Scriptural Rationale For Membership

Although the Scriptures contain neither an explicit mandate for nor a command against an official membership roll, we belive that to properly and effectively fulfill the expected functions of a local body of believers, formal commitment by every member is assumed (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13; Hebrews 13:17).

Commitment to a local church is not only the assumed responsibility of everyone claiming to be part of the universal church, but it is also the only appropriate response to the truths about the importance of the church. If the church is the household of God, a pillar and buttress of the truth, the body for whom Christ died, and the current form of His kingdom and His people, then every person who claims to belong to Him must belong to the local church (Titus 3:15). Church membership unquestionably makes it easier for the leaders of the church to shepherd the flock and fulfill their biblical roles and responsibilities.

Eligibility For Membership

1. Those who have a basic knowledge of the central aspects of the Gospel (i.e., salvation is by grace alone, in Christ alone, through faith alone), who have truly repented of their sin, trusted in Christ and confess Him as their Lord and Savior, and who give Biblical evidence of their regeneration and conversion by a life consistent with their profession, and with the doctrines and practices of the Church of Jesus Christ.
   
2. Those who have undergone believer’s baptism by immersion (For applicants for membership who come from a different Christian baptismal tradition, see Note at the end of this Section.)
   
3. Those who are willing to accept the teachings embodied in the SDGCC Statement of Faith, Mission Statement, Philosophy of Ministry, Covenant of Membership, and this Manual as may be amended from time to time.
   
4. Those who are willing to submit to the leadership and government of the SDGCC.
   
5. Those who are willing to contribute regularly to the financial support of SDGCC.
   
6. Those who are willing to submit to the procedure of membership laid down by the leadership of the Church, which includes attending the membership classes, submitting to a membership interview, and fulfilling all other specific requirements. However, applicants from other churches may be granted exemptions from this requirement on the discretion of the Board of Elders.
   
7. Those who are at least 15 years of age. (However, only those of legal age are required to sign the Legal Membership covenant form.)
   
8. Those who have been attending SDGCC Sunday Worship Gatherings for at least six (6) months prior to application.
   
9. Those who have been attending a duly recognized discipleship or accountability group/partner for at least six months and from its leader or representative get a recommendation for membership.

Membership Privileges

1. They will be included in the SDGCC’s official roster of members.
   
2. They have the right to participate in special meetings for members.
   
3. They have voting privileges. Members in good standing may vote on those matters that the Board of Elders chooses to submit to the Church members.
   
4. They are eligible for ministry positions especially in teaching and worship-oriented ministries.
   
5. They are eligible for ministry or Church leadership (elder or deacon) positions.
   
6. They have the benefit of being prayed for regularly by the Church’s leaders and, on special occasions, by brethren through the prayer chain system.
   
7. They can avail of the free services offered by the church upon request: visitation, counseling, Bible study, dedications, premarital counseling and wedding, funeral, etc.
   
8. They are given priority to avail of church resources such as counseling, visitation, discipleship, dedication, wedding, etc.
   
9. They may use for free church facilities such as chairs, tables and rooms not requiring electricity; fifty (50) percent off on church facilities rental like rooms and equipment requiring use of electricity (personal use for occasions like weddings, dedications, funeral, or other meetings that do not violate the church’s beliefs and practices.)
   
10. They can avail of the fifty (50) percent off on the one-time library membership fee.
    
11. They will receive benevolence support (upon recommendation by church leaders, or the member’s request with the approval by church leadership) for sickness, injuries, or death (sustained by the member of his/her immediate family).
    
12. They may avail of Scholarship grants and discounts for SDGCA and IBI students.
    
13. They will have the benefit of participating in and being held accountable to the process of church discipline.
    
14. Other benefits as announced in the church’s official bulletins, publications, or pulpit announcements.

For more information, please contact us.