Like so many other issues, the concept of church membership has been misused and
misrepresented for many years. Before you can decide if you want to be a member
of Impact of Huntsville, it is essential that you have the answers to some
really important questions.
Is church membership scriptural?
That question can only be answered by identifying the biblical pattern for
relating to a local church. Acts 2:41 says, "Then they that gladly received his
word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three
thousand souls."
New converts did two things immediately after salvation. First, they were
baptized in water. Then they joined forces with the local church. The Bible says
that souls were added to the church. The soul is the realm of the mind, emotions
and will. In other words, people made an intellectual, emotional decision to
become a part of the local church.
It is important that becoming a part of this church involves your emotions,
i.e., you have an emotional connection to this organization and to the people.
That emotional relationship will grow over time but it is essential. Secondly,
you want your decision to be intellectual. You want to know what we’re about.
You want to know if you want to go where we are going. Last of all, you want
your will to be the deciding factor. In other words, it must be your choice not
obligation or coercion.
It means nothing for your name to be on a church membership role if you are not
a functioning member from your heart. We openly want you to be a member of this
local body if your heart is in it.
Am I Receiving Ministry in this Church?
God wants you to be in a place where you receive the help you need. God is never
leading you to be in a place that is spiritually and emotionally negative for
you. As a matter of fact, the Bible says, "Cease, my son, to hear the
instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge." Proverbs 19:27.
We should remove ourselves from any instruction that causes us to err from the
truth of God’s love, faith righteousness and the finished work of Jesus. It even
goes further to warn of listening to those who would pronounce judgment on us.
Isaiah 54:17 promises those who accept the New Covenant that they will not have
to live under the threat of God’s judgment. No instrument formed against thee
shall prosper and every tongue that riseth against thee in judgment will be
refuted. The Emphasized Bible.
If IMPACT is the place where you are encouraged to walk with God; if IMPACT is
the place where you are experiencing the love of God; if IMPACT is a place where
you are receiving teaching that helps you walk with God, this is the place you
should make your church home.
Can I serve God in this church?
We believe everyone is important to God. We believe that an effective, powerful
church is the product of every member doing his/her part. We can’t be who we
need to be in this community if you do not find your place of service. We give
everyone an opportunity to serve. If you can find a place to serve, that is a
strong indicator that you are in the right place.
Where does church membership fit into the teaching
about the Kingdom of God?
The Kingdom of God and the Kingdom of Heaven are synonymous. The Kingdom of
God/Heaven is a realm that we can enter into now. "For the kingdom of God is..,
a matter of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." Romans 4:17. Jesus
said in Luke 17:21, "the kingdom of God is within you."
Nearly every parable of the Kingdom was about stewardship. Stewardship is how
you manage your life, time and resources for the Kingdom of God. None of us are
saved to sit around and wait for heaven. The degree that I become a steward, a
person who manages my life, time and resources for the Kingdom of God will
greatly affect how I experience righteous, peace and joy.
The local church is the place where we bring our gifts and talents together to
accomplish something great for God. This has been God’s pattern all the way
through the Old and New Testaments. The idea of being a loner is foreign to
everything the Bible teaches about walking with God.
In the Old Testament there was a prophet who fell into error. His name was
Balaam. The name Balaam means, "not of the people." By isolating himself from
the people of God, Balaam progressed to being against the people of God.
Isolation has never been healthy. A Kingdom is a group of people who are
citizens together of a nation. We are all part of the church of God in a larger
sense, but we find our place and utilize our gifts in a local church.
Will Being a Part of this Church Help Me Personally?
This church is designed to be relevant. Our services are designed to help you
develop a Biblically based sense of self-worth. None of our functions are
designed to just "keep you active." The main question we ask when we start any
new program is this, "Will this contribute to the quality of life for our
people?"
Our church mission statement is: "Impact of Huntsville exists to reach the lost,
the backslidden, the unchurched and the unproductive, make them whole through
the love of God and launch them into productive, personal ministry." We want to
equip you to live your dreams while living for God.
What is a Member at Impact?
Becoming a member of Impact says that you identify with our mission to reach the
world. You are saying that you want to become a part of this family. You are
saying that you believe this is a place where you can serve God together with
us. You are saying, "count me in!"
Steps to becoming a Member:
1. Fill out the enclosed form: The first
step to church membership is to fill out the enclosed form and drop it in the
offering basket, give it to and usher or drop it by the bookstore.
2. Attend church: It is important that you
know who we are. Remember, a soul being added to the church is an emotional and
intellectual decision. A person should attend church at Impact for at least four
weeks before making a decision to become a member.
3. Read "My Church My Family:" Too
often people bring their "baggage" from past negative church experiences. It is
important that you understand what it means to have a healthy relationship with
a church. This book will help you understand our perspective on healthy church
relations. I recommend that you purchase this book from the bookstore. If you do
not desire to purchase it, a copy can be checked out. If you have problems
reading, someone will be more than glad to discuss these principle with you.
4. Attend the Welcome to Impact Fellowship:
While this is not absolutely essential it is highly recommended. This is the
place where new people can meet the senior pastor and many of the staff members.
5. Attend an Impact Family Meeting:
Occasional family meetings are held where you are introduced to the many areas
of ministry we offer. This is the place where you can discover where and how you
can fit into this local body.
6. Be publicly presented to the church: We
want the church family to know who you are. We want to publicly acknowledge you
as someone who has chosen to join us in our walk with God.
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