The information about church membership on this page can also be found in our Membership Leaflet. A paper version can be found on the Welcome Desk at our services or a pdf version can be found here.
A healthy church should expect to have people at different stages and places in their spiritual walk. At the same time we want to help everyone in our church grow in their ‘belonging’ to our church. For many Christians in our church family that means they want to make a conscious decision to commit themselves to Cornerstone Church and a person can do that by becoming a Church Member.
In the interest of full disclosure, we hope over time that most people in the Cornerstone Church family will eventually become a Church Member. We think this is best for individuals and for the church as a whole. However, we don’t coerce or pressurise anyone – it is possible to belong to Cornerstone Church and not become a Church Member.
What is a Church Member?
Church Members are individuals who are Christians and who have made a conscious decision to commit themselves to Cornerstone Church.
Becoming a Church Member is the clearest way to say:
“Count me in. I’m committed to Cornerstone as my church family.”
It means that you have considered what it means to be a Church Member at Cornerstone Church and want to commit yourself to us in such a way. To help you more fully understand Cornerstone Church, do please have a look at our church life together, our priorities and our beliefs.
Sometimes commitment can be a little daunting, but it’s a great thing when Christian people commit to each other and to the Lord in this way. Our Lord Jesus Christ has a lot to say about what a local church is and what it means to belong to one.
We want to be transparent from the outset with what we consider are the key points of being a Church Member.
These are:
- I know that I am a sinner in God’s sight. Without Jesus and his death upon the cross I would face His holy judgement. My only hope is God’s mercy. See Psalm 51:4
- I believe that Jesus Christ is both Lord and Saviour. I trust Him alone for my salvation, as He is revealed in God’s Word, the Bible.
See Acts 4:12 - I believe in the realities summarised in the Apostles’ Creed.
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again;
he ascended into heaven,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic* Church, (* means ‘universal’)
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
- I want to be devoted to personal Bible reading and prayer.
See 1 Peter 2:2, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 - I want to share Christ with unbelievers such as I am able.
See 1 Peter 3:15 - I want to live a holy life in line with the ethical teaching of the Bible in those different relationships to which God has called me – e.g. in marriage, family, workplace, community, church, etc.
See 1 Thessalonians 4:7
- With the Lord’s help I want to love the Cornerstone Church Family as a family. (e.g. God wants us to encourage each other, resolve tensions biblically and respect those who lead the church).
See 1 Peter 4:8, Ephesians 4:2-3, Hebrews 13:17 - I will be committed to meeting regularly with, and praying for, my church. (e.g. attending church regularly on Sundays and a midweek group). See Hebrews 10:25
- Such as I am able, I will give regularly to support the work of Cornerstone. We also encourage giving to other needs outside of Cornerstone. See 1 Timothy 6:18
- I want to use the gifts God has given me to help the church family and to aid our outreach to the unconverted. I understand and support the mission of Cornerstone, and will be involved in an area of service. See Ephesians 4:16
- To keep the Lord Jesus Christ as the head of Cornerstone Church as we prayerfully and humbly submit to his revealed will in the Bible.
- To help the whole church family to appropriately and lovingly support and pray for you as is needed.
- To consult and hear the voices of Cornerstone Church Members in shaping the direction of the church.
- To provide healthy and accountable biblical leadership with the appointment of a recognised minister (licensed by an AMiE Bishop) and other locally appointed elders.
Becoming a church member won’t automatically transform your Christian life or our church.
But these kinds of commitments are found clearly in Scripture and therefore should be really helpful for you and the whole church.
The church leadership would therefore encourage you to seriously consider whether becoming a Church Member is appropriate for you at this time.
If you are interested in becoming a Church Member please have a word with one the church elders. We think it is helpful that you have a chance to ask any questions before making a final decision on church membership.
If after a discussion with an elder, it is right for you to become a Church Member here at Cornerstone, you will be asked to sign a form. This is to ensure we keep accurate and transparent records of our membership.
The membership list (Christian and Surname only) is published once a year as part of the church’s annual report.
If you have any questions about church membership at Cornerstone please do contact us.