You’re in the Right Place
Maybe you’re brand new to faith and still working out what you believe. Maybe you’ve believed for years, and you’re just now taking the step of formally joining a church. Either way, this class is where we start.
It’s a study guide that walks through what Cherith of Life believes, in plain language, and gives you room to wrestle with it—not just information to get through.
Why Church Membership Matters
There’s a real difference between attending somewhere and belonging somewhere. Attending is passive; you show up, you listen, you leave. Belonging is a decision: you’re committing to use your gifts here and to place yourself under the leadership God has set over this specific body.
Membership isn’t paperwork or a name on a list. It’s a relationship, one where the church takes responsibility to shepherd and watch over your walk with Jesus, and you, in turn, commit to live out your faith under the care and accountability of that same body.
Why We Require This Class
This class isn’t a hurdle to clear or a test to pass. It’s our way of putting our beliefs and practices on the table before you join, so you can ask questions freely, weigh things with open eyes, and come in knowing exactly what to expect from us — and what we expect from you.
What the Class Covers
Over several sessions, we’ll walk through:
- The Gospel and assurance of salvation
- Who God is — the Living Trinitarian God
- Baptism and the Lord’s Supper
- The Bible, prayer, and fasting
- What the local church is and how Cherith of Life is led
- Giving
- Getting connected — our groups and next steps
- Living on mission as a witness for Christ
What You’re Committing To
Membership at Cherith of Life is a covenant, not a formality. As a member, you’re affirming things like:
- Trusting Jesus Christ alone as Lord and Savior
- Being baptized as an act of obedience since coming to faith
- Making corporate worship a regular part of our lives
- Taking part in baptism and the Lord’s Supper
- Pursuing real relationships within the church, not staying on the sidelines
- Submitting to and cooperating with the leadership God has placed over the church
- Giving to the church’s ministry regularly and generously
(The full list of membership commitments is covered in the class itself.)
Your Next Steps
Take this to prayer — and if you have a family, bring them into that conversation too.
Bring your questions to an elder. No question is too small.
If you haven’t been baptized yet, that’s the step before membership, not after — an elder would be glad to walk through what that looks like with you.
Attend the New Members class. Class List
When you’re ready, come forward during the invitation at one of our worship services and let us know. We’ll present you to the church, and you’ll be welcomed in as a member.
Getting Connected After You Join
Anchor Classes — rooted in God’s Word each Sunday
Horizon Groups — real biblical community
Compass Groups — going deeper in discipleship
Lifted Hands — praying with and for the church body
Titus Ten (men’s group) or Daughters of the King (women’s group)
Evangelism Training — learning to share your story and the gospel
Cherith of Life Church 