What is Church Membership?
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At Redeemer Al Ain we practice what is called “church membership.” The Bible teaches that being a part of a church is much more than simply attending a worship service — being a member of a church is a commitment to watch over and care for other members and be watched over and cared for by other members. In church membership we commit to be accountable for our fellow members and accountable to our fellow members.

Each one of our members agrees to walk by and uphold our Church Covenant (read below).

Read the articles below for more information on church membership:

• Where do we see church membership in the New Testament?

• Twelve reasons why membership matters.

church covenant
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Having been brought by God’s grace to repent and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and to give up ourselves to him, we now, in dependence upon His Spirit, resolve to live by faith, and so joyfully establish this covenant with each other:

We will live under the supreme authority of the Bible and the gospel of Jesus Christ. (2 Tim 3:16-17; Heb 1:1-3)

We will work and pray for the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. (Eph 4:3)

We will be devoted to one another in brotherly love. With humility and gentleness we will patiently bear with each other, forgiving, encouraging and building one another up, exercising watchfulness over each other and admonishing one another when necessary. (Luke 17:3; Col 3:13; 1 Thes 5:11; 1 Pet 1:22)

We will use our God-given gifts to help build up the church toward maturity. (1 Cor 14:4-5; Rom 12:6; Eph 4:12-13) 

We will not neglect to gather together, or to pray for ourselves and others. (Col 4:2; Heb 10:25) 

We will endeavor to bring up our children and youth in the training and instruction of the Lord, and by a pure and loving example to seek the salvation of our family and friends. (Eph 6:4; 1 Pet 3:1) 

We will stir one another up to love and good works, including encouraging one another to share the hope we have in Christ Jesus with those who do not believe. (Heb 10:24; 1 Pet 3:15)

We will rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep, helping to carry each other’s burdens and sorrows. (Rom 12:15)

We will seek to live carefully in this world, denying ungodliness and worldly passions. We will strive to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives, as we wait for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ. (Titus 2:12; 1 Pet 1:14)

We will defend and maintain an evangelical ministry in this church by upholding the preaching of the Word of God; the administration of the Gospel Ordinances (baptism and the Lord’s Supper); and the exercise of church discipline. (2 Tim 4:2; Acts 2:38; 1 Cor 11:26; Matt 18:17; 1 Cor 5:13)

We will contribute cheerfully, generously and regularly to the support of the ministry of the church, the relief of the poor, and the spread of the Gospel through all nations. (Matt 28:19; Luke 12:33; 2 Cor 9:7)

We will, when we move from this place, as soon as possible unite with another church where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God’s Word. (Heb 10:25)

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all. Amen. (2 Cor 13:14)