Membership matters. The New Testament points us toward membership in the local church for our mutual encouragement in the faith, our protection as Christians, and our instruction in regards to practical Christian living. Aware of the tremendous blessings and responsibilities of a church member, at Christ Church West Chester (CCWC), we seek to carry out the membership process through these steps:
Step 1
Membership Matters Class — All prospective members must first attend one of our regularly offered membership matters classes, which gives a comprehensive view of who CCWC is, why CCWC exists, and how CCWC operates. In the class, you’ll discover more about
- CCWC’s history
- CCWC’s statement of faith
- CCWC’s vision, purpose, and mission
- Expectations you can have of CCWC, and
- Expectations CCWC has of its members
We will also provide opportunities to ask any questions that might arise from the content of the class or a personal experience at CCWC.
Membership matters classes are offered on Sundays from 12am-2:30pm four or more times throughout the year. Lunch and childcare are provided.
Step 2
Membership Interview — After each prospective member has completed the membership matters class and prayerfully spent time considering their involvement within CCWC as a member, he or she is able to request a membership interview with a CCWC elder to provide basic biographical information and to recount God’s converting work and recent activity in his or her life. This interview is a 45 minute to 1 hour conversation. The prospective member would then sign our statement of faith and membership covenant in view of being added to CCWC membership.
Step 3
Elder Recommendation – At a regularly scheduled elders’ meeting, the elder will review the applicant’s testimony with the other elders. Upon receiving their collective approval, the candidate’s application proceeds to the next step: congregational affirmation.
Step 4
Congregational Affirmation – During our every-other-month members meetings, each pastor who conducted an interview briefly describes how the applicants, who are desiring to be admitted to membership, have come to know the Lord. Questions are fielded, a vote is taken, and with a majority secured, candidates are admitted into membership.
Step 1
Membership Matters Class — All prospective members must first attend one of our regularly offered membership matters classes, which give a comprehensive view of who CCWC is, why CCWC exists, and how CCWC operates. This class is three sessions long, and prospective members are required to attend all three in order to join. (While we recommend you attend the three sessions in order, this is not necessary to complete the class.) In the class, you’ll discover more about
- Class 1: CCWC’s history, theological distinctives, and understanding of the local church
- Class 2: CCWC’s statement of faith
- Class 3: Expectations you can have of CCWC, and expectations CCWC has of its members
We will also provide opportunities to ask any questions that might arise from the content of the class or a personal experience at CCWC.
Membership matters classes are offered on a rolling basis on Sunday mornings from 8:40am–9:40am. They are scheduled to coincide at the same time as our Academy course. Childcare is provided. If you have interest in attending, please email us at info@christchurchwc.org.
Step 2
Membership Interview — After each prospective member has completed the membership matters class and prayerfully spent time considering their involvement within CCWC as a member, he or she is able to request a membership interview with a CCWC elder to provide basic biographical information and to recount God’s converting work and recent activity in his or her life. This interview is a 45 minute to 1 hour conversation. The prospective member would then sign our statement of faith and membership covenant in view of being added to CCWC membership.
Step 3
Elder Recommendation – At a regularly scheduled elders’ meeting, the elder will review the applicant’s testimony with the other elders. Upon receiving their collective approval, the candidate’s application proceeds to the next step: congregational affirmation.
Step 4
Congregational Affirmation – During our every-other-month members meetings, each pastor who conducted an interview briefly describes how the applicants who are desiring to be admitted to membership have come to know the Lord. Questions are fielded, a vote is taken, and with a majority secured, candidates are admitted into membership.