next steps

baptism

Baptism is an outward expression of an inward transformation. It symbolically portrays a believer’s identification with the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It proclaims to all that we have died to our old self and now live in the freedom of new life in Christ as a forgiven child of God and devoted follower of Jesus. Baptism follows the example set by Jesus, found in Mark 1:9. Our new life with new priorities and passions expressed in ministry also begins with this act of obedience in being baptized.

Serving

As followers of Christ, we are called to be humble servants of one another, and where the people of God respond to meet the needs of others around them, the church thrives. We have a variety of needs in the church, needs that are always surfacing and evolving, and we depend on our volunteers. Volunteers lead groups, take out trash, counsel hurting people, change diapers, make videos, play music, edit documents, clean bathrooms . . . the list is endless. Some people find opportunity to serve in ways that align with their gifts. Others simply respond to a need that they see (taking out the trash isn’t a spiritual gift, but someone needs to do it). Some volunteering requires a long term commitment, like Children’s Ministry. Some is temporary, like giving someone a ride home. All of it is important. Sometimes the greatest way to bless others is to simply give your time to serve them. Sometimes the strongest community is built among those who serve shoulder to shoulder together. We encourage you to find a way to serve within your congregation. Some opportunities are listed here:

Guest Services – Greeting guests, ushering
Hospitality – Serving communion, coffee, etc.
R/Kids – Working with children
Production – Running slides, audio/video, or lighting
Special Events – Helping prep and set-up
R/Students – Working with 6th-12th graders
R/Young Adults – Working with 18-20 somethings

giving

Everything we have is a gift from the Lord because He owns it all. Therefore, giving should be a priority for us who have received all we have. Giving cheerfully, sacrificially, and consistently is a part of our worship.

COMMITTING TO YOUR LOCAL CHURCH

Membership provides a way to determine who is committed to the mission, doctrine, and values of Redemption Church – our local expression of the body of Christ. Such delineation is not meant to be elitist or divisive. It is not meant to create different classes within the body. Rather, it simply recognizes that there are people within any expression of the body of Christ at varying levels of commitment – and that’s okay. But as an intentional community with a mission and purpose, it is helpful to know who is committed and who is simply curious.

SHOULD I BECOME A MEMBER?

Scripture tells us that leaders within the church are called to “equip the saints – or believers – for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God” (Eph 4:12-13). Essentially, we are called to function as one body, made up of many members, with Jesus Christ as our head, working together to grow into maturity (1 Cor 12:12-31). When all believers – not just church staff – embrace the importance of their role in the church community, the body of Christ is able to function with all of the faculties it is supplied with. And when each part is working properly, the body grows into health and strength (Eph 4:16). So you should not enter into the membership covenant because you’ve been around Redemption a while and figure it’s the next step or “something you should do.” Nor should you enter into the membership covenant simply to say, “Redemption is where I go to church.” That’s part of it, but membership is more than that. It is an informed commitment to the doctrine and vision of Redemption Church, a willing submission to the leadership of the church, and an intentional embrace of your role in the body of Christ and the mission of the church.

HOW DOES A PERSON BECOME A MEMBER?

The process of becoming a member takes place at the local Redemption congregation that an individual or family is committing to. Look for opportunities provided by the leadership of your local congregation to go through the membership process. The structure and time frame of the process may vary slightly based on the factors involved, but in each case the process will include (1) attendance of a class that goes through the Redemption Membership Packet, (2) a meeting with a pastor/elder, and (3) the signing of a Membership Covenant.