Membership

Being a Christian is about more than attending church meetings or worship services. Kamloops Churches are notorious for shuffling members from one church to the next, each church offering a broader and ever growing menu of different ministry “programs” to entice and lure potential members from other churches as each church attempts to grow larger. But being a Christian is not the same as being a consumer who is constantly looking for the best deal. Romans 12:5 says that, “…so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members belonging one to another.” A Christian, by definition, is a member of a larger church body. Christians are intrinsically church members who commit to a specific church and belong to one another. As a result at Bridge Church we draw a clear line between those who are visiting and considering joining with us, and those who are members who have covenanted together with our church family. Members who enter into a covenant with us are called to a higher degree of responsibility, service and sacrifice. By becoming a Covenant Member you are committing to be part of a spiritual family that will provide support and encouragement in your walk with Christ. Our elders and leadership pledge to assist our Covenant Members first and foremost, by providing care and counsel as well as prayer, teaching, and guidance as necessary. In addition our Covenant Members, while called to serve everyone and to extend help and love to everyone, pledge to first assist other Covenant Members first and foremost.

We hope that as the Lord leads you will take the following steps by covenanting with us to be part of the Bridge family. There are two different types of folks that may seek membership here at The Bridge Church: individuals who are transferring their membership from another church, and individuals who may be professing faith in Christ for the first time. Depending on which category you fall into there may be a different way of embracing membership here at The Bridge.

For Individuals Transferring their membership from another Church: Covenant Membership at Bridge Church is a Three Step Process  

1. Attend the Roots 101 Membership Class

We hold membership in high regard and want our guests and those who regularly attend to make an informed decision about joining our church. By providing a class we are able to cover the essentials of what it means to be a Covenant Member, our basic beliefs, our distinctives, and what you should expect from the elders and leaders. You will also learn what are our expectations of Covenant Members. You will meet our staff and leaders and learn how to get connected into the various ministries of the Bridge. The class usually takes place during a Friday Evening (7 p.m. – 9 p.m.) and the following Saturday (9 a.m. – 2 p.m.). Lunch on Saturday is provided. Child care is available upon request during registration, and lunch on Saturday will be provided to children as well.

2. Sign the Membership Covenant

At this stage in the membership process it is important to meet with two of the Elders to sign the Membership Covenant. During this meeting the Elders of the church will explain the covenant, listen to your story and journey of faith, and answer any questions you might have about the Bridge and about becoming a Covenant Member or both. Once you have signed the covenant and fulfilled the other requirements of baptism and attending the Membership Class, you will be presented to the Church for approval.

Download a copy of the Membership Covenant by clicking here.

3. Church Approval

Our church is truly unique from other churches. Since we believe that Church is a family that covenants to live the Christian life together, we believe that the Covenant Members of the church have the final word in matters of church membership, NOT the Elders. In the same way that any potential member is being asked to Covenant together with our church, the Covenant Members of Bridge Church are making a solemn and sacred commitment to the person who is desiring to enter into Covenant Membership. As a result of our family dynamic we reserve final matters of church membership to our church family, and ask them to individually embrace new Covenant Members. Once you are approved by the church congregation, you will be considered to be a member at Bridge Church.

For Individuals who are Professing their Faith in Christ for the First Time: Covenant Membership at Bridge Church is a Two Step Process .

1. Meet with the Elders to discuss your Faith in Christ

If you have never been a part of a church or have never publicly acknowledged Christ as the Lord and Savior of your life, then you need to meet with the Elders of Bridge Church to talk about your faith and belief in Jesus. The Elders will be delighted to hear your story and to learn more about how God worked in your life to bring you to faith in Christ. They will also take time to explain to you about the ordinance of baptism, to discuss first steps for you as a new follower of Christ, and to explain to you more about the need for fellowship and accountability in your walk with God. During this time the Elders will explain the priorities of church membership and be an active part of Christ’s family. They will review the Membership Covenant with you and explain to you some of the responsibilities of being a part of the family of God. If there are no concerns or questions from either party, then the next step for the new believer will be the ordinance of Baptism.

2. Be Baptized

For many, Baptism is the first public step of obedience to Christ. If you have not been baptized following your salvation, you need to take this step as an act of obedience to Christ and as a part of the process of becoming a Covenant Member here at The Bridge Church. Before your baptism, we offer a class designed to answer questions concerning this ordinance. The Baptism Class gives you an opportunity to share your testimony, learn about the biblical significance of baptism and walk through frequently asked questions and logistical details of the baptism service. The Baptism Class is only offered as individuals come forward and express an interest in being Baptized. If you are interested  in being Baptized please speak to one of the Elders on Sunday morning, and they will make the necessary arrangements with you.

Since Baptism is an ordinance intended to mark out the Believer from the rest of the World and to demonstrate a person’s union with Christ and the Church, The Bridge Church will not baptize anyone who is not interested in joining with The Bridge Church in Membership and agreeing to the specifics of the Membership Covenant. If an individual desires Baptism the Scriptures clearly teach that it is the responsibility of the church to insure that the prospective baptismal candidate has a sincere desire to walk with God and to honor and obey God. God’s intention of Baptism is that it serve as an initiation into God’s family as a full-fledged member in a local church. If an individual desires baptism but does not desire to unite with the church family, then the individual desires Baptism for the wrong reasons. God’s will is that every believer be joined with a local church family.