|
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Covenant Membership
1. Why are we introducing a new membership program?
As we approached our second decade of ministry, we prayerfully entered into an “Organizational Review” (a top to bottom assessment of everything we were doing). One of our conclusions was that the existing membership approach was limited in its effectiveness and in danger of becoming a mere formality. We saw an opportunity to re-invent the process and transform it into a tool for discipleship.
2. How is this different from our previous membership?
The two new components of Covenant Membership are 1) the “NCC Discipleship Pathway” which provides a core curriculum and a clear focus of where we want to take people and 2) the “Travel Companion” which is a relational component that is designed to provide support, encouragement, and coaching. Neither of these components existed in our former membership process.
3. What is the significance of the term “Covenant Membership?”
A covenant is a two-party commitment. Marriage would be a good example. Two people make a commitment to each other that is solidified by vows and promises. Unfortunately, marriage in America has drifted from being a covenant to being a convenience. Similarly, church membership has also drifted from being a commitment to being a consumer experience. “Covenant Membership” is a way to try to recapture the sense of commitment. In “Covenant Membership” the church commits to faithfully upholding its stated mission, values and beliefs. Likewise the member promises to uphold a three-fold commitment to the person of Christ, the people of New Community Church, and the process of discipleship outlined by the NCC Discipleship Pathway.
4. If I was a member in the past, do I have to participate in the new Covenant Membership program?
We are very sensitive to your time pressures and would not ask you to go through this program unless we were convinced that the dividends to you and the church are more than worth the investment. The components of our new Covenant Membership are so substantially updated that we are asking everyone including church staff, the elders, and founding members to go through the process. We will be offering classes on a bi-monthly basis between now and the end of the year and will provide you the balance of the year to renew your membership under the new program.
|
|