Membership at CBF
Becoming a member of Community Bible Fellowship is not a matter simply having your name added to a roll of this local church. We believe that being recognized as a member of CBF carries with it the understanding of and commitment to what it means to be a fully devoted follower of Jesus Christ, an essential part of the Family of God. To that end, we see membership at Community Bible Fellowship as a three-fold process:
Every member has a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. This is the essential foundation of being a part of the Body of Christ. If you have any questions about this, any of the Pastoral staff or Elder team would be delighted to share more with you.
Every member has listened to the six "Membership Moments," either when they were initially presented on Sunday mornings, or by listening to the online podcasts. You may access each "Membership Moment" in the sections below.
Every member signs a Letter of Commitment. This is a commitment we make to the Lord and one another that is renewed every five years. By signing this letter, we individually pledge our commitment and desire to be an integral part of what God is doing at CBF. A copy of this letter is available at the Connection Counter or the church office.
What is the Church?
It isn't the building.
It isn't Sunday morning gatherings.
It is the "ecclesia," an assembly of 'called out ones.'
God has called us into a vertical relationship with Him, and a horizontal relationship with other like-minded believers.
Key Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:12-20
What is the Purpose of the Church?
The purpose of CBF: "transforming men, women, and children into fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ"
The 'DNA' fo CBF is:
Expository Preaching
Youth Ministries
Local and World Missions
What Does the Church Believe?
The Statement of Faith of Community Bible Fellowship:
Who is 'In Charge' of the Church?
It isn't the pastor.
It isn't the people.
Jesus Christ is the head of the church. Ephesians 1:20-23
Elders are the under-shepherds of the church. Their qualifications and qualities are found in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9. they are to guide, protect, and nurture the church.
CBF is an Elder-led church. Deacons also serve our church family, following the example of Acts 6:1-7, having the qualifications of
1 Timothy 3:8-13. Their ministry answers the question: "what can I do to help?"
Why Should I Become a Member of a Local Church?
1 Corinthians 12:12 -- believers are interdependent upon one another. We are called to relationship.
John 13:34-35 --believers are called to love one another, as a testimony to the world at large. Love doesn't exist outside of commitment.
1 Corinthians 5:9-11 -- believers are to be accountable to one another. We grow in difficult times.
Hebrews 10:24-25 -- believers are to be an encouragement to one another. We need each other. Community groups are a key to this.
Hebrews 10:24-25 -- believers are commanded to make involvement in a local church a priority.
Membership in a local church is ultimately a commitment to God. It is a public pledge to be held accountable as a believer in Jesus.:
What are My Responsibilities as a Member?
Faithful attendance. Hebrews 10:24
Community group involvement. We need one another to do life together.
Support the local ministry:
Through prayer. Prayer is the engine that drives ministry Colossians 4:2
Through intentional, sacrificial giving, with joy. 1 Corinthians 9:7
Through personal involvement in ministry. Romans 12:1
Through the pursuit of Biblical unity. John 117:20-21
Commitment Agreement
Salvation - I testify that I have trusted in Jesus Christ as my personal Savior and acknowledge that my personal salvation is attained by faith alone in His finished work.
Doctrine - I testify that I have read the Statement of Faith of Community Bible Fellowship and am in fundamental agreement with it. I pledge to inform the Elders of any serious difference I have with it.
Relationships - I pledge that I will strive to support my fellow family members by regular participation in worship, fellowship, and service: in prayer, love, hospitality, admonition, and encouragement.
Spiritual Life - I pledge that, with God's help, I will faithfully maintain my walk with my Heavenly Father in personal and corporate worship, in the pursuit of holy living, in my witness to those outside the Body of Christ, and in submission to Church leadership.
Stewardship - I pledge to share my time, abilities, and financial resources in the Lord's work as my Heavenly Father has prospered me.
I have listened to all six "Membership Moment" lessons--either in actual attendance or by accessing the lessons online. Having read the Commitment agreement, and desiring to join the membership of the church family at Community Bible Fellowship, I submit this completed Letter of Commitment (see below for the link to the letter).