Church Membership

At Salem Alliance Church we have guests and newcomers and regular attenders, but we also have MEMBERS. Members are those who have identified themselves with Salem Alliance as devoted participants - those who can be counted on to build and sustain the ministries of the church.

In a culture where commitment is not always highly valued, recognizable membership is an important step that moves each of us out of the realm of good intentions and into purposeful community.

Do I need to become a member to participate in the life of Salem Alliance?

How do I become a member?

What are the privileges of membership?

1. Do I need to become a member to participate in the life of Salem Alliance?

No. You may faithfully attend services, teach Sunday School, sing in the choir, be an usher, etc. without being a member. However, we encourage you to see membership as a formal statement of commitment to the people and vision of this church family. Your membership could even become a "defining moment" in your growth as a Christian, and it would certainly be a real encouragement to our staff and church leaders. In fact, the better question might be, "Why not become a member?"

2. How do I become a member?

The Essentials class is a prerequisite for membership. This interesting and fun class is a one-evening seminar that gives an overview of our church ministries and our doctrinal beliefs, as well as our C&MA denomination. Participants get to ask questions and try to "stump the senior pastor!" Watch the bulletin for announcements regarding the next Essentials Class. There is usually one held in the fall, winter and spring.

The second step is to fill out an Application for Membership form, available at the Essentials class or through the church office. This form asks you to give a brief account of your conversion experience, baptism, and church background, if any. It also asks you to commit to the "Six Gs" of Salem Alliance: Grace, Growth, Groups, Gifts, Generosity, and the Great Commission.

When the membership application form has been submitted to Darlene Britton in the church office, she will assign an elder to make an appointment with you for an informal interview. This is not a scary thing. You will not be asked any hard or trick questions. You will be affirmed and welcomed.

Your interviewing elder will then make a recommendation to the Governing Board to place you in membership at Salem Alliance. Your name will appear in a future Sunday bulletin as a new member, and, if you choose, your picture will be posted on the New Members bulletin board in the lobby.

3. What are the privileges of membership?

Participating members have the opportunity to influence the key decisions and directions of the church, most importantly the affirmation of elder candidates. Members also vote on property and financial matters. Finally, all elder leadership positions require participating membership as a prerequisite.

Commitment is a vital characteristic of biblical maturity. As purposeful Christians, WE are the church. If the church isn't doing something, WE'RE the ones not doing it, and WE'RE the only ones who can keep making it better. Join with us!