From time to time people ask us about membership here at New Life. We believe membership is important, and not to be entered in to lightly or in an uninformed way.
Commitment is the single most important ingredient to membership here at New Life- commitment to the Lord, to His Word, and to each other as the Body of Christ.
If you are interested in becoming a member at New Life, we ask that you will have already established a pattern of regular attendance and tithing/giving for three months, and then answer the following questions, to be emailed to Pastor Shane at shjohnson@malone.edu.
1. Salvation
When and where did you accept Christ as your Savior? Please be as specific as you can.
2. Baptism
When and where were you baptized as a believer in Christ? If you have not yet been baptized, would you like to be? Why do you believe baptism is important?
3. Doctrine
Are you in agreement with our beliefs, and why? Please describe a completely as possible any differences you might have.
4. Attendance
Are you willing to regularly attend (about 3 Sundays per month or more) New Life and make it your church home, except for sickness, work, school breaks or unusual circumstances? In other words, what role does church attendance play in being a good church member?
5. Stewardship
Are you willing to regularly tithe (provided you have a job) 10% of all your income to New Life as your church home, and give to missions and other needs as the Lord prompts you to do so? In other words, what role does tithing and giving play in being a good church member?
6. Giftings
In what way would you be willing to share any ministry talent you may have with the church? In other words, what giftings has the Lord given you that may be of benefit to New Life?
7. Supportive of the Vision
To what extent you be supportive of the mission and vision of this church and its leadership? Please elaborate as much as possible.
8. Relationships
How might you build and maintain quality relationships with others in this fellowship, those with whom you have something in common?
Two years after the founding of the Assemblies of God, members adopted 16 beliefs for the Fellowship. This list, known as the Statement of Fundamental Truths, remains virtually unchanged. Four of these beliefs are considered the major tenets of the Fellowship. They are:
1. Salvation Through Jesus Christ (John 3:3, 16, 17; Romans 10:13; Ephesians 2:8, 9)
Salvation is received through repentance toward God and faith toward the Lord Jesus Christ. By the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, being justified by grace through faith, man becomes an heir of God, according to the hope of eternal life.
2. Baptism in the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8; 2:4; 17, 18, 38, 39)
All believers are entitled to and should ardently expect and earnestly seek the promise of the Father, the baptism in the Holy Spirit and fire, according to the command of our Lord Jesus Christ. This was the normal experience of all in the early Christian Church. With it comes the enduement of power for life and service, the bestowment of the gifts and their uses in the work of the ministry.
3. Divine Healing for the Sick (James 5:14-16)
Divine healing is an integral part of the gospel. Deliverance from sickness is provided for in the atonement, and is the privilege of all believers.
4. The Second Coming of Christ (1 Thessalonians 4:14-16; 1 Corinthians 15:51, 52)
The second coming of Christ includes the rapture of the saints, which is our blessed hope, followed by the visible return of Christ with His saints to reign on earth for one thousand years.
For a complete list of the 16 Fundamental Truths of the Assemblies of God, click here.
