Membership in the universal church is through the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit. Through His baptism we enter the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:13).
Providence Church is a Christian body of baptized believers functioning as a living organism with local government (elders and deacons). Certain practices are to take place in that organism: gatherings for worship, the regular practice of communion, prayer, and sharing of God's Word. There should be the use of the gifts of the people, sharing of resources, and discipleship.
Thus, we define membership in the following way: A person is a member of Providence Church if one 1) is a baptized believer, 2) attends Providence Church regularly and partakes of the Lord's Table, 3) trusts the government of Providence Church, 4) desires to use one's gifts for the mutual edification of the Providence body, and 5) is willing to share resources to assist those in need and support the church's ministries.
If a person fits this definition, it would be good to affirm to the elders that one wants to be considered a member of Providence Church. The children of such a person who meets this definition of member are also members.
Due to our dual confessional nature, membership in Providence Church is by Christian family or by individual adult if there is no other family present. Practically, we define a Christian family as at least one adult who has been baptized and made a formal profession of faith, along with his/her/their children.
As a part of their Christian growth we desire to have children present during corporate worship. While we recognize that this is not always possible, we hope that they can participate as much as possible.
Providence Church is a Christian body of baptized believers functioning as a living organism with local government (elders and deacons). Certain practices are to take place in that organism: gatherings for worship, the regular practice of communion, prayer, and sharing of God's Word. There should be the use of the gifts of the people, sharing of resources, and discipleship.
Thus, we define membership in the following way: A person is a member of Providence Church if one 1) is a baptized believer, 2) attends Providence Church regularly and partakes of the Lord's Table, 3) trusts the government of Providence Church, 4) desires to use one's gifts for the mutual edification of the Providence body, and 5) is willing to share resources to assist those in need and support the church's ministries.
If a person fits this definition, it would be good to affirm to the elders that one wants to be considered a member of Providence Church. The children of such a person who meets this definition of member are also members.
Due to our dual confessional nature, membership in Providence Church is by Christian family or by individual adult if there is no other family present. Practically, we define a Christian family as at least one adult who has been baptized and made a formal profession of faith, along with his/her/their children.
As a part of their Christian growth we desire to have children present during corporate worship. While we recognize that this is not always possible, we hope that they can participate as much as possible.
