Membership & Baptism

If you are a believer in Jesus Christ, and feel that God has called you to Forest Grove Community Church, we invite you to consider membership. Classes will provide an overview of the Confession of Faith, our church, our denomination, 'baptism' for those who have not been baptized, and testimony preparation.

If you interested in participating, please contact Pastor Harry Strauss.

How Do I join Forest Grove Community Church?

Let's face it. Every once in a while you catch yourself thinking, "I probably ought to join FGCC." But then the phone rings, the game starts, the microwave signals that your leftovers are ready, or something else equally
significant captures your attention and off you go.

In spite of all the other exciting options in life, the time has come for some of you to seriously consider joining the church. We've developed this simple survey to help you determine whether or not you are ready to take the plunge.

You know it's time to join when...

• you pause long enough to read parts of the bulletin every week.
• people ask you where you attend church and you answer, "Forest Grove Community Church."
• you put a portion of your hard-earned money in the offering on a regular basis.
• you can complete the following statement: "Our mission is to be a covenant __________ that loves God, disciples one another, and reaches out from the river to the ends of the earth."
• you have invited someone to attend FGCC with you.
• you find yourself gravitating toward the same seat every Sunday.
  

 

We realize that one reason you don't join FGCC is that becoming a member requires a bit more time and effort than you have been willing to invest. Others of you are still trying to figure out what the process entails.

In either case, here's what you need to do next. It really isn't as difficult as you might think....actually it is a great deal of fun. Join the next membership class beginning April 19th, 2009. The eight-week class will be taught and facilitated by Pastor Harry Strauss, with input and involvement by members of the Membership Committee. Prayerfully, you will come to know class leaders and participants in a way that will capture the essence of covenant community. The goal, in part, is to be a caring small group through the eight
weeks of interaction. So we invite you to mark April 19th on your calendars, and participate, either as one ready to join the church....or one wanting to test the waters, with your decision for membership deferred to the
end of the eight-week process.

In terms of membership qualifications, they are as follows:

• Confession of personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ
• Evidence of the new birth
• Acceptance of the Confession of Faith (to be covered in the class)
• Believer's baptism
• A willingness to support the ministry of Forest Grove CommunityChurch with your time, talent, and treasure, and to be accountable tothe church leadership in matters concerning your relationship to God
  and to others.
  

 

At the conclusion of the eight weeks, a date would be set where your membership testimony would be shared with the church. Speaking in front of people can be unsettling (even terrifying)....but not to worry. We are prepared to profile your testimony by way of video....or perhaps have you share it in a way or setting where you would feel more at ease. The fear of speaking in front of people should be the last reason one might hold back on membership. But speaking fears aside, on that Sunday we would present you with a membership certificate, as well as a valet parking pass, and a tithe reduction coupon good for 15 percent over the next 12 months. OK, maybe not the latter two, but we certainly would present you with a membership certificate.