Membership

Membership at Joy Manhattan is a way for our church to care for people and for people to care for our church. It’s a concrete way for Christians to live out the reality that they belong to the “body of Christ” (1 Corinthians 12). You might be wondering, why should I become a church member if I’m already attending services and community group? There is something empowering about formally committing to something. Just like in any other relationship, a commitment enhances the relationship. It helps build trust. It activates growth in new ways.

In culture, membership is usually associated with belonging to a gym, a social club, or a board, whereby a person’s inclusion is based on status, wealth, or connections. Consumerism pervades these groups. However, church membership is animated by the biblical idea of covenant — a commitment to one another based on God’s unmerited faithfulness to us. What qualifies us is not our power, privilege, or pedigree but our shared need for grace.

If you want to learn more, you can register for our next Membership class here.

 

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • Responsibilities

    • A sense of ownership of the church and contributing to its health (town hall voting, prayer, lifestyle)

    • Promoting unity (demonstrating welcome and hospitality, actively participating in CG, avoiding gossip)

    • Serving others (on a ministry team or in more informal ways)

    • Giving (tithes and offerings)

    Benefits

    • Receiving pastoral care

    • Access to our counseling network

    • Access to diaconate/mercy funds

    • Pre-marital, marriage counseling

    • Priority in registering for Community Groups

    • Opportunities to serve

    1. Attend the class.

    2. Schedule a meeting with one of our pastors (sign up after attending the class).

    3. Review and submit the Membership Covenant (shared during the class).

    4. Participate in the Member Induction, which occurs during a Sunday service.

    5. If you have not been baptized, please let us know when you register as there is additional material we will discuss. Baptism would happen during membership induction service.

  • Most of our ministries require membership in order to serve. Please discuss any exceptions with our staff.