Elders blindly, but insofar as the Elders are teaching the Scriptures and leading the church biblically, Partners should submit to their wisdom, counsel, and instruction.

6. Evangelize the lost. The Great Commission is for every Christian, not just pastors and missionaries. As a people reconciled to God, we have a responsibility to announce the message of reconciliation to people separated from Christ, without God, and without hope in the world.

7. Look for areas of service where your gifts may be used. Let the Elders know how you would like to serve and be willing to serve in ways the Elders may suggest.

8. Support the church financially. We are encouraged to worship God by giving Him a portion of what He gives us.

9. Support and encourage the vision and direction of Grace as laid out by the Elders.