The process for joining as a member involves three steps: (1) taking the new members class; (2) filling out the membership application; and (3) sitting down with two of the elders for an interview.
The entire process usually takes at least six months from when a person beings attending to becoming a member.
New Members Class
A class for prospective members is typically held multiple times a year. You can contact the church to see when the next class is being run. This class is taught by Pastor Tim, is seven sessions long, and covers the following material:
1. The nature and purpose of the church (an examination of Ephesians and the marks of a healthy church). Click here for the handout for this session.
2. What our church believes (covering the statement of faith, history, polity, baptism, distinctives, etc). Click here for the handout for this session.
3. What is biblical church membership and what is a biblical church member. Click here for the handout for this session.
Application
After completing the class, those interested in pursuing membership can fill out the membership form linked here. After filling out the form, the elders will follow up to schedule an interview.
Interview
The interview is an informal discussion with at least two of the elders of the church where we discuss questions such as:
Why do you want to join Fairview?
What is your previous church experience/involvement?
What is your testimony of conversion and baptism?
What is your testimony of living for Christ today?
What is the gospel?
What is the church?
After this interview, and if everyone is ready to move forward, the congregation is notified of perspective members and they are voted into membership at the next members meeting (we have four meetings a year).