“Membership in a local church means nothing more and nothing less than this: Joining your imperfect self to many other imperfect selves to form an imperfect community that, through Jesus, embarks on a journey toward a better future…together.”
-- Scott Sauls, Irresistible Faith
At Mercy Hill Church, we view membership as a partnership in the Gospel of Jesus.
The Apostle Paul once wrote, “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 1:3-5).
The idea of partnership with a local church entails fellowship and expresses the idea of uniting on a mutual mission, sharing the joys, burdens, and struggles along with sacrificing toward the end of common goals.
In the New Testament, the picture of the church is not one of simply attending a church, but instead being the church. “And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers” (Acts 2:42).
Thus at Mercy Hill Church, we use the word “partnership”interchangeably with words like “membership” and “association” to indicate our unity in walking together with one another in the mission of the Jesus’ church to make disciples and plant churches.
The Partners / Members of Mercy Hill are those who…
…have professed faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as their Savior and have received baptism in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, together with their children who are of minor age, and
…desire to be a disciple of the Lord Jesus and endeavor to live a holy life in keeping with Christ’s command, and
…want to partner with Mercy Hill by supporting the testimony of the church, sharing in the responsibility for the church, serving in the ministry of the church, and protecting the unity of the church, and
…affirm their membership by signing the “My Partnership with Mercy Hill Church” document (PDF / Word)
…have been received as members of Mercy Hill by the pastor / elders and have been presented to the church as partners
Since we’re in this together, we agree to reaffirm our partnership every year. This is a way to remind ourselves of the mission and core commitments of Mercy Hill as well as a way for the Elders to shepherd the congregation, keep our membership rolls current, and to disciple the congregation.
Ready to take the step of becoming a partner with Mercy Hill?
“I’ve still got some questions.”
No problem. We’d love to get you some answers. Please contact Pastor John Ferguson.
Also, consider attending an upcoming Foundations Seminar which helps explain a bit more about Mercy Hill.
“I’m ready!”
Join us for our next Foundations Seminar and fill out this Membership Information Form (PDF / Word), and sign My Partnership with Mercy Hill Church (PDF / Word), and send them to Pastor John or bring them to Mercy Hill with you next Sunday.