Does church membership really matter?

Americans have definitely moved from a time when church membership was practically a life staple to a time when it's at most a personal option. Does the Bible teach that people must formally place fellowship with a local church? No. In fact, the New Testament, does not even use the term membership, referring to a specific roll of names that makes up the official constituency of a local congregation.

Does that mean we (the leadership) do not have a preference at Garden Way? No. It means we do not have a specific doctrine, a stated truth, that all individuals must become members in order to be in line with the will of God.

We do have a preference. We feel it is good for individual Christians to formally identify with a local church.

Here are some biblical reasons why:

Every Christian needs a local group of believers (a church) to be a spiritual family of support, that know him/her well enough to care for his/her needs. (I Corinthians 12:25-27)
Every Christian needs a local group of believers that will provide accountability in his/her walk with the Lord, that will lovingly but honestly give correction when necessary. (Hebrews 10:24-25)
Every Christian needs a local group of believers to serve. God has given certain spiritual gifts to each believer. He expects the believer to use those gifts to strengthen other brothers and sisters in God's family. (I Peter 4:10)

Offering support, applying accountability or asking someone to serve when they have not first indicated that they support, that they will be accountable and that they desire to serve could be misunderstood, or possibly even offend.

What are the requirements for membership at Garden Way?

Garden Way teaches that the New Testament defines true Christians as individuals who came to a specific point in their life (sometime from late childhood to adult) where they:

Believed the historical person of Jesus Christ to be the only Son of God (Matthew 16:15-16), crucified (John 19:16-18), and risen from the dead (Acts 2:32).
Saw themselves as lost sinners and came to God repenting (Acts 3:19).
Verbally confessed Jesus to be the Savior and Lord of their lives (Romans 10:9)
Submitted to baptism, that is, being totally immersed in water (Acts 2:38)

If the above is true of your experience and you are looking for a church home, we invite you to consider Garden Way. If you have questions regarding this and would like to discuss them we would be glad to get together with you.

What is expected of a member at Garden Way?

Every member should be committed to our church's stated mission, which is "proclaiming Christ Who changes lives." Our goal is that all members will be included in the following four ways:

Worshipping with the body of believers regularly. Presently there are two Sunday morning services to choose from as well as a Sunday evening service.
Serving by volunteering time and talents to assist in one or more of our officially recognized ministries. Various classes as well as materials in the New Member's Packet plus information on our website all are available to assist in discovering your particular areas of giftedness, matching them to the most effective areas of service. Our Associate Minister, Rob Carney, can also provide direction in this.
Supporting other members by participating in one of our many small groups. Weekly Bible Study Fellowships meet in different locations on various days and times providing opportunities for prayer, study and general sharing. Connecting with others regularly like this contributes to spiritual growth and maturity.
Sharing the gospel of Christ both in word and deed as you live your daily life among those who have not yet claimed Jesus as Lord. Every Garden Way member is a missionary to the greater Eugene-Springfield area, placed in the culture to emulate Jesus, that we might draw others to Him.

What can a member expect from Garden Way?

You can expect Shepherding

Every member is placed in a flock. Flocks are designated portions of the membership, each assigned to one of our elders. An elder keeps watch over his flock noting if there are extended absences and/or special needs that require attention. In addition, we have a Sunday Home Communion Ministry that will come to the home of any member who calls ahead and requests this service.

You can expect Prayer

A number of different programs are in place to assure that we are constantly praying for one another. These include a prayer chain, a 24/7 prayer ministry, monthly elder prayer meetings, a weekly bulletin prayer list and more.

You can expect a New Members Packet

This folder contains helpful information such as: Pictorial Directory, Mission Statement, Ministry Leaders, Small Group Ministries, Sunday School, Church Finances, General Statistics, Ministry Involvement Form, Stewardship Program, Flock Lists, and more.

You can expect Voting Privileges

Garden Way's by-laws give voting privileges to any official member 16 years and older. Congregational votes are received in appointments of elders, deacons and preaching ministers, and in certain financial matters.

You can expect Facility Privileges

Though there may be some fees for building usage (weddings, receptions, classes, etc.) generally speaking, members are given reduced rates and in some cases, fees are waived completely.

How do I actually place membership at Garden Way?

Perhaps you have already seen individuals walk to the front during the Decision Song that we sing near the close of our Sunday morning services to make public decisions for the Lord. If you meet the requirements for membership listed above, you are always welcome to come at this time and share your desire to make Garden Way your church home. However, this particular approach is not a requirement. We realize that many are extremely reluctant to be in front of a group. If that is how you feel, you can simply contact a GWC staff member or elder and inform them of your interest in membership. They will work out a way to announce your decision to the congregation without having you walk up to the front.

Garden Way Church holds its members in high regard. Each one is part of the family. Each one has entered into a covenant relationship that involves a high degree of responsibility and service. At the same time, the leadership has covenanted to teach & guide, to love & lead, and to provide counsel & aid.

Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do
not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body,
and each member belongs to all the others. (Romans 12:4-5)