Membership

Those who meet at Abbey Chapel today are an independent group of Evangelical Christians who live in the area and meet together regularly for Worship, Prayer and Bible Study. 

Why become a Member?

Membership of a local church is not only a privilege but the responsibility of all Christian people. God wants us not only to believe but also to belong. As Christians, we are part of the Body of Christ — a member — (which is where the word membership originally came from). God wants us to grow in our Christian lives more and more like His wonderful Son, Jesus, but if we are detached from the body, we cannot be doing what God intended. We will lack sustenance. We will be unlikely to grow and more likely to shrivel. Drifting from one church to another also leads to detachment.

Paul wrote about the church as the family of God, and emphasis’s that Christians belong in God’s household with every other Christian (Eph.219).

 What are the benefits?

1.      Worship brings you closer to and helps you focus on the Lord God. It prepares you spiritually and emotionally for the times ahead.

2.      Fellowship with other Christians provides support, encouragement and friendship to help you face life’s problems.

3.      Discipleship strengthens your faith and helps you grow by learning the truth and relevance of God’s word and applying biblical principles to your life.

4.      Ministry helps you find and develop your talents and use them in serving others.

5.      Evangelism helps you to do what the Lord has commanded, in reaching your friends and family for Christ.

Who can become a Member?

All Christian people are members of the Universal Church but from the New Testament point of view, this is recognised through baptism and fellowship in a local church.

At Abbey Chapel, all are welcome to attend services while all who acknowledge Jesus Christ to be their Saviour and are seeking to follow Him as Lord, are welcome to participate in the Communion Service.

Attending is different from being a member.

To be received into fellowship:

New Christians are usually received following baptism by immersion as believers.

Christians from other areas may apply to join, normally on the recommendation of the leaders of the church from which they have come, though the Elders may feel it right to receive into membership Christians from other areas or churches without recommendation, following an informal interview.

How do I become a member?

Speak to any member of the Oversight group (Elders), who will arrange a discussion with you, (usually with two Elders) about membership. New members are required to attend a Membership Class where the values and responsibilities of membership are examined and a formal commitment undertaken. New members are then formally welcomed into membership at an appropriate Sunday morning service.