Membership at North River

North River's "101 Seminar: Discovering Membership" introduces new members to the beliefs, values, strategies and purposes of the church.

Our by-laws list four requirements for admission to membership with North River Community Church:

1. Profession of faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior
2. Christian baptism
3. Submission to our Statement of Faith
4. Recommendation by the Board of Overseers

To some these requirements seem fairly basic.  To others, they are intimidating.  The first two requirements stem from the essence of the Gospel.  As a distinctively Christian church, personal faith in Christ as Lord is essential.  The second requirement, baptism, stems directly from Jesus' command in the Great Commission.  The third and fourth requirements reflect our convictions about biblical values and church government.  From the church's earliest days, North River adopted an Overseer-led form of government with certain Congregational elements. 

Our statement about baptism, included later in this packet, describes our position regarding the practice of baptism.  For now, let it stand that baptism is required for membership.  We encourage "believer's baptism" whenever possible, but we grant freedom of conscience on the mode and timing of that baptism.  We do this because our beliefs are held captive to the Word of God alone and not merely to human traditions.

It is important that you familiarize yourself with our Statement of Faith and that you ask questions if your don't understand it.  We ask for "submission" to this statement, meaning that so far as you know, you are in agreement with it.  If there is some issue you are not yet convinced of, we can help you to find answers in that area.  We believe that this statement effectively summarizes the central issues of Christian belief.  It is not meant to exhaust all that the Bible teaches.

Members

1. Nature

   Membership in the Church of Jesus Christ is membership in the Body of Christ.  It means that one now belongs to God, is submissive to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, animated by the power of the Holy Spirit, a possessor of great and precious promises and has a high and holy calling.

2. Members

   New members are received into the formal, voting fellowship of NRCC by endorsing North River’s “Membership Covenant” after attending a “101:  Discovering Membership” class.    All who endorse this covenant will be deemed in compliance with the Qualifications for membership which are listed in Section 2.3 of the by-laws.  (Revised:   March 21, 2001)

   By-Law Section 2.3 The Prerequisites for membership in this local Church are four:

   1. Profession of faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior
   2. Christian baptism
   3. Submission to North River's Statement of Faith
   4. Recommendation by the Board of Overseers

    

3. Discipline

   Private differences between members shall be settled according to the principles of Matthew 18:15-20.  The goal of all Church discipline is always reconciliation, rather than punishment or revenge.  The Overseers shall serve as the board of appeal.  If a member refuses to give satisfaction in relation to the charge against him, or refuses to appear before the Overseers or the congregation when cited, he may be dismissed from membership upon recommendation of the Overseers after having completed the prior biblical requirements of Matthew 18:15-20.